Dyno leverages a simple digital photo frame as a personal story-telling tool for children. Studies show that children learn most effectively through social interaction, active play, and through the use of narratives.

As children relate and communicate better through a character or a personality, the formal semantics work well to give children a sense of connection with a cheerful DYNO.

Photos can be advanced by shaking DYNO - staying up to speed and sharing the excitement of even the most energetic stories.

As DYNO glows warmly from a LED backlit display, the frame can also serve as a companion for children who need a familiar face to comfort them in the dark. A programmable self shut-off timer is ideal for young forgetful minds and bedtime stories.

To wake up a sleeping DYNO, simply give him a shake...wake up sleepy head!

DYNO is small, portable, and designed to withstand use by children. Internal components are held within a durable and natural rubber housing.

Concept sketches.

Tessellating veneer pre-form blanks.

Employing proven and highly-effective ultra-violet disinfectant technology, 99.9% of harmful microbes can be eliminated in drinking water using this small purifier.

UV water purification eliminates the need for pre-boiling drinking water. This is particularly useful in Asian countries where tap water is non-potable and is commonly boiled and cooled down before consumption.

A silicone body with quartz inserts allows UV light to shine through while ensuring that no harmful leaching will occur after repeated and regular use.

The use of teabag semantics encourages universal product use while playing an important part in the thorough purification of water. Via the simple motions of dunking and swirling, water movement exposes a higher percentage of microbes to UV disinfection.

This design uses significantly less material and plastic parts than the purifiers currently on market. As a result, this project was awarded the Michael Elmarson Award for "demonstrating outstanding environmental awareness" by Carleton University's School of Industrial Design in 2007.

A solution in response to increased urban density, population growth, and sustainability, Posy is an exercise in designing memories.

In many cultures, flowers are frequently present in times of mourning and grieving. Flowers adorn ceremonies and graves, and are typically sent as gifts to show respect to the surviving kin. Researchers have found psychological evidence that the presence of flowers triggers positive social behaviour and happy emotions. Flowers have also been shown to have an immediate impact on happiness, as well as a long-term positive effect on moods.

The grieving process for many people has been described as having an empty feeling of loss inside. Death causes people to feel that they have lost a personal connection in their lives, and it can also evoke emotions of anger due to feelings of being devoid of future memories.

The presence of flowers and plants may therefore be able to help someone deal with their loss more quickly. By memorializing and celebrating someone's memory through flowers and/or plants, the personal connection created may fill feelings of loss and void.

Photo credits: sunflower [gettyimages.com]
elevator + party [terry worona]
cat [megan bodaly]

Plants are chosen accordingly to match the celebrated person. Choice can be based on personality, scent, memories, or simply according to a favourite colour. An integrated compartment keeps memory items safe and protected, while the compact and versitile design allow for future generations to be remembered together in small spaces.

Preliminary concept sketches.

Vaporizor controls are separated from actual vaporizor component. Access to component for re-filling and maintenance is easily obtained through the top drawer.

According to research, digital flowmeters are five to ten times more accurate than traditional glass meters. By combining function and feedback into one, the user receives instantaneous flow readings through a more intuitive re-design of the control knob.

Concept sketching.

Learning how an anesthetic machine works.

Mr. Roboto is a mean dancing machine that was created for the sole purpose of test driving Carleton's new rapid prototyping facilities.

Proof of concept model.
[styrene, gears, wiring]

Lipstick rouge-stained oak with a laser-cut baroque pattern, the Lady takes up a small footprint and becomes an extension of the lady sitting in it. Whereas women tend to sit more forward in their seats, the Lady has a considerably more shallow seat, encouraging this sitting tendency while diminishing space footprint.

Die-cut image.

Library directory graphic allows visitors to quickly gain a visual of the general layout of all six floors.

Analyzing traffic flow [main, secondary, and tertiary].

[back cover: this book is about designing sustainably_this book was written by 29 industrial design students, 6 environmental studies students, and a man named Brian_this book is a subassembly_this book is about industrial design in Canada_this book is to be read, used, and shared_this book will be obsolete in a few years_this book may be obvious for some folks_this book may be full of revelations for other folks_this book is a bridge for designers_this book is about learning_this book is about sussing out.]

A cover in the rough.

An exterior menu display was designed and manufactured for the client. A custom sign was made consisting of a piece of sandblasted glass and printed mylar backing. Menu updates are easily facilated through re-printing the mylar backing.

Menu graphics integrated a modern maritime feel along with the establishment's interior decor.