MattKloepper

During this 2-week project, I chose to tackle the problems caused by conventional, over-the-neck camera straps. The goals of this project were to reposition the weight of the camera off the neck, as well as keep the camera from swinging or bounching around, whether the user is walking, backpacking, or riding a bicycle.

Camera Sling System

The Problem

Conventional camera straps go around the back of the user’s neck. This makes the weight of the camera cause discomfort, muscle fatigue, and to quite literally become a pain in the neck. If the camera’s weight can be moved to a stronger area, the user’s comfort could greatly improve.

Over-the-neck straps are bothersome when the user is in motion. Simply walking results in a heavy, valuable camera bouncing against the user with each step. Trying to ride a bike with these straps results in the riders’ knees striking the camera or lens, which is clearly unacceptable. If a system could be developed that holds the camera securely in place, the user would be free to be as mobile as they would like to be.

The Solution

My solution includes two parts - a sling-style strap and a clip that screws into the camera’s tripod mount.

1 - Screw clip onto camera

2 - Buckle the sling 3 - Choose a loop 4 - Push down to clip 5 - Pull up and shoot

With my design, the camera hangs at the user’s side - and stays there. Even with a backpack on, my solution is fully functional. Since the design features multiple loops, the user can chooes from different points along the sling. This allows for a bike rider to clip the camera near their back, keeping the camera safely away from moving knees. The camera stays were you put it, and is always available when you need it.

The Solution

Because camera straps shouldn’t be a pain in the neck.

Sponsored by SkyDesign of Atlanta, this twelve-week project was team-based and a collaboration with graphic design students. Our task was to develop an entire Minor League Baseball team in an appropriate city, including everything from uniforms, to merchandise, to stadium signage. Team members were myself, Jonathon Dunn (graphic), Pearson Cunningham (industrial), and Taylor Evans (graphic).

Logo Development

Minor League Baseball

In a team of two graphic designers and two industrial designers, we were given the task of developing a new Minor League Baseball team from scratch. From the city of Elgin, Illinois, which is steeped in watch-making history, we developed the entire brand of the team we call the Elgin Tickers.

Possible Mascots:-Minutemen-Winders-Tickers-Timers-Clockers-Sundials-Tick-Tocks-Second Handers-Dialers-Crystals-Crowns-Watchmen-Gearmen-Timekeepers-Fathertime

Developing the Brand

Scoreboard and Screenboard

In order to develop a full set of signage for the stadium, I created a sign location plan (SLP) on top of architectural drawings. This plan shows the location, type, and quantity of every single sign to be installed.

Special attention was paid to make sure sign designs were ADA-compliant while still fitting the Tickers theme.

Stadium Signage

The signs outside each suite needed to accomodate a different guest name each game, so the final design features a sliding section into which a printed name card can be inserted. This keeps operating costs minimal while giving the

guests a personalized experience.

Signage

painted acrylic

painted acrylic

clear acrylic

painted acrylic

Dugouts received team graphics and each stadium gate was given a unique “O’Clock” name to continue the clock theme.

Stadium Features

Problems with current products:-water level must be kept in check constantly-proprietary seed pods results in limited selection of plants-proprietary bulbs and seed pods are expensive

My solutions:-floating grow deck keeps water level the same relative to plants’ roots-seeds are placed in rockwool, so users can grow any seed-off-the-shelf seeds and CFL bulbs keep users’ costs down are

Final Deliverables

Horace Small, a uniform brand within the Vanity Fair Corporation, sponsored a semester-long project to develop innovative features for police uniforms they could bring to market as soon as possible. Horace Small needed outside-the-box thinking to reclaim market share, but all solutions had to be feasible as well as appropriate for law enforcement officers.

Police Uniform

The Research

On-duty officers were not keen on having their pictures taken.

While this limited our research’s visual impact, it did not lessen the importance, quality, or quantity of research our studio was able to obtain.

Research topics were assigned by teams, and I was responsible for field research. In just one week, our group of six spent a total of over 40 hours riding along with officers.

7 ride-alongs

9 officers

40 hours (not including interviews)

Research Take-Aways

Duty belts are essential, but block access to pants pockets

Officers routinely requested more pockets

Chiefs wanted to keep professional appearance

Uniforms needed increased functionality, without being overly intimidating

Initial Sketch - Flashlight Epaulet

During our initial feature presentation, I proposed an epaulet designed to hold a flashlight so officers can use both hands. The VF ImageWear team saw potential and encouraged further exploration.

