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Professional Profile // Leadership // Publications // Training // Outputs // CoLab Site // Send an Email // ................................................................................................................................ |
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// Ericsson Chatboard // 1999 (Above) Product Designers have the expertise and an ability to combine design, engineering and technology to create solutions that enable a better quality of life for users. I was a member of the design team for the Ericsson Chatboard (1999) which enabled seamless touch-type communication through iconography and colour coding. |
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// Rentokil Initial Sanitary Bin // 2013 (Above) Working with a team of engineers and designers, I develop the Bio-unit sanitary bin for Rentokil Initial which has a highly compact vertical form factor that could be wall mounted or freestanding. The bin has a unique feature with hinges located at the corner and the sloping lid ensured that the weight and centre of gravity of the cover will ensure that the lid will always be firmly closed. The Bio-unit was highly successful as it achieved a good balance of engineering and aesthetics. |
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// Mat-Kit 3D Printing Filaments // University
Knowledge Exchange Programme with L'Earth Ltd., 2014
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// Digital Reconstruction of a Tramcar // with Joel Mann, Lee Clark & Efstratios Aligizakis for the Leicester Heritage Transport Trust, 2014. (Above) This tram was built in 1904 by Dick Kerr and Co. of Preston. The top deck was originally open, leaving passengers to face bad weather. Top deck covers were later added to all open top trams in Leicester between 1913 and the 1920s. Further changes were made in the 1930s when the tram was fully enclosed to modernise. The stairs were reversed, which blocked the driver’s vision of traffic over his left shoulder. One of the steps was made with holes to allow the driver to get a better view. To prevent the conductor from using this feature to view ladies’ ankles which was a serious offence, a ‘decency flap’ was provided to cover the holes when not in use. Leicester 76 was withdrawn from service in 1947 and now resides in the National Tramway Museum in Crich, Derbyshire. Due to the historical links with this tram and the city of Leicester, the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust wanted to produce a digital blueprint. I was commissioned by them to lead 3 researchers to digitally rebuild the entire tram and the 24 month project was completed in December 2014. A 3D printed 1:22.5 scaled model has been produced and is undergoing assembly stages. Principle Investigator: E. Pei |
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// Direct Deposition of Polymers onto Textiles // with Professor Jim Shen & Jennifer Watling, 2014 (Above) Achieving polymer deposition on textiles
requires an understanding of material properties, adhesion,
compatibility and deposition techniques. As the Principal Investigator,
I had control over the research budget and expertise of material
scientists and polymer experts. Working closely with experts and a
postgraduate student, we systematically conducted numerous trials and
recorded the results that has now been accepted for a journal paper.
This experiment contributed to new knowledge and extended our
understanding on how polymers could be directly printed onto fabrics
using 3D printers. The findings support future work on wearable
electronics and the production of customised medical products such as
orthopaedic braces. The experiments show that PLA, Nylon and ABS adhered
very well when printed onto Polywool, Cotton and Soy-based fabrics.
Functional parts such as fasteners and articulated features were
designed and printed onto the fabrics, paving way for functional use. |
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// Surface Finishing Techniques for Additive Manufactured Parts // with Kobus Van Der Walt, Joseph Nsengimana and Maruf Miah 2014 (Above) This research was to investigate the use of mechanical and chemical finishing methods for Alumide, Nylon and ABS parts produced from Laser Sintering and Fused Deposition Modelling. The sides of the test pieces were designed with different planar surfaces that demonstrate the stair-step effect with different build angles; truncated conical features to investigate whether smaller details will deflect or break during CNC machining; protruding prismatic features to examine the result of tumbling; and blind holes to determine whether processes such as spray painting will fill cavities. The pieces were post processed through tumbling, shot peening, hand finishing, CNC machining, spray painting and chemical treatment. A touch probe scanner quantitatively assessed the dimensional accuracy of the post processed parts and the results graphically represented for comparative studies. Principle Investigator: E. Pei
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// Sound Spheres // De Montfort University, 2013; with Dr L. Picinali & C. Feakes (Above) The Sound Sphere is a physical representation of recorded sound. The surface is covered in ridges, which run around it laterally. Each of these ridges represent a set of frequencies within the sound, with low frequency at the bottom of the sphere (the bass); and high frequency at the top (the treble). The closer a ridge is to the north pole, the higher a band of frequencies it represents. Following these ridges laterally around the sphere is equal to observing the signal change over time (measure of time); and finally, the extent to which the ridge protrudes from the sphere represents the sound intensity at any given moment (the volume) - the more the ridge protrudes, the louder the sound is in that frequency at that given time. The Sound Sphere is being exhibited at the De Montfort University Fletcher Building foyer; was showcased at the university's Frontrunners evening; and featured in De Montfort University News and the Eureka magazine. Principle Investigator: E. Pei |
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// Samian Wares // De Montfort University, 2013; with S. Manoj (Above) We were commissioned by the Leicester Arts and Museums Service to digitise decorated Samian Ware pieces (terra sigillata, fine red ancient roman pottery) dating from between 50BC to 3rd century AD and to reproduce these as replicas that could potentially improve the museum experience of partially sighted visitors through touch. The aim was also to examine the quality of the reproduced artefacts using SLA. The first image image is the digitised scan showing clear details, while the original piece is on the right and the reproduced pieces below. Challenges include non-contact scanning, capturing the motifs and designs on the relief-decorated ware (hunting scenes), and to circumnavigate issues of the reflective glaze-like surface. Principle Investigator: E. Pei |
