It's time to look into the final composition and details of the zoetrope.
Size
I didn’t want the Wheel of life to be overpowering in the room. Initially I thought about how big the average photograph is, 15cm x 10cm. This would mean the diameter of the base had to be 34cm due to the clock formation of the images. However, this would be an extremely large and intrusive object.
I wanted the zoetrope to be big enough to hold images and notes etc. but not so big it appears to take over the room. A poloroid image is 7.8cm x 7.7cm. This would make the diameter 20cm. I thought this was a much better size.
Using the photo holder size as a basis, the case would be 8cm tall and 22cm in diameter (Incorrectly marked as 18 on the diagram above!). I thought this size worked perfectly for the zoetrope - it would be a beautiful non-invasive object that can be used as part of a ritual but can also go relatively unnoticed when not in use.
I want people to feel like this is an easy object to use - by making it the average size it means people will not have to alter images etc too much.
Blender Model
While sketches and models worked in the development of the zoetrope I think I need to go to something a little more accurate at this stage. I won't be able to make the zoetrope in reality die to the size, materials and electronics (plus lack of space for a workshop in my London flat) so I thought 3D modelling would be the best thing to do. This way I can look at the ratios, experiment with how it would work including materials etc.
I haven't studied Architecture for 8 years now so my knowledge of 3D modelling software is extremely out of date. I took a week during the delivery phase to teach myself how to use Blender which had been recommended on many specialist sites. It was a long week.
My first attempt was pretty terrible, I struggled with bevelling, light and dimensions. This model was actually around 3m wide, But it was a good start and made me more familiar with the software. I decided to use this as a tester and pop some materials on to try and learn before I made the final blender model.
The proportions are clearly way off but I learned a lot about adding texture. The glass currently looks pretty fake and I haven't added images in but this was a great stepping stone. I also need to add planes underneath so I don't get the weird horizon line. The wood material looked pretty bad on here but I understood the bump maps more after this. I then decided to remake the zoetrope with the correct proportions (This one has a diameter of 22cm not 3m).
The proportions of the zoetrope look so much better. Plus in this model I have made sure the elements are snapped together rather than floating in mid air. Testing via this blender model showed me that I had the proportions off and the lid looks better and gives more light at 12cm tall. The circumference is much better in this model too. I think this really helped me figure out the dimensions of the zoetrope and putting it into 3D was invaluable. The next thing I needed to figure out was the materials.
Material
The first idea I had was, admittedly, terrible. I drew a constellation on fabric much like a book cover. This is not only pretty bad design but also so obvious and literal. Safe to say I definitely won't be going for that.
However, this did give me some good ideas. It was really important for me to keep the feel of the zoetrope natural. I want it to feel like it has come from the earth and be returned to the earth echoing the cycle of nature. Not only will this be better for the environment but it will also create the sensation that everything happening is a natural part of the grief process. I want the ritual element of the zoetrope to feel like a natural progression of your love for the person lost.
I originally liked the idea of a fabric cover, like a cloth book covering. However, it wouldn't be as robust and the zoetrope is something I want people to be able to keep for a long time. After testing them in this model my preference changed to the wood. Wood has a soothing tactile feel and a large study suggested it has a positive impact on human emotions [1]. In this study people describes brushed wood (textured) as the most pleasurable, relaxing, desirable and comforting material. These are some of the emotions I want to evoke, making brushed wood the perfect material to use. It is also extremely durable and could remain in a family for generations.Concrete had the same durability but would be very heavy and not as attractive. It also feels quite cold which is not a sensation I want to encourage with this project. I also tried a combination of materials (concrete and wood) but I want this to have a simple, sleek design and I do not think this has that.
The way people feel using the zoetrope is of paramount importance and by having the base and the cover as wood will be the most relaxing to use and therefore the sensation would be positive.
Electronic detail
Now I had the material it was time to consider how this would work. I realised when designing the detail that I want this zoetrope to both rotate and light up. The first thing I did was research how record players turn - it is a similar motion and speed to what I want in this zoetrope and their construction seems relatively simple. I then remembered that I absolutely do not have a degree in electrical engineering. It was time to consult an expert. Luckily I know a brilliant electrical engineer, Steve Greenfield who agreed to talk me through the electronics I would need. I just hoped they weren't too complicated!
Above is the diagram I sent Steve to ask for advice. He was brilliant and offered to put together a quick powerpoint showing me how to construct this using a direct drive (so I could keep all of the electronics concealed. It was very important to me to have a beautiful and simple exterior, with no electronics on show. I want the zoetrope to look more like a sculpture than an electrical object. Here is the powerpoint he sent me back:
With this new information it allowed me to work out the construction of the zoetrope looking in depth at how each section would fit together and work electronically. I used the blender model to work out the exact parts and sizes.
