TRADE PROJECT - UPCYCLING PRODUCT DESIGN

VBV 2401 design & sustainability ca part 3

RESEACH:

BELTS MADE FROM OLD TIRES 

This idea came from a company called FELVARROM. I think this idea is really innovative and suits my upcoming project, because of the colours and format. 

MATERIALS- Rubber

-Abrasion resistance -Tear resistance 

-Resilient -Tough 

U.S.E.D SEATBELT BAGS

This company working with Automotive Recyclers of Canada to extract the seatbelt from cars before being shredded. Every bag and product is one of a kind because because every seatbelt has their unique features and experience.

MATERIALS - Nylon

-Sunlight resistance -Chemicals Resistance 

-High Strength Tenacity 

FOOTSTOOL MADE WITH WOODEN PALLET

This design upcycled a wooden pallet and Transporting Nylon Belt into a footstool. I find the material selection interesting because both of them are tools used in the transportation industry.

 This idea made me think the origin of materials could be a feature of good design, because the materials contain the same memories as they are from the same industry. 

STOOL MADE FROM OLD MAGAZINE AND BELT

This design Upcycled two types of used product: old magazine and leather belt. 

The usage of paper, leather and fabric is really complex, which made this work look outstanding and feel nice while you sit on it. 

I like the idea of using the belt to attach the layers of magazine together, which does not involves new materials like: glue or tape. Plus the user can adjust the hight of it by removing or adding layers of magazines.

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MY PLAN 

I kept a Polyurethane Foam from my old sofa-bed, which had been used for more than 10 years. I love this sofa a lot, because it contains many good memories and treasurable moment. 

In this project I want to Upcycyle this sofa into a sitting cushion that can fit every chair, makes everywhere feel like home. 

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MATERIALS:

MEMORY FOAM 

Much denser than Polyurethane Foam, able to convert to the shape and curves of your body in a unique way, which significantly reduces pressure points. 

POLYURETHANE FOAM 

Considered non-toxic. One of the more economical choices, but these foam does not provide as much support as Latex. 

HOOK AND LOOP FASTENER FROM CIMT

ADVANTAGES

Effortless to use, maintenance free. Only a minimal decline in effectiveness even after many fastenings and unfastening. 

DISADVANTAGES 

It tends to accumulate hair, dust and fur in its hooks after a few months of regular use. The loops can become elongated after extended use. It will smell if not washed. 

COTTEN FABRIC FROM CIMT

ADVANTAGES

The fibres in cotton are usually less abrasive,  more breathable and natural fibres lets skin breathe. Environmentally friendly, it is biodegradable.

DISADVANTAGES 

It is really easy to be wrinkled and loose shape. When exposed to sunlight and over a period time it will fade in colour.

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SKETCHES

This shape can fit any kind of chair, because the shape is adjustable. 

More simple in shape, so it can be fitted on a bench or be placed anywhere, even on the floor

Fun shape, but only fit for stool, also the process of making this shape will create many waste, due to its round shape. 

Lastly, I choose this shape for my finale work. At first I said: I want to Upcycyle this sofa into a sitting cushion that can be fitted onto every chair, makes everywhere feel like home. Also, the process of making this will create minimum waste, because this shape is straight-forward.

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DEVELOPMENT

The original size of the foam is too big for my design, I have to cut out 20% of it. At first, I used a hand saw, trying to follow the marking I drew. As shown in the picture it is not able to have a clean cut, which may cause an “unfinished” look for my work. 

After a few experiments, I discovered kitchen scissors is the best tool for cutting foam. Especially for this type of material, which is somewhere between firm and soft. The kitchen scissors helped creating a clean look.

I thought The patten I designed is quite simple, but during the sewing process I found the fastener is difficult to work with. Finally I use a sewing machine to do it. 

Due to the different stretchiness of the fabrics, I asked my Grandma to teach me to use the sewing machine for a consistent appearance . 

In the process, I learnt how to plan the sewing steps before I actually start, which is a life-long skills I need. 

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FINALE

Dark Blue/

For Upper Back. More Stretchy to Fit More curved Shape. 

Navy Blue/

For Seat, Non-stain Texture. More Breathable for Long -time Use. 

Sky Blue/ 

Most Stretchy, Non-wrinkle Texture. For the back of the cushion.

Take It Everywhere/

I also designed a handle strap for this cushion. You can bring it everywhere by by simply wrapping it up, and you’re ready to go! It is only made with Hooks and Loops Fastener 

Washable/

Removable cover. Can be washed after long-term use, clean as New.

Easy To Use /

Six fasteners placed on a calculated place which can fit almost every chair, bench and even sofa. Simply fasten and adjust, make everywhere feels like home again. 

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Reflection

I really enjoyed the process of Upcycling old, unwanted and used materials into a new product.

When I gather different materials in front of me and try to think out of the box , The key is to research and experiment more, Try to observe the usage, look into the tiniest details of the materials and you will find it is not hard to think more. 

About the product I made, I am satisfied with the outcome of it, I always said to myself : don’t be “picky” because it has already become something else, and no longer a piece of trash. But for the design itself, I think I should use more vibrate colour fasteners, other than having the blue colour scheme so I can develop more combination.

THANKYOU