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// Replicating an Anglo-Saxon Spindle Whorl // De Montfort University, 2013; with A. Eland & R. Gautam (Above) Commissioned by the Leicester Arts and Museums Service, we were asked to replicate a 1500 year old rock crystal faceted spindle whorl that was dug near Lutterworth Road. A spindle whorl is a disc or spherical object fitted onto the spindle to increase and maintain the speed of the spin during weaving. Due to the mineral, initial 3D scans of the crystal were inaccurate. Subsequent fine-tuning resulted in two geometries - one from the scan data being dimensionally accurate; and another being geometrically perfect - an intervention using digital technology 1500 years later. The test pieces and final replica were fabricated with the use of 3D printing. Challenges include non-contact scanning and to circumnavigate issues of the reflectivity of the crystal. The exhibit can be seen at the Jewry Museum in Leicester today. Principle Investigator: E. Pei |
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// Shock of the New // Winchester School of Art, University of Southampton, 2010; with Dr Y. Yin (Above) A review of the literature has found that research on older consumers in United Kingdom is limited; and data collection has been obtained mainly from surveys and questionnaires. This study as part of a research fellowship at the Winchester School of Art (University of Southampton) aims to investigate issues associated with food shopping among senior shoppers through the use of observations, interviews and audio recordings to triangulate the findings. Key problem areas identified include food being inappropriately placed; poor signage; over-stacking; and difficulty when using deep trolleys. The study also found a preference among elderly shoppers to purchase small food portions. The results from this research confirmed problems that senior consumers face and highlights the importance for retailers to consider their special needs. Principle Investigator: Y. Yin |
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// ErgoCES // Brunel University, 2010; with
Dr H. Dong (Above) Inclusive design promotes the development of mainstream products, environments and services that are accessible and desirable to the widest range of users possible, including groups with specific needs such as older people and people with disabilities. This research study as part of a research fellowship at Brunel University reports a survey of designers with different levels of experience and analyses issues that affect their uptake of inclusive design. The survey also gathers evidence on existing tool use and the perceptions of the tools’ strengths and weaknesses, identifying features that designers would value in inclusive design tools. By understanding their requirements based on their levels of experience, it is proposed that this approach should lead to tools that are more attuned to designers’ needs, and as a result, increase the practical uptake of inclusive design. Principle Investigator: H. Dong |
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// Digital Industrial Design // Loughborough
University, 2010; with Dr M.A. Evans (Above) This research investigated the viability of a fully digital industrial design process. The use of digital tablets, 3D CAD modelling, haptic modelling, graphic design and rapid prototyping were used. Data collection was captured by means of a design diary. Principle Investigator: M.A. Evans |
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Entry Level RP Machines: How Well Can They Cope With Geometric
Complexity // Vaal University of Technology, 2010; with Professor Deon
de Beer & Dr R.I. Campbell (Above) I was invited as a Research Scientist to examine and assess the limitations of using Entry Level 3D Printers when fabricating objects with high complexity. Experiments include models with complex features with variations in curvature, inter-connected parts, intricate details, protrusions, holes and deeply recessed undercuts were built on a 3D Printer. The issues observed include the problem of warping, the need to manually remove support structures, poor dimensional accuracy and surface roughness. |
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// ByProducts 2.0 // 2013 (Above) ByProducts was inspired by a simple idea, where functional and useful items can be created from discarded industrial off-cuts. As a result, two projects have been developed. The first was a set of furniture based on the shapes of speaker off-cuts. ByProducts 2.0 is a set of stationery that have been created from plastic off-cuts. Through very minimal rework, these off-cuts now have a functional use and a meaningful purpose. For instance, adding a simple groove to the top of the plastic tube transforms the once discarded object into a useful pen organiser. The stationery set comprises a set of bookstands, a pen organiser and a name card holder. Featured in DesignSpotter (June 2013). |
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| // Swiss Education Fair promotional media // 2014 |
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| // ByProducts // 2011 (Above) ByProducts was inspired by a simple idea, where functional anduseful items can be created from discarded industrial off-cuts. In thisseries, a commission was received from a wood-based company that constructsspeaker housing units. As a result, high quality birch off-cuts that areusually discarded have been developed into a furniture system forchildren. They have been designed with simplicity in mind, keeping theuse of tools minimal and no screws or fixtures are required forassembly. Featured in DesignWeek Magazine (20 Jan 2011) & on the ICSID(International Council for the Society of Industrial Design) website. |
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// ClampLight // 2007 (Above) Inspired by the humble
workshop clamp, the lamp serves to be functional in its utilitarian
outlook, and performs well as a single unit, or as a system of lights in
terms of aesthetic unity or as a functional system. This product was
produced using Additive Manufacture in 2007. |
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// Toylight // 2007 (Above) Re-using once forgotten toys and them giving a new functional meaning.
