UV Protection Project (DNB301 Research Project)​​​​​​​

The project was to research a specific context and develop 3 wearable items that would alert the user that they have had too much sun. I chose Australian Skateboarding as my context as it is primarily an outdoor activity that is heavily based around fashion and style. The skate style also drives a lot of fashion trends outside of the skate scene so it will be very interesting to explore how and why. The major research components explored were trend analysis, conext research and material research. 

To gather this information I conducted surveys, used observational data, social media trends and read through various articles. 

I did not go too indepth with the sun protection research and statistics as Levi (The project co-ordinater) has already done so much of that research and he wanted us to explore the user context and usability more. I gathered a small amount of sun protection information so I could scope the general information for when I develop my products.

After researching some basic sun protection research I looked for fashion companies that are already working with UV materials or colour changing material pieces.

It was very interesting to see the Rip N Dip colour changing shoes recieved very negative feedback from their consumers. This negativity was primarily driven by lack of information passed on by Rip N Dip.

I then researched popular skate brands and looked at the types of clothing items they are releasing. 

I then conducted some interviews with Sunshine Coast skateboarders and Brisbane skateboarders, I chose to interview both as they have very different dress styles due to their location.

I then began to design a few pieces for the collection using the research and feedback I had gathered.

I then used Sketchbook to digitaly draw up the final concepts for the collection

I then made a story board of a Brisbane skateboarder wearing the whole collection and how they use them. 

If i were to continue working on this project I was planning on:

- Exploring where or how they technology could be implemented into the skate community. For example collaborating with local skateshops and using this UV material in shop branded apparel.

- Manufacturing process and logistics

- Refining usability and the resetting process

This is the final UV Skate Collection. It consists of a colour changing hat, polo shirt and a shoe lace clip.

As a designer I believe that I am a very curiosity based designer, I enjoy exploring how people interact with objects and situations, seeing how they overcome their issues and finding common trends in these actions.  I am currently studying Industrial Design and minoring in interaction design. In recent projects I have been incorporating a lot of usability and functionality from interaction design and have been noticing that a lot of my tutors have been loving the detail in usability. I think usability and sustainability drives majority of my designs as I want to be able to design products that are going to last for a long time, may that be due to how great they are to use or through material selection.

I have been designing and solving problems my whole life, my parents always told me that I had great patients when it comes to making something I am interested in. Growing up I was addicted to Lego and puzzles. I think the endless possibilities of Lego got me excited and then the problem solving and seeing my progress in a puzzle was so satisfying. Even though I am not playing with Lego anymore the interest in creating and making things is still there.  

I’ve also recently taken a huge interest in sustainability and re-usability, a lot of companies that I love through skateboarding have been on the sustainability path and I would love to be a part of that. Companies such as Adidas and Nike have been doing fantastic things with sustainable footwear and their recycling material aspects and companies such as Ace trucks and Enjoi skateboards have recently released new products that come in compostable plastic bags. These companies inspire me to design products that are positively impacting the users and the world we are living on. I have been working at Vans for the past year and I have noticed that there is so much room for improvement in the sustainability aspect. My goal is to use my skill set to be able to design sustainable products and systems for Vans to improve their eco footprint. Vans has recently announced their sustainability goals but no hard plan on what they are doing to achieve these goals. I would love to be a part of that change.

Some other skills I have acquired through skateboarding and work have been socialising and networking. I have been working in retail for the past year and have noticed a huge improvement in socialising, engaging conversation and confidence talking in groups. This new skillset has made my creative work better as I am engaging in group work more now, sharing my ideas and being able to present my ideas better. I have noticed that half of design work is communication especially when it comes to working with a group or partner. Keeping someone up to date with your progress helps others know that you are working hard you get more feedback consistently.