I felt much better knowing how this would work and that the idea I had in my head was possible. Now I knew what it looked like and how it worked it was time to consider how the zoetrope would be used.
I then used my model to represent the way the zoetrope fits together.
I tried to use a wire frame and solid surface to represent it clearly however I quickly realised that it only represented composition and not necessarily anything else. I then rearranged the blender model to see if this would give a clearer view. It definitely did and I think it represents the way the zoetrope is constructed well.
How would it be used
The cover would be removed so the person could add memories to the carousel in the centre of the zoetrope. The light is on, illuminating the images so the person using it can also look through previously added memories. This is an active part of the ritual designed for people to remember stories and record them.
When the cover is put back on the images inside rotate underneath creating beautiful light reflecting around the room. This is a reflective part of the ritual allowing the person grieving to reflect on the person they lost and the profound effect they had on their lives.
I was also important to me that the zoetrope could be used in different ways for different people - personalisation is key in this ritual and was important to me to not be prescriptive.
Privately - it could be kept in the home and lends itself to personalised ritual. For example you could add memories/reflect and/or use the zoetrope at a certain time each day.
Communally - It could be used at a memorial service for the family to gather memories from everyone they loved. You would have a beautiful collection of different stories and photos.
I love the idea that my zoetrope is so flexible. I really don't want to be prescriptive with the design, grief is so personal and I want to reflect that in both the uses for the zoetrope and the design itself. I want people to feel that they can grieve however they want to and the zoetrope will offer the vessel in which to do this.
Box
I wanted the packaging to not only reflect the zoetrope itself but also to have as little environmental impact as possible. As mentioned previously, the natural materials used in this project reflect the cycle of birth to death. All the materials can be absorbed back into the earth.
My initial idea was to have a the package wrapped in seed paper, meaning you can plant it in the garden and a tree or plants will grow. This also reflects the humanist tree memorials. The string around the parcel would also be biodegradable. I wanted the packaging to echo a present, paying homage to the presence the person you lost had in your life and celebrating that gift. Once unwrapped there would be a high quality biodegradable cardboard box, personalised in any way the person chooses. This could then be used as a memory box or recycled. Once open the wooden structure of the zoetrope, the glass memory holders and the paper to record memories on would be help in place with mushroom mycelium packaging.
My initial idea was to have a the package wrapped in seed paper, meaning you can plant it in the garden and a tree or plants will grow. This also reflects the humanist tree memorials. The string around the parcel would also be biodegradable. I wanted the packaging to echo a present, paying homage to the presence the person you lost had in your life and celebrating that gift. Once unwrapped there would be a high quality biodegradable cardboard box, personalised in any way the person chooses. This could then be used as a memory box or recycled. Once open the wooden structure of the zoetrope, the glass memory holders and the paper to record memories on would be help in place with mushroom mycelium packaging.
However, I realised that there was unnecessary materials involved and too many different ones at that. I then decided the box will be made from seed cardboard, meaning you either keep it and fill it with memories or you can plant it in the garden and a tree or plant will grow. This also reflects the humanist tree memorials but also gets rid of unnecessary material.
Once open the wooden structure of the zoetrope, the glass memory holders and the paper to record memories on would be help in place with the same seeded cardboard.
Every part of the packaging and zoetrope is recycled, biodegradable or plantable, giving multiple uses and creating no waste.
I was still experimenting with lighting at this point but I am pleased with my blender model. I think I have succeeded in making the packaging very simple and respectful of the zoetrope inside. When people receive this I want them to feel connected, both to the person they lost and to the earth. It reflects the idea that the packaging is not the most important part but it still helps you hold the memories of the person you lost which can live on either through the memories inside or the wildflowers planted.
The natural colours also echo the composition of the zoetrope and compliment the colours nicely. I have also embossed the name of the person lost on the lid, making it a personal item and honouring their lives.
Instructions
At this point I realised I also needed a simple introductory booklet to go in the box. I also considered a website however this project has been more about being in the moment and remembering your loved one, I don’t want to break this up with having to access a website.
The zoetrope is an analogue object, it wouldn’t feel right to have one part of it digital. It is about the tangible memories left behind and creating a ritual around these so I thought a booklet was the best way to go.
I was keen on having the same material as the box the zoetrope comes in. That way it can be planted when no
longer needed and doesn't look out of place in the box.
