An Exploration of Conceptual Prototype of an Artistic Handcraft Wallet (AHW) Design

Abstract

The exploration of a conceptual prototype of an Artistic Handcraft Wallet (AHW) design is a studio practice study that engages the experience of both virtual and real physical prototyping. This article is method based .i.e. it unfolds the method used in the design of AHW. It involves the use of 5H + 1H for design thinking. Simulation of AHW involves CorelDraw X5 and Adobe Photoshop CS5 for motif, surface pattern and object transformation. The real physical prototyping involves studio experiment on textile decoration to produce AHW. The significance of this exploration is to fulfil of one of the objectives of Industrial Design Department, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. That is, students have to develop creative, aesthetic and industrial skills needed for product design. The findings show that design thinking is important for insightful design. Art and design making like AHW can bring up analogy that are useful for social design. Moreover, the findings show that it is enjoyable to use CAD during conceptual prototyping depending on the designers’ optimum proficiency in the use of CAD software application. Finding as well reveals that the satisfactory level of virtual and real physical prototyping are different in terms of process and end product/finishing/design outcome. It is also noticed that there are challenges tackling the translation of CAD virtual prototype to real tangible physical products. It is also realized that suitable learning environment is needed for the proper psyche to initiate good designs.