Product Proposal

“looking out is not just about living, it’s a lifestyle.”

From the Secondary Research that the Designers and I have done from the start of the project, a theme began to emerge from the images that were collated. Most if not all apartment shots which has a Window insight either had the curtains drawn or the view was just shocking. Because of the way most of the apartments are raised, every window that you look out is towards another building, with a view of your neighbors kitchen, toilet, living room, Air Condition units, Railings...everything but beautiful, calming views.

This led to further secondary and primary research into Chinese people's living habits and lifestyles. After interviewing a group of people I came to a conclusion that, if people have a great view to look at, it would enhance their environment and create a better living space. Apartment with good views are expensive, but if you can manipulate your surroundings, it is cheaper.

My product will be a movable screen, using the combinations of new technologies like ‘E-Ink and Electrochromatic Glass/Plastic’ to create a ‘Window’ where the users can look out; dream, be motivated and get inspired. They can change the image whenever they like with a click of a button. There is another function with this product as it is a room divider to divert the flow of “chi” into and around the house.

The dimension of the product is 1800mm x 1800mm x 20mm

Design Freeze!

After looking at the possibilities of creating a product which affects both the the direct user and people around them, I came to a conclusion that it would be plausible but difficult to accomplish given the time frame that we have left for this project.

With that in mind, I decided to take it from the blue sky idea back to square 1. Using the technologies which I have discovered but applied in a different way. Instead of looking at Windows/Blinds/Curtains...the technology will be applied onto a movable screen.

The screen has multiple uses, it can be used as a screen/divider for a room, a backdrop, or used as a TV. The product will include the WiFi, Blue Tooth and Usb Technologies whereby the users can upload and change the images on the screen. The product comes with default still/moving images. The users can buy more images or create their own which can be customised/downloaded by going online to the companies website. This will maintain a loyal customer base to the company.

The next step on this design freeze is to come up with the aesthetics of the screen, to do so, I will research on existing screens both modern and traditional.

New Concept For looking Out

One thing I realised is that why design a product that is going to keep all the blinds and curtains shut...people are doing it anyways..and then I thought hard about what is that I want to achieve with my product...and look closely at my design philosphy, I want to motivate, inspire and help others to achieve to their maximum abilities/capabilities and then some...so after I came up with the concept that my product does not only motivate and inspire the owner or the direct user of the product, the real target are those who get inspired and motivated around that person/product. How good It must feel to be able to help someone indirectly...they don't know you, but because of your decision to better yourself and the people around you. That is what china is all about to me..Unity. 1 for all and all for 1.

The product is not just giving people the beautiful pictures that they want as their blinds are closed...its about opening the window...dont hide what you have...show the world the true china...Make a world within a world, if there is no botanic garden on the 34th floor, make one, it would inspire people to look out and anticipate what they might discover, it could be beautiful landscape, luxurious automobile or as simple and amazing; a family portrait. There are no boudaries with my product, its all opportunities, there can be an 8th wonder of the world created by a nation who united to make people around them better, and together they make the world see the real China!

China's National Anthem

Arise,
Ye who refuse to be slaves!
With our very flesh and blood,
Let us build our new Great Wall!
The peoples of China are in the most critical time,
Everybody must roar his defiance.
Arise!
Arise!
Arise!
Millions of hearts with one mind,
Brave the enemy's gunfire, March on!
Brave the enemy's gunfire, March on!
March on!
March on!
on

Looking at the national anthem of china..really emphasise what I am designing for..I am designing not for a specific/niche/sector/social status...I am designing for the greater China, People of China regardless of social status, " Let us build our new Great Wall!", " Millions of hearts with one mind," to make China Greater, show their true colours. Stop people from hiding behind their blinds and curtains, but open up, and looking out...express themselves to the world!

So why Blinds and Technologies? You may ask!

From the Secondary Research that the Designers and myself have done from the start of the project, a theme began to emerge from the images that was collated. Most if not all apartment shots which has a Window insight either had the curtains drawn or the view was just shocking. Because of the way most of the apartments are raised, every window that you look out is towards another building, with a view of your neighbours kitchen, toilet, living room, Air Condition units, Railings...everything but beautiful, calming views.

This led to further secondary and primary research into chinese people's living habits and lifestyles.

Product Opportunity Gap

This graph shows the existing competitors on the market for 'Looking Out' and the market positioning comparing Cost and Technology.

1. Cheap Rag Curtain
2. Polyester/Cotton Curtains on railing
3. Painted Bamboo Curtain
4. Curtains on pulley track
5. Painted Vertical and Roman blinds
6. Screen Printed Blinds
7. UV Protected Blinds
8. SPD, Electrochromatic, Photochromatic, Smart Glass

The X represents where 'Looking Out' is going to placed within the market. It is high in technology as I am designing for the near future market and foresee the demand for such product at an affordable cost to the middle class sector. It is a matter of Demand and Supply to drive down the technology, and manufacturing cost.