CMF reflective essay
ZIXIN LENG 22014399
The second unit centered on collaboration. Prior to the commencement of the project, I
believed that working together fostered the emergence of creativity since students from
various backgrounds and experiences might contribute unique cultures and ideas.
However, during the course, we discovered that collaborative initiatives can encounter
communication difficulties, resulting in misunderstandings and inefficiency. Individual
differences and contradictions in aims can sometimes cause friction and undermine
teamwork. While these issues exist, resolving them allows us to improve the degree of
collaboration and make collaborative projects more successful and productive.
In this unit, we created four different designs. Lamps, musical instruments, bicycles, and
a redesign for a dollar-store item. In these projects, we focused on studying the colors
of product materials, exploring how to cleverly use different color combinations and
textures to enhance the visual appeal and functionality of the products. Through in-
depth research, we not only gained an understanding of the importance of color in
product design but also learned how to integrate creativity into material selection.
The light design was our first group project, and it was turned utilizing the rotate
method. We started by researching user groups, when, where, and how they would be
used. Then we had to develop others' research. In the end, our group created a
lightweight lamp with light control. I was in charge of creating the final model, and I
believe it is quite well developed. This assignment taught me the value of the five WH,
which helped me speed up my sketch modeling.
Punk music is infused with raw energy, emphasizing simple yet cacophonous string
sounds and harsh drumbeats. The lyrics are direct and rebellious, addressing societal
discontent and individual expression. It embodies a DIY spirit, featuring elements such
as fast and uncomplicated chord progressions, gritty playing, and a defiance of
traditional musical norms. I intentionally drew inspiration from the traditional Chinese
instrument, the guzheng, creating a deliberate contrast to produce liberating music.
During the instrument-making process, I utilized glued wood, carving it into a hollow
shape to enhance sound dispersion. Metal wires were employed as strings to impart an
electronic feel. Despite the brief timeline, I find this project the most intriguing,
providing insights into the diverse nature of products beyond the realms of everyday
items and furniture.
For the bike product design, we first created a helmet based on the needs of other
groups. But I believe it is difficult to innovate on the helmet; we can only improve its
protection and lightness. However, we do not currently have the capacity to implement
and mold the product, thus many of the materials are inaccessible to us. However, I
understand the importance of materials for the product and have conducted extensive
research. Helmets are often made of highly impact-resistant materials like
polycarbonate or polystyrene. These materials absorb and distribute shocks to provide
maximum safety; it is important to consider how we use them. Finally, we create a
garment that allows the cyclist to keep proper posture while riding, reducing strain. At
the same time, it should provide safety when riding in the dark, therefore I researched
the color brightness again. Colors can be used to emphasize vital information or
functions; for example, whereas white is commonly thought to be the most visible color
in the dark, green is actually more apparent in low-light settings.
The final project was a redesign of a dollar store item. Our group selected the icing tool.
After doing firsthand investigation, we determined that the material (which was not
environmentally friendly) was difficult to clean and prone to wear and tear. While using
the same material, we can utilize ecologically friendly plastics such as PLA (degradable),
PE, PP (recyclable), and, of course, bio-based and recycled plastics; nevertheless, these
two types of plastics are also very pricey. At the same time, I design my items to be
simple yet durable. I believe that decreasing the use of materials is also a form of
environmental conservation.
Throughout this unit, I got additional design experience and teamwork abilities.
Through these initiatives, I've learnt that design is more than just invention; it's also
about practicality and environmental issues. At the same time, I recognize that there is
still opportunity for me to develop my language skills, and I intend to work hard to
overcome this deficiency and offer more to our team.
