Design Portfolio
Eye Q Automatic Toaster
Using patented alghorithms and light-based sensor technology to detect the colour change of bread this toaster promises to never burn toast again.
It is designed to deliver perfectly cooked toast every time through the seamless integration of the sensor, an intuitive interface and custom chassis construction.
430265
Setting the foundation
The project strategy and design ideas were creatively conceptualised through analogue and digital sketching.
Interface Prototyping
Quick iterative designs based on colour/shade selection and getting the right level of brownness each time. After testing these concepts on users we discovered this approach does not suit different bread types.
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Detailed interface iterations that can be printed off 1:1, attached to a toaster housing and tested. Concepts aimed to reflect the hi-tech product while remaining easy-to-use.
3D Prototyping and Design Refinement
Using easy to shape foam to create lo-fi sketch models the form was refined. Physical models help illustrate scale before diving into CAD and diverse interface components can be attached as needed.
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​Designed and assembled interchangeable block appearance models with realistic finishes allow people to better visualise the design. Made using 3D printed and machined parts painted to represent the final material selection. The models were used for desirability testing against competitors and presented to stakeholders for alignment.
Detail Design
Proficient at surface modelling, detail design and modification of dumb solid models received from external suppliers.
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The motor lift microswitch actuated before the bread carriage and motor arm are in the lower position. The actuation point was moved further from the motors rotational point to reduce the travel during actuation, thus increasing the accuracy of the bread carriage position.
Testing
Benchmarking performance against competitors helped create a baseline to which our performance needed to exceed in terms of time, evenness and consistency. Qualitative research was conducted including A/B user interface testing, field trials and focus groups.
Manufacturing and Assembly
Strengthened relationships with external suppliers over 3 years through mutual respect, understanding of their business needs and continual lines of communication. During development of one project, visited a major Chinese appliance manufacturer over five visits of 10 14 days in length with the outcome of reviewing off tool parts, training assembly line operators and improving overall production quality.
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Optimised assembly line operations through designing to lean manufacturing principles including poka yoke (mistake proofing) and keeping set assembly steps to 7 seconds where possible.
Final Design
Strengthened relationships with external suppliers over 3 years through mutual respect, understanding of their business needs and continual lines of communication. During development of one project, visited a major Chinese appliance manufacturer over five visits of 10-14 days in length with the outcome of reviewing off tool parts, training assembly line operators and improving overall production quality.
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Optimised assembly line operations through designing to lean manufacturing principles including poka yoke (mistake proofing) and keeping set assembly steps to 7 seconds where possible.
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