help me...please

**wayfarer** · 21st January 2008, 12:21 AM

y'know, the best way to decide on what to do is often to look for a problem, want or need.

In this case; space in your mum's kitchen is the problem and the obvious solution is a kitchen island. (Keep in mind it may not be the only solution)

Identifying the problem then finding a solution that not only performs well (function) but looks great (form) is called design. The actual making of the object is only proof of the design and delivery of the solution.

So, the Kitchen Island offers you an opportunity to prove your skills in both design and wood working. But, there's more to it. You don't want to be accused of just making another kitchen island. I suggest you spend an hour speaking with those who'll use it to see if there's any other problems associated with working is tight spaces. You might find something that you can solve that will make this kitchen island stand out.

And I don't mean tricky little features for the sake of it. Gimmicks make people cringe.

Work out what it has to do, how big it should be including work heights for the principal user, what shape it should be and all other technical issues like type of timber, methods of joining, water durability etc. This gives you a framework in which to design. It's not the design itself. Try to understand the distinction.
Once all the little facts are out of the way designing starts. To do that you need to look at the big picture of the project in context of what you want to achieve.

Now, think. What is it about this kitchen Island will make it an outstanding design? What can you do to make it shine? What problem is there with kitchen island has never been solved before? What single thing can I do that people will instantly see as amazing?

Don't be discouraged if you don't find anything of that nature. If that's the case then you're really only left with how it looks. My suggestion to you is that the best designed things in the world are usually the simplest looking ones.

I hope this puts you on track for a great design.

(It almost goes without saying, but Google is your friend... especially the images tab. Do at least one hours Internet search. )

**Rhys Cooper** · 21st January 2008, 09:15 AM

thank you wayfarer. yeah i am agoing to be talking to my mum (the primary user) and she will be giving me her thoughts on what she wants it to have. i will the be usiung her for the dimensions aspect, and yes research will be done. thank you.

Rhys

**Rhys Cooper** · 21st January 2008, 09:25 AM

and yes i do know that is not about desiging a island bench and then making it.

mum always complains about hwoi small and cramped the kitchen is, so maybe this is an opportunity in disguise to make a scale model of her new kitchen the way she would like it. maybe on a scale of say 1:5??

i am pretty sure it will involve the kitche in some way, as there is a problem (space), need (more spaace) and a want (newer modern technology).

Thank to all,

Rhys

**HappyHammer** · 21st January 2008, 11:07 AM

Make sure the need is for more workspace not floor space as you could be making the problem worse.

HH.

**prozac** · 21st January 2008, 06:44 PM

There has been some really solid input here Rhys. Someone suggested keeping the project simple but doing a great redesign in the process that will solve an existing problem. The quality of design and manufacture needs to be immediatley recognisable to whoever is marking it, or in real terms the consumer.

prozac

**The Hornet** · 21st January 2008, 09:09 PM

Hi Rhys,
I am a Design Tech teacher at a school in Sydney, and as 1 or 2 of the others have pointed out, DT is 60% about the design aspect and identifying the need, and only 40% is based on the actually outcome, and it doesn't even have to be a physical outcome.
It is crucial that you download a copy of the marking criteria from the BOS website (http://www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au..._markguide.pdf) and make sure you follow that to the letter, I can also email you a copy of a sample folio which was a Band 5 effort.
Your folio is absoloutely crucial to your success in DT, and you must start that before anything else.
Best of luck Rhys

**STAR** · 22nd January 2008, 12:07 AM

Ryhs.

Wow! I have been blown away by this forum and the help they have given me.

I have just been going through the portfolio of " What do you do for a living "

The qualifications of some of the members just shows the quality of this forum. More importantly, is the fact that they are so ready to pass on their knowledge, in good faith, to help and old stager like me and a young buck like yourself.

Contributors like " The Hornet " show the benefit of this site. Which tells me that we have something special here in this forum. Having met some of them at Tee Jay's Bar B Que just recently confirms to me the help you are getting is based on quality people who have some life experiences.

It is up to you to utilize those that best fit in with your agenda.

ps. What a great forum this is.

**STAR** · 22nd January 2008, 12:20 AM

Rhys.

I have just had another look at the " MAD HORNET " Avatar, so I may have to tone down my appreciation for his posting.

Apparently, he may be a misguided genius, badly in need of some help. We can call in Derek Cohen from W.A. who contributes here or he should just give Graham Murray from the Cowboys a call so he can see the error in his ways.

If that is too much a leap of faith maybe he can settle for the Gold Coast Titans.

**Rhys Cooper** · 22nd January 2008, 08:00 PM

i would like to say thank you everyone who has helped. i am pretty sure i have decided on my project, and it has chnaged yet again, it is a chair, buyt not any chair, a chair made to the way i want. as the hornet has stated it is 60% is based on the need, etc. and 40% is of the 'practical component' (even though it can be or not be practical). so this is why i want to make a chair. no designs have been done yet. but the portfolio has been started (not as much done as expected, but hey it is the holidays). designs wil be complted next week, and then i can show my teacher, get ideas and make changes, then i will be ordering timber. thanks the hornet, but i already have the BOS markinbg criteria.

thanks again

Rhys

**STAR** · 22nd January 2008, 08:38 PM

Good luck in your pursuit of your dream. Although, I doubt you will need luck.

As a great motivator in Napoleon Hill has said " What the mind can conceive and BELIEVE can be achieved. "

**Rhys Cooper** · 22nd January 2008, 08:41 PM

thanks for that. yeah i am going to have to knuckel dwon this year, with 2 major works and 4 other subjects plus footy (AFL), plus study, plus work, it is gonna be busy.

thanks again.
Rhys

**The Hornet** · 23rd January 2008, 09:16 PM

All the best of Luck Rhys.
You must remember though to not waste anytime, you have 20 weeks in total to make these projects so time is of the essence.

**big_gumbo** · 23rd January 2008, 09:27 PM

I made a rotating bookshelf when i did my design and tech project in school

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