I put together a simple dunker diagram to help me think through the problem I am trying to address and some possible ways to solve it.
Initial Brainstorming/Sketching
I sketched out one way I thought a boxed package could be rearranged to make a utensil rester. I knew I wanted the overall assembly for the rester to be as simple as can be, so reducing the unique part count will make user assembly much easier. A design I liked a lot would only require 3 walls of the utensil's package. This would actually allow for two rests to be built.
Rapid Prototype
One concept that was emphasized throughout this class was the importance of making quick and simple prototypes to answer certain questions about a design choice early on in the development process. I put together a cardboard prototype of the gift package design I had imagined and quickly learned that although it might fit my criteria, it was much too large and bulky. I wanted something more compact.
Material Choice and Final Product
Since our project required the use of a laser cutter, a couple of materials immediately came to mind (plywood, ABS, acrylic, etc.). I ultimately decided to use 1/4" thick frosted acrylic for it's structural stiffness, surface finish, and aesthetic look.
