.png)
Fall 2023
.png)
Design a light switch that aims to reduce energy waste while promoting sustainable behaviors by reminding the user to turn it off.
Design Research | User testing
Meeting volunteers at Angels in the Attic
Volunteers at Angels in the Attic sorting center are struggling to keep up with a recent influx of donations.
After observing their sorting process and speaking with the volunteers, it became clear that their biggest challenge is managing the sheer volume of donations that they receive.
Thrift stores receive too many donations.
.png)
Understanding floyd residents
To better understand donation habits, I surveyed 105 residents from a local community in Floyd.
.png)
Establishing design criteria
How can a clothing repair tool reduce the number of donations brought to Angels in the Attic and other similar thrift stores?
.png)
Visible Mending over time
Visible mending is a repair technique that has been used since the early 19th century. Although it creates a deep emotional attachment between the garment and the restorer, it requires skill and is time intensive.
.png)
Ideation
Inspired by an embroidery hoop, I focused on creating a press fit pattern that can be easily taken on and off a garment.
I primarily used a laser cutter for prototyping in order to create rapid iterations.
.png)
How it works
The weight ring and pattern disc sandwich the garment and the (optional) patch. The user uses embroidery thread and follows the arrows to stich above the gaps and under the bridges on the pattern disc.
When completed, the disc is easily removed for future use!
.png)
.png)
Reflection
I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with SustainFloyd and the Floyd community!
Since graduation, I have given away two sets of the finished prototype and received feedback from users.
Ann Margaret Shortt, from the Floyd Public Library, says, "it was very relaxing to stitch on the grid, like a meditative path."