Quick sketches explored a wide range of possible products such as coasters, crockery, clocks, bottle openers and vases, aiming to appeal to gift buyers around the holidays. Many of these concepts also explored interesting materials or production processes such as concrete, copper, ceramics or wood turning.
INSPIRATION
A minimilist clock concept was chosen, with inspiration taken from the harshness of brutalist architecture. Concrete served as the perfect material for this, aiming to illicit a sense of strength while being durable to have a long product lifespan.
EXPLORING FORM
Depth and light were explored to symbolise the passage of time, drawing inspiration from the shadows created by sun dials. Further renders experimented with the shape of the body of the clock as well as the shape of the holes on the face and length of the hands.
PROTOTYPING
Rough clay prototypes were used to find the most effective form for the body and experiment with the hole shapes. Models were also used to find the optimal depth of the holes that would produce the best effect from the shadows. Refined 3D prints were then used to compared and select the final proposed form for the body of the clock.
Concrete samples were made to test and obtain the desired visual properties and strength, by utilising different ratios and types of sand. Despite these tests, prototypes were routinely breaking while demoulding, prompting a mould redesign for the final production.
FINAL PRODUCTION
Moulds were filled and dried for 24h. Once removed, the excess material was sanded down and the clocks were left to fully cure. The back panels were fitted with cork, slotting into place with a simple friction fit. Laser cut hands were spray painted with a vibrant red colour, and black 3D printed stoppers were created for the centre. The clock is then assembled by hand with a standard mechanism that is easy to replace in the event of failure. Finally, branding and packaging was designed for the clock.
This easily repeatable production process allowed small batches of these clocks to be made in the run up to their launch.