The next day students had a list of objects in their respective theme topic. The lifestyle products with wire - group had a list of products that can be made with wires like tissue paper holders, soap holders, magazine holders, etc. Water storing devices were also with a list of possible ways to store water for example buckets, tanks, glasses, bottles, jugs, pitchers, etc. LED reading light group was ready with a list of reading light applications for example portable book lights, bedside lights, lights for traffic police, etc. The pull-along wooden toy group was full of a list of animals, insects and everyday objects like cars, buses, etc. which can be used as a subject for pull-along toys.
But, professors soon understood from the discussion with students that no one was able to decide on the topic for further exploration. So, groups were given feedback collectively by discussing each one’s case. While discussing with students, Professors were also going through the student’s drawn ideas.
At this stage, the one question that many students asked professors was, ‘How to select a topic that is challenging at the same time worth investigating?’
Prof. Bapat explained and assured them that any topic they chose for learning the design process would be as challenging as any other topic. He further explained to them that even the design of a simple bucket can be improved if only some designer is ready to take on challenges like:
• Cleaning of the bucket
• Transporting water
• Storing water - space constraint, scenario understanding
• Storing empty bucket/s
• Other possible ways in which buckets can be used - for example table, washing machine drum, etc.
• Needs of users like sweeping floor, washing clothes, bath, pouring water in drum or washing machine or the garden, etc.
• Storage capacity of the bucket
• The formal and color statement of the bucket - bucket as a lifestyle product
• Possibility of new material and process for bucket manufacturing and so on
Investigation in each area with a designer’s perspective will yield a new solution. The solution then can be successfully marketed by its Unique Selling Proposition (U.S.P.).
Professors also reminded students about the first-day fun exercise of designing a wash basin for specific users. Students were designing bottle shapes, earthen pot shapes, and LED table lamp shapes; all of that was just an unrestricted exploration resulting in more confusion. Professors asked each one of the students to define the user and user profile for their chosen topic or contraption.