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// Motorola Motofwrd Competition // 2006 (Above) Motorola Seamless Mobility Motofwrd Competition (Znamya). Featured in Motorola Motofwrd website.
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// iLight // 2005 (Above) Work from postgraduate studies, Loughborough University (Loughborough Design School). This was a project during the MSc course which secured a distinction, leading to the highest combined overall grade in the cohort. The ambient vehicle lighting system was conceptualised from market research to design development, electronic circuit design, rapid prototyping, testing and packaging.
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// Manhattan Lamp // 2005 (Above) Work from postgraduate studies, Loughborough University (Loughborough Design School). Modular lighting system that could be purchased by configuring the number of cubes and then using vinyl stickers to customise the overall outlook. The lamp is equipped with an energy saving compact fluorescent lamp.
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// FutureSafe Civilian Readiness Kit // 2004 (Above) Work from undergraduate studies, Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design (University of the Arts, London). The FutureSafe Civilian Readiness Kit was a conceptual protection gear that could be purchased from vending machines across London and other major cities of the world. The proposition was that civilians should play a more active role to protect themselves rather than to reply solely on the emergency services. This was a major project during the BA (hons) degree course and it secure a distinction. The design was featured in the Icon Magazine, June 2003; was exhibited in the UNDU Exhibition in London, 2003; and also won a finalist prize in the Core77 Security Competition, 2003.
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// FutureHome // 2004 (Above) Work from undergraduate studies, Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design (University of the Arts, London). The FutureHome was a visionary all-in-one food preparation unit that was a result from extensive user observations and focus groups. Projected trends show the future homes would be smaller and space would be a premium in high density city living. The FutureHome unit incorporates a refrigeration system with shelves that allow an easier way to retrieve food. The shelving system divides food into vegetables, meat and freezer compartments. The top surface acts as a worktop chopping board, while the dome is a microwave cooking unit.
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// Magis // 2003 (Above) Work from undergraduate studies, Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design (University of the Arts, London). Magis is a public furniture system that allows travellers to have their own workspace at the airport. Recharging docks, wireless internet connectivity, overhead lamps, privacy screens and baggage locks are some of the features incorporated in Magis. The design won the Innovation Prize for the President furniture design competition. It was featured in FX magazine (March 2003).
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// Magic Chef // 2003 (Above) Work from undergraduate studies, Central Saint Martin's College of Art & Design (University of the Arts, London). Food preparation unit using cast iron, glass and wood as natural materials found in the home. Exhibited at Panasonic Centre, Ariake, Koto-Ku, Tokyo, Japan; work published in FX International Design Magazine (March 2003). |
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Other Projects |
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// Keep Calm and
Start Making // 2013 |
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// Ceramic Vessels // Loughborough University, 2010 (Above) Individual hand-thrown porcelain & earthenware pots.
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// Information Graphics // 2010 (Above) Illustration for a squeegee aparatus. Commissioned Work.
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// Ammonite, sp. // 2004 (Above) Ammonite from Kettleness, N. Yorkshire. |
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// Candid Shot // 2009 (Above) Private Occasion. Teeside, UK. Commissioned Work.
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// Man O' War // 2008 (Above) Man O'War Cove, Lulworth, Dorset, UK.
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// Atlantic Puffin // 2008 (Above) Atlantic Puffin, Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK.
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// Red Arrows // 2008 (Above) Royal Air Force Red Arrows aerobatic display, Bedminster, Bristol, UK.
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// Ops Overlord // 2008 (Above) Photographed at Wartime Weekend, Great Central Railway, Loughborough, UK.
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// East of England Show // 2008 (Above) Photographed at Peterborough, UK. |
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