Refined Sketch
Function Description
The “Hydro-Booster” is a piece of equipment that acts as a fire extinguisher by spraying out water one of two ways. I imagined it to be used by firefighters and campers to prevent larger fires and forest fires but also everyday emergencies with smaller fires. It’s quick and easy to slide on in these emergencies and just as easy to control with finger and hand movements. The wristband and arm pieces absorb water molecules from the air to give you a continuous flow of water supply. The arm piece also acts as armor, designed to be heat resistant and indestructible. When putting out a fire, the water can be aimed from the top of the hand piece for a heavier and longer flow or from the palm when encountering smaller flames and you need to be more direct with the flow. The wire that I wrapped in blue tape functions as tubing and another place to store water but was mostly included for visual purposes and is meant to describe the movement and flow of the water. These different pieces come together to form a strong yet lightweight piece of equipment meant to produce water to fight small or large fires.
Aesthetic Description & Justifications
The wire, functioning as tubing, was also added as an organic form to contrast from the geometric shaped arm piece. The wire is blue to tie into the water themed power. I painted the arm and hand piece all one color, a silver metallic shade, to give it a mechanical feel so it stands out in a natural environment and looks like equipment. I used the cardboard corrugation to my advantage and kept it seen in multiple places because I felt like the curves in it added to a softer wave feel compared to the form’s harsh lines. The arm piece is also supposed to feel like armor which is why I felt like these harsh lines were appropriate. It feels strong when you put it on and fits snug, making you feel invincible against the flames and heat. You control it by touch and hand movements because it becomes a part of your body and you don’t have to press any buttons or strap anything on to use it quickly and efficiently. You’ll only hear the rush of water as it projects out of the piece of equipment as well as feel this burst of energy coming out of the front of it. To visually show this movement, I created segments on the arm and hand pieces that vary in layers and space between them to try to show a forward motion and graphic. To fit with this motion, the blue taped wire also gives the whole piece more fluidity.
Research & In-Process Sketches
I was inspired by the Marvel infinity gauntlet because of its strength and being a solid mass that looks powerful. I was also inspired by different pieces of jewelry that serve multiple purposes rather than just being a visual "pretty" thing to wear. I liked the sharpness to these designs with a contrast of delicacy of sitting on/being held onto by only a finger. I decided to create something that sits on your hand/arm early on in the project.
In this previous sketch, I was thinking about a model that is smaller and only sits on your hand and wrist. I kept the idea of layers and the equipment producing water but added on an arm piece in my final prototype to give it more weight and strength.