“Matt, this is pure brilliance! Clever use of adapting existing uniform from pure observation of the end user. Dead On! Great Job!” -Shannon North, Senior Merchandise Manager, VF ImageWear

Continued Concepts - Low-Profile Performance

Lycra strip allowsuniform to stretch

strip stays hidden under navy flap

zippered Napolean pocket hidden behind inset center pleat

pants pockets are accessibleeven while seated

hidden Napolean pocket ismesh for breathability and comfort

Continued Concepts - Interchangeable Velcro

virtually unlimited pocket configurations and styles

angled pouches on backprovide places to quickly

store strips/pockets

6 pairs of velcro strips allow for unrivaled customization of uniform

officers can choose as much oras little reflectivity as desired

Problem: Officers face ever-changing scenarios,yet their uniforms cannot change

While the client liked many of the features in the re-designs and said “there is something intriguing about” the interchangeable velcro concept, they clearly had some reservations about such a dramatic change and were “not sure how it could be commercialized just yet”. -Shannon North, Senior Merchandise Manager, VF ImageWear

Realizing the client wanted features that could be quickly added to their existing products, I focused my efforts on developing production-ready features that could be marketed as being brand-exclusive.

After examining alternate ways of constructing epaulets and pockets, I began sewing the physical model to represent my final features.

Developing Final Features

Final Feature - Tactical Epaulet

The addition of elastic strips under the epaulets allow for hands-free flashlight use while writing citations at night.

This feature slightly lifts the epaulet, adding to the officer’s command presence.

From our first army uniform to our decades of serving law enforcement, we have been dedicated to making

top-quality uniforms since 1937

www.HoraceSmall.com © 2012 VF Imagewear 800.733.5271

Introducing the Tactical Epaulet™, exclusive to Horace Small. Now your uniform can hold your flashlight, allowing you to keep both hands free for

whatever the job demands. The all-new Tactical Epaulet™ - exclusive to Horace Small.

Final Feature - Welted Thigh Pockets

Problem: Traditional pants pockets are unusable due to equipment on duty beltSolution: Adding lower, mid-thigh pockets that remain usable at all times, even while driving

Problem: Cargo pockets are bulky and can look militaristicSolution: Internally-suspended welted pockets keep a clean, professional appearance

Problem: Holding a flashlight can become cumbersome during traffic stopsSolution: Modifying existing epaulet to hold flashlights, creating a brand-exclusive feature

The goal of this semester-long project was to develop a way to grow produce indoors. The AeroGarden is the leader in this market, so my design focused on improving the shortcomings of this popular kitchen product.

Logo Development

GrowZone

Given the task of designing an improved way to grow produce inside, I explored various form factors while researching the science behind making the most of every plant. From the wavelength of the light to the pH of the water, I took a comprehensive approach to researching the topic of indoor agriculture.

Exploring Form Factors

Massing Models

Sequence of Use

Assembly Details

Problems with current products:-water level must be kept in check constantly-proprietary seed pods results in limited selection of plants-proprietary bulbs and seed pods are expensive

My solutions:-floating grow deck keeps water level the same relative to plants’ roots-seeds are placed in rockwool, so users can grow any seed-off-the-shelf seeds and CFL bulbs keep users’ costs down are

Final Solutions

This sponsored studio was mentored and critiqued by product managers of DeWalt tool company and funded by the Alabama Construction Initiative. The focus was to decrease occupational hazards while simultaneously increasing the productivity of the workers. The main design skills I learned from this studio were the how to obtain quality research and the importance of ergonomics-centered design.

Drywall Mudpan

Field Research

E T H N O G R A P H Y

The study of a user in their natural environment in order to obtain a deeper understanding of their situation

I visited construction sites to interview drywall finishers about their working conditions and directly observe their actions.

Workers hold mudpans for hours at a timeDrywall mudpans can easily weigh several pounds. Current designs put stress on wrists and fingers.

I tried drywall finishing and learned mudpan balance was crucial.Discussions with construction foremen uncovered concerns about user efficiency, cost, and durability.

An interchangeable set of prototypes was developed, allowing users to combine whichever components they liked best.

Multiple pan shapes and sizes were created and attach to various handle designs via hook-and-loop fastening.

Prototype changes could be made on the fly, greatly improving the variety of prototypes users were willing to try. By asking the users to choose their ideal combination, the users became involved in the design and were excited to give their suggestions.

Interchangeable Prototypes

Professional drywall finishers tested the prototypes and provided valuable feedback that directly affected the final design.

Prototype Testing

Final Design - CAD Model

Rubberized grip

Forearm support Standing design

Arm brace

Final Design - Physical Model

Obtained U.S. Provisional Patent

Unique pan shape is easier to scrape (use) and clean

Grip keeps user’s wrist in a neutral,ergonomic angle, reducing injuries

Standing design makes it easy to set down or pick up, even with only one hand

Formally presented to 75 people, including executives from DeWalt and potential investors.

Thank You

Matt Kloepper334 444 0428

kloepper@gmail.com2608 Orchard Circle

Auburn, AL