This blog post will aim to document the process I undertook to create a successful prototype in Design 100, Assignment 2/4:

Initial Ideas:

When initiating this project, I commenced my ideation process in order to identify a effective final solution to proceed with. This process allow me to understand what would be realistically possible in the given timeframe, and the limitations and advantages of using waste materials. 

Through the initial tutorial, I was able to identify objects and materials that produced a musical sound. I found that a glass bottle, when tapped with knitting needles, produced a bell like sound. As this particular bottle had a grooved base, I also found that it produced a sound similar to that of a guiro (percussion instrument). After realizing these findings, I identified that most waste products could produce a sound if manufactured effectively. I would carry these ideals into my initial prototyping.

Initial prototyping:

After the initial tutorial, I explored a range of different materials and sounds to define what would produce the most effective sound. As one of the limitations I identified in the tutorial was a limit to the sound modulation and  variety of pitch of the bottle and knitting needles, I decided to develop a prototype that would aim to solve these issues. 

With the materials on hand, I decided to take inspiration from guitars and string instruments in order to rectify the issues defined. My model created through this process is displayed below:

Identifying the design brief:

After completing this initial prototype, I decided my project lacked direction. To fix this, I identified a design inspiration for this project. As a saxophone player myself, I wanted to used my skills to better use. Therefore, instead of pursuing a strung or percussion instrument, I went more left-afield with the aim of producing a woodwind/blown instrument inspired by the saxophone. 

Identifying materials:

As this project is heavily dependent on what materials are found, it was important to identify what materials were available. Initially, I was limited to the materials brought into the studio by Adam, amongst others. This limited the scope of my project, with the result being the string instrument defined above. 

In order to produce a better developed final model, I would have to source waste materials. To do this, I identified the family recycling bin, as the large amount of waste we produce provide a wide range of materials and objects. I also sourced materials from my workplace, with defective products being handed over to myself to include in my modelling processes. Below are images of the waste materials I had at my disposal. (Note: The jacket was on of the defective products sourced from my workplace):

Trailing and testing for the wind instrument:

In order to develop an effective and developed solution, trialing and testing must be conducted. For this step, I developed various models to create and develop sound quality. Below are examples of the models I made for development:​​​​​​​

Learnings from the modelling process:

One of the main learnings I developed through the modelling/testing process was the need to create a ‘reed’. As I developed initial prototypes, I found that even when the object was well developed, with much consideration given to the resonance of sound, no sound would be produced. This frustrated me for much of the modelling process, and lead to the need for external help. As all woodwind instruments require a reed, a lack of awareness led me to forget this important element in the development of the initial prototypes. To rectify this issue, I watch an informative video which described how to create a reed from a straw. With this knowledge, I proceeded to implement a reed into my following designs. 

Another learning was the need for a method of sound modulation. After implementing reeds into my designs, I drilled holes into the straws. This allowed for sound modulation as lifting fingers off or pressing on the holes would create different notes. This allowed me to develop a score, knowing what notes were possible with the instrument.

Making the final model:

To make the final model, I had to identify specific waste materials I wanted to use.

Final Model:

How to video:
The videos below are promotional, describing how to effectively use the produce and produce sound. As the object is quite unusual, it is essential that users are informed how to use the product to ensure the best results.