SYS+M was a project conceived from the values of modularity, physical and emotional durability to create an heirloom handle, disposable and interchangeable components. Through this project, we tackled issues of sustainability by “fostering emotional connections with the [object], upgradeability, the reuse of components and by minimizing the quantity of materials [being used]” (White, St. Pierre & Belletire, 2013, p. 4), as outlined in the book, Okala Practitioner: Integrating Ecological Design. The decision to use a bronze composite handle would celebrate overtime use and tear through patina, thus, helping create a deeper relationship between the object and the user. It was also important for us to focus on designing affordances that created tactile interactions and enabled users to engage with Sys+m in personal ways. Furthermore, a holistic approach in how each individual parts seamlessly joined together, was also essential to create a well-crafted design that would be “sincerely produced for use by the common person [and the] aesthetic result of wholeheartedly fulfilling utilitarian needs” (Yanagi, 2018, p. 7).

All of the parts were modelled in SolidWorks. The prototype was created with mixed media including a bronze and polylactic acid composite (sanded and burnished), black polylactic acid material (sanded and coated with a satin finish) and individual nylon bristles.

This project was conceptualized and designed with Shraeyas Massey.

Featured on Student Design’s Instagram page ︎︎︎

Dimensions

19 cm x 1.5 cm

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