OLIVIA THURSTUN-CREES

A piece of installation art for a public space, that encourages the user to interact with the product. The product is fixed to the ground, and the user rotates it to align it so that the sun shines through the hole. Where the beam of light lands on the scale is where the time is read from. Prototype model made from mdf and flexiply, with machined aluminium detail.

Prototype redesign of a garlic press using high density foam. Key design point is that a polypropylene hinge is utilised (and whole product would be made from same material), which would significantly reduce manufacturing time and cost. Further development is need into the feasibility due to the force required, and the life time of a polypropylene hinge.

The project increased my knowledge and understanding of materials and manufacturing processes that are used in various components of a car engine. The camshaft, cam follower, exhaust valve and cylinder head were analysed, and research carried out into the processes of grinding and turning.

Dismantled and tested a basic hand blender, to further my understanding of the assembly, and materials and manufacturing processes used. As the product is intended for domestic use, there was a large amount of research into different safety standards required, and before dismantling, I tested the product for the noise produced, temperature of the handle, speed of motor and torque.

This project involved producing a mathematical model to show how a given catapult would need to be adjusted to throw to a given distance with a specified mass.

Modelled and rendered using Siemens NX 8.5. Based on the Adventurer 8 mobility scooter, with slight modifications made to handles and dashboard.

Using SAMMIE CAD to ergonomically evaluate the modelled mobility scooter. Evaluation was carried out using mostly 10%ile British female, and 90%ile British male to get a realistic size range of user.

Side view of Dualit hand mixer. Modelled and rendered in Siemens NX 8.5 and edited in Adobe Photoshop.

Kitchen realistic view. Modelled and rendered in Siemens NX 8.5, and edited in Adobe Photoshop.

White space view. Modelled and rendered in Siemens NX 8.5, and edited in Adobe Photoshop.

This project took inspiration from different sources; architecture, nature and climbing, to develop and make a container. The aim was to challenge preconceptions about what a container should be, and the materials and joints used. These initial sketches show a couple of ideas based on a ball nut cam and a carabiner, used in climbing.

The aim of this ongoing project is to develop and produce a prototype ski/snowboard lock, that is either a separate entity, or integrated into the equipment. Extensive research was carried out using survey's, focus groups and analysing existing products. These sketches are the beginning of the development process.

These sketches show a next step in the development process. Consideration has to be taken into the extreme weather conditions that the product must function at, and the subsequent life span of the product, and the materials and components that make it up.

Modelled and rendered in Siemens NX 8.5. Initial CAD model in 'open' position, showing the track clearly. 3D models from cardboard have also been made, and tested on a pair of skis, to ensure that the dimensions are correct. Further development will explore materials and fixings in more detail, and the feasibility of the desired movement, perhaps utilising caterpillar tracks.

Modelled in Siemens NX 7.5. Detail of locking mechanism for ski lock projects.

Images from Siemens NX CAD and put together in Adobe Photoshop.