indn341 innovative mediums blog - luna a. madriz

INDN 341 INNOVATIVE MEDIUMS - Luna A Madriz

Project 2

Continuing my idea from the previous project, I want to pursue the concept of a plant producing pen.

What kind of technologies would be integrated in my design?

What kind of technologies have been used in similar designs?

What seemed most relevant for me to research was the extruding method for the ink, as well as for the 'blending' and making of the ink internally. I then started to make some sketches for what my prototype may actually look like.

I figured out that the best way i could see to make my prototype would be to use a DC motor and make my own blending mechanism, with a simple filtering system for this preliminary prototype. I went to JCAR and got some components, and then began making some sketches around these measurements.

I then thought that it would be important to make an attempt to make my own plant ink. To test out what would work best, and which kinds of plants were really going to work, as well as what kind of blending blades and filtering system it would need.

I found that when there was too much liquid and space in which the plants were being blended, the result was fairly poor and the ink was quite light. I also figured out that 'hard' leaves arent very good for this technique.

I then began to make some CAD shapes and experiment with what shapes would work best, according to my drawings.

Issues encountered - I found that there was an issue that needed to be resolved if i were to go forward with this project. The hole closing mechanism that i made was not entirely waterproof. It ended up being okay for the prototype, because once I blended the leaves up, they thickened the liquid enough so that it wouldn't immediately pour through. I also found that after initially testing the prototype, the blending stick was not long enough, and i proceeded by adding an extra blade.

TARGET AUDIENCE

In making this prototype, i think that this pen serves more as a watercolor like marker. For children and artists. I thought the kind of quality of the ink was quite beautiful and would be a unique artistic medium, more so than a functional everyday pen of sorts.

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PROJECT 1

Initial research examples - - - - -

Reference

https://www.yankodesign.com/2021/02/20/this-indoor-micro-algae-farm-mounts-to-any-wall-to-grow-the-superfood-right-at-home/

This first example design/product that i found interesting is an indoor micro-algae farm. I thought it was interesting because as a 'creative creator', the input is an organic product - algae - and the output is something that is both edible (and nutritious), as well as an interesting art installation. The different tones of greens in the separate algae cubes are indicative of their maturity.

I thought that this could be of some inspiration to my potential creative creator in that i could have an 'organic or natural' input, with some useful and creative output, using the nature.

Reference -

https://www.yankodesign.com/2021/02/14/this-innovative-skylight-uses-light-from-the-sun-to-purify-drinking-water/

This second example of an innovative design is a skylight which collects water and purifies it (making it potable) using the sun light. Made in Chile.

I was initially drawn to this design because it looks quite beautiful with the geometries and the ice/glass like shape and quality to it. It is really incredible how they have invented a design which is able to purify water in areas where there is need for it. As well, the fact that it is a skylight means it is also a light source in a house. This design also has salt powered battery lights so that it can be used as a light in the night.

I really like art, so i began to look into what innovative products are out there and came across this video of the most recent 3D printing pen. I like the idea of making my 'creative creator' a product which could be used for something artistic, but also making a seemingly mundane experience of a product (such as simple pen) and making it more interesting.

From here on, i decided to try and think about how i could take this innovation of a 3D pen and make something new and unprecedented.

I also wanted to somehow incorporate the algae product that i found , or something else where the 'input' is organic/natural.

I came across some interesting documentations of using plant parts to create your own ink. There are many variations of how one achieves this result, many being traditional practices, however the idea really intrigued me.

I then thought of the idea of somehow mixing the concept of the 3D pen, and this ink making process. The end result was an idea for a 'creative creator' in which the input is plant(leaves,flowers,small fruits) and the output is the beautiful ink.

(below are my references to the plant ink making videos i saw)