5. Design Specs (Memphis)

As stated often in this e-portfolio, I am designing a Memphis-themed Drumstick holder for this unit. Below I have listed six design specifications and the manner in which I will test each one.

1. Size

The width will 300 mm. Height will be 250 mm. Depth will vary due to the curved shape, but the maximum will be 150 mm. Once sticks are placed into the holder, their size will extend beyond the 250 mm height. I will test this specification by photographing the holder from at least 3 different views with a meter stick along side it.

2. Mass.

I expect the mass of the holder (without sticks) to be about 500 grams only. This is quite light and easy to lift, and should not put too much stress on the wall it is fastened to. Since the majority of the volume of this holder is open space, I am able to minimize mass. The top and bottom pieces will be separated by wooden dowel rods, instead of a more solid, heavy backboard. I will test this specification by putting it onto a scale and recording the final mass.

3. Aesthetics.

I want this holder to be Memphis themed, which is why I have gone with the bizzarre geometric shape shown in my final design sketch. That shape will certainly make it stand out. The laminant pattern that is on both top and bottom of the holder should also adhere to the memphis theme. By painting the dowel rods bright colors, I will be able to draw attention to them and further make my product stand out. I will test this specification through this Google Form survey (linked here). Within the form, participants are asked what they think of the of the shapes, patterns, and colors. After a written explanation of what the Memphis theme is all about, they are asked to rank how closely this product follows the Memphis theme.

4. Safety:

This product will be placed at waste level near my drum set. This puts it well within reach of my toddler son. Thus, I will need to make it safe for him. If he runs into it, there cannot be any pieces projecting outwards that could hit him in the eye. There also cannot be any sharp edges that could scratch him. The method for fastening it to the wall must be secure so that he cannot easily knock it off. The same Google Form used above will also be sent to parents of toddler children. They will be asked to look at images of the holder, or the real thing, and answer questions about its safety.

5. Target Audience.

I would expect that fans of Memphis Design and drumming would be attracted to my product. I don't know many Memphis fans, but I do know other drummers. I will send them a separate Google Form Survey, (linked here), that compares my product to other drum stick holders (using pictures). This survey asks them whether my product does or does not stand a chance against a product that is being mass producted.

6. Manufacturing.

As I am a huge fan of digital fabrication, my goal is to make as much of this holder via laser cutter as possible. I also want to make the production process fast, so that I can make another one or two as gifts for my friends. Thus, I plan to time and record how long it takes to cut and assemble the product (assuming the design work is already done). I will summarize these times in a chart to give a total time for manufacturing, and then give an estimate for how long it would take to make a 2nd and 3rd version.