Digital Fabrication
A speculative design project that reimagines a Dieter Rams classic
Abstract
The purpose of the module was to understand how digital and 3D models of objects can be translated into rapid prototypes. We spent a large part of the subject learning Autodesk's Fusion 360, and also learnt various methods of rapid prototyping. The brief for the final project for this module was to pick an iconic product that was designed and manufactured before the year 2000, and to reimagine it by adding a modern bit of technology to it to aid the users of today. We were also supposed to come up with a detailed 3D model of our design, and create many iterations of the prototype using the help of a 3D printer, a CNC machine, and a laser cutter.
Design
The prototype I decided to make was based on the Phonosuper sk4 which was designed by Dieter Rams and Hans Gugelot for Braun in the year 1956. It was a vinyl record player and a radio combined. I decided to mix the classic design of the Phonosuper with the modern functionality of SoundCloud, which is basically the modern interpretation of a vinyl record player. This fusion of old and new is called Phonosuper RH08.
I started by closely studying the iconic and timeless product. I decided to eliminate the part of the radio and incorporate a smart phone into the product instead. The screen of the smart phone would replace the vinyl record player. I tweaked the dimensions in order to match the proportion of the smart phone. I then 3d modelled the design using Fusion 360. The construction of the product was done using various machine processes. The main body and side panels were laser cut and assembled together using interlocking joints. The buttons were made entirely in one piece using the 3d printer. I spent a fair bit of time getting the design of the button right by trial and error. All the various components and parts were then assembled together.
Interaction
There are 2 main interaction points – the screen, and the buttons. The surface of the screen can be used to fast forward and rewind, by swiping and dragging left or right. There are three buttons to the right of the screen – next, play / pause, and previous. The user can use these buttons in order to change to the next song, play or pause the current song, or go to the previous song.
