Product Redesign Project

Redesigning a DIY product for the purpose of mass producible. I chose the pinhole camera as the object to redesign.

WORKING PRINCIPLE

A pinhole camera, also known as camera obscura, or "dark chamber", is a simple optical imaging device in the shape of a closed box or chamber. In one of its sides is a small hole which, via the rectilinear propagation of light, creates an image of the outside space on the opposite side of the box.

Cited from “Wikipedia”

Dark box: Dark box is the place for exposure process. So light-sealing method is one of the most important considerations when designing.

Film: Pinhole Camera consumes film or developing paper. For mass production, film is much more promising.

Shutter: Shutter controls the speed/ exposure time. Also, shutter works directly with hands, which requires the shutter design to be more ergonomic.

EXISTING PRODUCT

VIDDY DIY Pinhole Camera is a representative well-designed pinhole camera product. It’s designed to be assembled by user. So people can enjoy not only the DIY pinhole photography but also the process of making a beautiful camera. And VIDDY has its own Smartphone APP to assist user controlling the exposure time.

PERSONA

Fallon loves outdoor travelling. She enjoys the relax feeling of her body and spirit. Her lifestyle is being harmony with nature.

Fallon loves DIY crafting. She believes that all crafts she made have a piece of her soul.

Fallon loves photography. Rather than using a DSLR, she prefers using film camera to take pictures and developing the film herself.

INSPIRATION

Several of my concepts were inspired by selfie camera and hand mirror. Hand mirror serves the function for woman to check whether she’s neat and beautiful. Selfie camera serves the function of self- recording the most beautiful pictures. In my opinion, there is a possibility to combine these two products.

SKETCHES & DEVELOPMENT

TESTING

For taking a selfie, the shutter design is significant. Different gestures with different inner structures may have different influences to the pictures’ quality.

PUSHING

Pushing is the simplest gesture. But the gesture of pushing can always cause unintended shaking, which is not appropriate for the shutter mechanism.

ROTATING

Rotating is an ergonomic gesture with slightly shaking. But the light- sealing could be a big problem.

PULLING

Pulling is the best choice among these three. The force is all along the handle, which eliminate shakes. Also, the gesture is similar to the “selfie stick”, makes it easier for people to understand.