Inspiration
A major source of inspiration was Murph, who led several classes and helped us along our industrial design journey. We started with some sketches to get ideas started, some concepts like 'pets in space' and 'pets in music'. A lot of these ideas were silly but they were a great introduction to brainstorming techniques used by professional industrial designers. We also made sketches to compare and improve each other's work. He has given a lot of helpful feedback on what to fix and what is good.
another inspiration was this hanging cat bed, I could not find the designer but it is sold here. The hanging style looks nice and the cat is secure and comfortable. Though I do think the cone shape would look a little awkward in the average home, and it hangs very low to the ground, which wouldn't help with the puppy problem. |
Process
The hanging planter bed needs a lot of components. The top of the planter needs to be firmly screwed into the ceiling to support the weight and the bottom is weighted to the floor to prevent the hanger from swinging too far. There are also stairs required for your cat to get into the bed. On the top platform the bed is hooked to the platform to further stabilize it so that your pet can get into the bed without it swinging away from them. The best part about this bed is that it has many customization options, such as macramé style, bed size, colors, stair type/ramp for better accessibility for older pets, etc. It could also be used for many other pets, animals that can climb like birds or sugar gliders will likely also enjoy this raised and comfortable spot to oversee the going ons of the home. All of this makes this product versatile and appealing to many audiences.
Critique
Similarities
- The style of hanging cat bed is fairly similar, since it is a specific idea. There is a cone-like shape visible in the structure of both of these products.
- Both have a circular spot for the cat to rest in comfortably, being designed as a bed for a cat.
-Both are made of a rather stretchy but strong material that safely hoists them above the ground.
Differences
-The design of my piece is much more open then the compared product, it allows you to better see the pet and prevents the product from looking like it takes up too much space or blocks out part of the room.
-The function of my piece included it being raised off of the ground, dissimilar to this other piece being close to the ground to allow the cat to more easily step into it.
-The style of both pieces is quite different, mine is a macramé rope hangar style while the comparison is more resembling a small tent.
- The style of hanging cat bed is fairly similar, since it is a specific idea. There is a cone-like shape visible in the structure of both of these products.
- Both have a circular spot for the cat to rest in comfortably, being designed as a bed for a cat.
-Both are made of a rather stretchy but strong material that safely hoists them above the ground.
Differences
-The design of my piece is much more open then the compared product, it allows you to better see the pet and prevents the product from looking like it takes up too much space or blocks out part of the room.
-The function of my piece included it being raised off of the ground, dissimilar to this other piece being close to the ground to allow the cat to more easily step into it.
-The style of both pieces is quite different, mine is a macramé rope hangar style while the comparison is more resembling a small tent.
Reflection
I'm fairly satisfied with the work I've done, working on this project has taught me new ways to brainstorm as well as how many factors there are to consider when designing a product for use. It was also very fun doing research on related pet products to see what did and didn't work for other people.
ACT Connection
1.) Clearly explain how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationships between your inspiration and its effect upon your artwork:
my product of inspiration combine an interesting concept with comfort and functionality which is what I wanted to emulate with my piece as well.
2.) What is the overall approach ( point of view ) the author ( from your research ) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Cats enjoy resting in places that are comfortable for them, and that's something that a product designer needs to always keep in mind.
3.) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
There is a much larger market then I had previously thought for pet products, there is so much possibility in designing products for pet's every need.
4.) What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
To find a comfortable solution to the kitty's eternal struggle of trying to escape the puppy who cares about this rivalry far less then the cat does.
5.) What kind of inferences ( conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning ) did you make while reading your research?
It's impossible to make a product that will appeal to every client, but even so it is important to make a product accessible and useable for a wide audience so that it can sell.
my product of inspiration combine an interesting concept with comfort and functionality which is what I wanted to emulate with my piece as well.
2.) What is the overall approach ( point of view ) the author ( from your research ) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
Cats enjoy resting in places that are comfortable for them, and that's something that a product designer needs to always keep in mind.
3.) What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration?
There is a much larger market then I had previously thought for pet products, there is so much possibility in designing products for pet's every need.
4.) What was the central idea or theme around your inspirational research?
To find a comfortable solution to the kitty's eternal struggle of trying to escape the puppy who cares about this rivalry far less then the cat does.
5.) What kind of inferences ( conclusions reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning ) did you make while reading your research?
It's impossible to make a product that will appeal to every client, but even so it is important to make a product accessible and useable for a wide audience so that it can sell.