360 Products - Senior Degree Project - Two semesters to research and develop a product in any area of your interest. I decided to take the project one step further by creating a company that encompassed the idea of merging the culture of surfing / fashion with water safety.
Research - By the end of our first semester of research, we were to asked to compose a question/problem that we were responsible for answering by the end of our Degree Project in the form of a product.
- The Problem -
To provide surfers with tools to deal with injuries in the water by addressing the aesthetic culture of surfing.
Mood Board - Learning about the culture was imperative, there are two types of surfers, The Soul Surfer (live for the wave) and The Mainstream Surfer (makes a career out of surfing). Even though both are different they share a lack in taking preventative measures. This Mood Board helps me look into the culture of surfing by giving me a glimpse of the trend and styles and how I can integrate a product into these areas.
Company Name / Logo Design - Designing my Company name and logo before my product was a strategic move because now I had a design direction to influence and inspire my products look and potential functionality. After choosing 360, I found myself intrigued by the name. This is when I decided to create a family of products that would touch on the three points of Fashion, Practical & Life Saving while remaining true to the culture.
Surf Board Leash Cutter - While interviewing numerous surfer, I noticed there was a common thread when talking about the leash (the leash is attached to the board and your ankle - keeps board in close range when you fall). When surfing near a reef, coral, or anywhere with an underwater landscape can be dangerous due to the potential of the cord tripping up on the rocks. This product would be POP up near the register. This product would be trendy, fashionable and life saving.
(Similar to a letter opener)
The Cut Back
Extra Buoyant Wetsuit - I wanted to have a product that would aid the surfer if he was ever knocked unconscious or fatigued. I found a foam that when placed in specific areas on the body would add the right amount of buoyancy to bring the body to the surface. While looking at placement, I new these forms would need to be around the torso and on the shoulders to properly raise the body. When shaping these forms I drew inspiration from the water and formed them like gills, which also wont interrupt their movements.
The Life Buoy
The Air Can - Looking into big wave surfing, I found many occasions where surfers were held underwater due to the force of the wave and the multiple sets rolling in. Looking into storage for the air I came across CO2 canister. When filled with H2O it gives you 3 extra breaths. There would be a regulator attached to the top of the Air Canto maximize the small amount of air given. The Air Can is outfitted in a neoprene arm band for easy access to the mouth.
Graphics For Air Canister - Integrating this product into the surfing culture, I needed a gimmick or ploy to arouse them. Because the Air Can is a one-time-use product, I had the idea to make them trophies. The consumer would have the option to pick which Can they prefer and collect them as used. To take it one step further, I created a cap that could be screwed onto the can to create a fashionable and trendy key chain.
The Air Can
Two Page Magazine Spread - To tie my products together with their new Name & Logo, I created a two page magazine spread that features everything as a whole. In the end, I feel I accomplished my goal of creating fashionable, practical and life saving devices .
- C a n Y o u W e a r I t -
gLike
Senior Degree Project