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MATERIAL PROPERTIES AND DEVELOPING A DESIGN - IDEAS 3
V. Ryan © 2013-2018
 
PDF FILE - POSTER - DEVELOPING AN IDEA BASED ON A MATERIALS PROPERTIES
 
One way of developing an idea for a product, is to consider the properties of a material first. Select a material and list its physical properties. Then, select one of its properties and start designing.
 
  EXAMPLE - FLEXIPLY
By V.Ryan Thin plywood can be forced to form a curve, but eventually it will split. Also, normal plywood tends to resist bending. However, flexi ply is composed of layers of thin plies. This means that it will bend into various ‘curved’ shapes, quite easily.

The material fact card opposite, outlines the basic physical properties of flexi ply.

The ‘flexibility’ of flexi ply, allows a designer to develop an unusual product (see following design sheet).
   
 
   
By V.Ryan The sketch / drawing opposite, shows how layers of flexi ply can be formed into unusual shapes.
   
   
By V.Ryan Normally a jig is made first. This forms the ‘mould’ for desired shape.

Glue is applied to each layer of flexi ply. The various layers are held firmly in the jig, for twenty four hours, until the glue is dry.

When the flexi ply is removed, the layers are glued together, in the shape of the mould / jig.

Using this technique, several layers of thin flexi ply can be glued together, permanently, forming curved shapes / forms.
   
Flexi ply has been selected for this unusual MP3 Station. It has been designed with the physical property of ‘flexibility’, as the starting point. The flexibility of the material has driven / determined the development of the design.

Just as an Art Movement can be the starting point of a design, a material’s properties or a single property can also be a starting point (see following design sheet, MP3 player - idea 3 - sheet 1)
 
 
 
HOW THE IDEAS / DEVELOPMENT SHEET SHOULD LOOK
 
 
 
 
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