INTRODUCTION
This was a self-driven project that I developed from initial idea through to final product and launch.
Inspired by native New Zealand bird species, I designed a range of multi-use metal artworks that function as coasters or trivets, and double as decorative pieces for tabletop or wall display.
Multi-use artworks
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
Species A selection of bird sketches were shown to friends and colleagues to decide the top three favorites.
Size Research into average size of coasters and trivets.
Colour Influenced by New Zealand. I decided to represent the ocean, beaches, glaciers and bush. This combination provided consumers with both bold and neutral colour options.
Material Initially made from mild steel, they had a nice weight them. Alloy ended up being chosen as it was cheaper to manufacture and doesn't stay hot when used as a trivet.
Details Cork backing which followed the contour of the bird was stamped with the brand name.
The centre of mass of each bird was calculated and a hanging hole was integrated into the design.
First sketch
The amount of detail meant the cut time was too high
Second sketch
Reduction in cut time but still had room for improvement
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CORK ADHERENT TESTING
Manufacturing Constrained to water-jet and small Co2 laser. Forms were optimised for manufacturing efficiency and minimal material waste.
Ways to minimise cut time:
- Number of pierces
- Length of cut path
-Soften corners/angles
- Cut multiple birds in one go - this led to the design of the 'trees'
To reduce cut time further, the birds were cut in clusters, called trees. Each tree consisted of 16 birds and fit across a 1200mm sheet.
My first attempt at cutting the 'trees'..
To prevent future crashes I had to reconsider the order in which the birds were cut.
PRODUCTION
Birds cut from sheet metal
1.
Taken to a local spray booth to be painted
3.
Cork backing is stamped with logo
5.
2.
Cleaned, inspected and hung to dry
Cork is laser cut and adhered to bird
4.
Packaged
6.
THE BIRD PRESS
To ensure precise alignment during assembly, I developed a custom jig inspired by a sandwich press, with interchangeable plates.
The base of the press has four screws which align the plates as they stack.
Felt is used as cushioning at the top and bottom of the stack, it gives the press more squeeze.
Plate 1: Cork backing
Plate 2: Spray-glue mask
- Similar to the cork mask but with a 1mm indent to account for the glue to spread out once pressed. It is removed once the glue has tacked off.
Plate 3: Metal bird
The press then compresses the two layers to form a clean bond.
PACKAGING
I gave myself constraints for the packaging, which led me to this design.
Goal: Package each bird using one sheet of card.
The size of the card was constrained to the size of the in-house laser cutter.
The Fusion model is parametrically built. This means that the packaging can easily be changed to fit multiple birds.
Through an iterative process I ended up with a design which meets my constraints and incorporates the silhouette of a bird.
Final product
BRANDING & E-COMMERCE
A full visual identity was created to support the product’s launch, including logo, type, and color palette.
I designed and built a dedicated website to sell the birds directly.
The site included product pages, lifestyle imagery, and a smooth purchasing experience.
