Uri-Charge

My latest and final studio project - Uri-Charge is a portable power generator utilising the energy contained in ions of urine for the creation of efficient electricity.

Larry's Interview Tips

In our industry guess lecture today from Kevin Burrows we talked about all sorts of things related to what skills a designer should have and what makes a good product design. He also talked about interview techniques and how to deal with managers, and to know your information and a specific subject really well, asking questions to the interviewer to gain more confidence and respect.

It reminded me of a similar approach pioneered by a certain L David..It may not work for everyone as Leon his student demonstrates..

Try taking her for a spin..

An interior image of a Toyota Yaris, which i have modified and set-up for an either-side drive when my VCIS is installed. The section of the dash from the middle point downwards will be covered by the system and its facade, so the top half can be clear either side for maximum airbag area..and the potential installation and mounting of a display control unit..

Putting the P in Power

The 3rd and final studio design project i have chosen is a sustainable alternative energy generator. After a bit of exploration of the different type of energy source opportunities to tap into, ive decided to head down the golden path..

urine power is a recently developed fuel source, as scientists are developing fuel-cells which can generate hydrogen power by splitting a urine molecule, as it takes less energy than splitting a water molecule. The opportunity to apply this technology to vehicles would have massive benefits..

For this project i will be applying this technology on a small personal use scale, as a portable power generator..

Read More: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2009/07/15/2009-07-15_urine_power_hydrogen_produced_from_urea_could_be_used_to_power_cars_houses.html

VCIS

My 2009 Professional project is a vehicle control interface system, which basically replaces the current mechanical steering wheel system using steer-by-wire technology. Its aimed at catering for dexterity impairments and injuries of vehicle drivers which cannot use the current steering wheel safely and effectively.

All images Copyright James Boubouka 2009

Cardboard Furniture

For our next project the challenge for who and i is to design a 3 piece office furniture set which is made out of a special grade of corrugated cardboard. The area of innovation of which to focus on is the joining methods and the ability to use as many folds as possible starting from a flat packed sheet.

http://www.designboom.com/cardboard3.html

Hydra Float

My first project outcome, this is a kids nutrient water drink bottle that has a secondary function of a arm floatation device. Once the contents have been consumed, internally grooved foam sleeves are used to attach four empty bottles forming the float. The foam sleeves also act as a contoured fit for the childs arm.

All images Copyright James Boubouka 2009

Phrazes for the young

Probably my favourite youtube clip at the moment, and i guess its design related because i love the style of it and the music tingles the ol' tastebuds...

Its a preview to Julian Casablancas' upcoming solo album...

Brands

It was suggested that a brand is a persons gut feeling about a product, service or organization..

Understanding this, my interpretation of a successful brand is something that similarly feels right to you and that you feel suits your personality and characteristics, and you feel comfortable in trusting in and consuming depending on the product or service..

It may be styling that suits your current or desired style, or a reputation of quality and high performance that you feel suits your standards and needs at your level or the level you strive for..

Focus

Just briefly for my blog intro, as part of our first product design - professional attributes class i had bit of a go at reflecting on what attributes i plan to focus on and harness in developing and distinguishing myself as a professional..

I hope to establish myself as having a consistent analytical methodology and style in solving a problem, whether design and engineering related or otherwise..In developing a successful solution, i will focus on achieving the maximum level of attention to detail and considering all relative and driving factors of a design problem. A simple, crisp and uncluttered approach and a broad mindset in considering what the user requires will hopefully help achieve this...