materialization

Universal and inclusive thinking, as applicable to all disciplines, is an integral part of the design process.  When a product is designed inclusively, it not only provides access to those with various limitations, but also provides everyone with the opportunity to interact.  Our cultures and communities thrive on human interaction and communication; our senses playing an integral role in informing the ways in which we interact and formulate discussions with one another.  As a designer, I seek to be a vehicle for communicating the stories of vulnerable people.  Through a process of observational research I have come to understand a small taste of the diverse ways in which people with varying limitations communicate with one another.  Whether this is through the use of sign language, braille, a Dynavox, or an article of computer aided technology, each of these tools share both a functional and aesthetic value. Through exploring the integration of sculpture, technology, and jewellery I hope to develop a series of meaningful studies that will contribute to the development of wearable communication devices.

accessible brass closures

heat bending wood (birch)

head bending wood (birch)

fimo clay interactive buttons (potentially use porcelain)

fimo clay interactive buttons; each button is made to fit the fingers of the person wearing the button, when one's hand is pressed into the porcelain form, a sensor activates a brooch that assists one in communicating with others.

fimo clay interactive buttons; each button is made to fit the fingers of the person wearing the button, when one's hand is pressed into the porcelain form, a sensor activates a brooch that assists one in communicating with others.

"language" "communication" brass braille template

porcelain braille buttons