I really liked the idea of echoing the aesthetics of the zoetrope in the design. I think a good way to do this would be to replicate the slots in the case in a 2D way. The outer case would be darker, representing the darker wood of the zoetrope. The lighter booklet inside represents the light of the zoetrope shining through reminding you of the person you lost.
The information on the inside I want to be more like an IKEA guide than a heavy text booklet. I don't want people to have to spend a long time reading these, they should be designed as a quick start guide. Designed to be read a maximum of a couple of times.
I then planned out the booklet and did some illustrations to show how I want to represent the information. I want to use hand drawings rather than photographs as a nod to the research I have done previously on the importance of hand drawing and illustration. For example, Gary Andrews placed great importance on it and said it felt more personal, this was echoed by Sophie Calle's book Rachael, Monique. Therefore, as this project is about sensation and feeling, I want to evoke a feeling of closeness and comfort so hand drawing I think is the best way to do this.
I then mocked up a few pages to see how this would look. I kept all natural colours and the ink would be biodegradable. I really like the way this looks and the dimensions echo those of the zoetrope, being exactly 50% of the size of the cross section.
Name
I decided to go with the name Wheel of Life for the zoetrope. Not only does it represent the life inside the zoetrope but it is also a nod to the history of the zoetrope - in the 1800s it was originally called the Wheel of Life. The look back to the history of the zoetrope and the deceased person’s life reflects nicely the look to a future without their loved one the person using the zoetrope has while using it.
Video
I initially wanted to create a video using animation to explain the project. I wrote out a script, then shortened it dramatically the designed a storyboard.
I then started the animation.
I did a few slides in a handwriting style for the same reason as the booklets - it promotes closeness and comfort. However, after a couple of slides I realised that it all looked a bit... amateur. It seemed a little pointless doing this when I have my blender model and all of the work above. At this point I think the best way to show my designs would be through renders and a series of short animations showing different aspects of the project.
Summary
The Zoetrope is both a live ever changing archive as well as offering a ritual personal to whoever is using it. I am extremely pleased with the final outcome and I think it hits my three objectives:
Create Ritual - The ritual is designed to be personal - people grieve in different ways. The ritual could come from simply using the Wheel of Life with the cover on or adding memories to the glass panels. It can also be used alone or with family and friends, allowing people to either create a wheel of life based solely on their own memories or collecting other people's memories.
Give Light - The light illuminates the memories inside and when the case is placed over it the light shines through the slots representing the flickering of a candle, traditionally used in remembrance.
Hold memories - The detachable glass panels protect the memories and allows the person to revisit them and reflect on the life of the person lost. he box could also act as a memory box holding more memories or objects special to the person lost.
The process I went through in this project was the culmination of the last two years of my Masters. I learned some valuable lessons about process and development that I think I have used in this project, specifically the crazy eight design method. I went through extensive development and I think this helped me come up with a robust final outcome that not only successfully helps people create their ritual but also has feelings and sensation as the heart of this project. Testing was paramount and by making models, sketching and using 3D modelling software I was able to experiment with the design and eliminate ideas and work out which ones to carry forward.
Given more time I would like to create a real life model to experience it in reality and be able to confirm things such as weight and feel of material. I think one thing I could have done better is have time to develop a video. Although I didn't like the one I created, I think given more scope I could use blender to create a realistic animation explaining each part of the Wheel of Life and showing how it works. I also think if I could do this project again I would spend less time on some of the research, I need to continue learning how to cultivate my research and stop reading once I realise it's of no use to the project.
Not only did I really enjoy this project but I really feel it was my most successful project to date. I thought about the deeper meanings behind each individual aspect and used research and experimentation to inform form, meaning and sensation. Design isn't about objectivity, it is subjective, how people feel using the Wheel of Life is the measure of success. Feedback towards the end of this project showed there is an enthusiasm and interest in it which confirmed it was successful.
By keeping sensation and feelings at the centre of this project, I was able to delve deeper into the subject and avoid becoming surface level. I wanted people to create their own ritual to help process their own grief in their own way and I think I did this.
Whilst I know nothing can ever take away the pain of grief, I hope this project could help people process it in their own way and at their own time. Losing someone does not mean they are forgotten, we just have to keep coming up with innovative ways to remember the love we had for them and the profound impact they had on your life.
"Lovers are lost, love is not" - Dylan Thomas. [2]
References
[1] Bhatta, S. (2017). Sensory and Emotional Perception of Wooden Surfaces through Fingertip Touch. Frontiers in Psychology. 8(10), pp.p-1-21. [Online]. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00367/full [Accessed 26 November 2022].
[2] Thomas, D., 1971. The Poems of Dylan Thomas. 2nd Edition ed. New York: New Directions Publishing.
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