Axe,
Winter 2020
A Modern Interpretation of an Iconic Object
Axe is a modern interpretation of the traditional hatchet that aims to unify the object’s historically segmented parts—the handle and the head. This purposeful departure from the product’s expected appearance aims to similarly reject the dogma that “function” trumps “form” in product design. By redesigning an iconic utilitarian object to bring the user delight as well as perform its intended function, Axe supports the notion that aesthetics have the potential to enhance a user's experience with a product.
This piece was created for Beautiful Objects, an industrial design course that emphasizes form-giving and aesthetics. Design sketching and the creation of low-fidelity prototypes segued into the production of a painted-foam model, which is pictured here with digitally rendered textures that illustrate the intended construction of a consumer-grade version.
Dimensions: 6.5” x 2” x 15”
*Featured in the Stamps School’s 2020 Undergraduate Juried Exhibition
Ideation
This phase of the design process primarily consisted of rough sketching— to refine my initial concept of how the hatchet would take form—and the creation of user personas and use cases to aid in the generation of appropriate designs.
Iteration
After solidifying a design direction, I created a template (in Adobe Illustrator) that allowed me to rough-cut and sculpt foam models. This process ensured that every prototype would start from the same point and that any distinguishable variation between models resulted from a purposeful change in approach or technique. I utilized this process, in conjunction with regular critique, for three months. My final foam model was finished with primer and wet-sanded to produce a sleek surface finish.
