this is a project i created for the MAKElab product design competition last month. the purpose of the contest was to create a gift object for the dean of our school to present to the many dignitaries she meets. entries also had to include a detailed production budget and process. my idea didn’t win, but it received some positive feedback. i will definitely be re-working and re-submitting this next time. more flicks and info after the jump.

the final board

The “Paper Ducky” is first and foremost intended to be a memorable embodiment of AAA values. The goal of any design program is to improve quality of life, and the same can be said of this gift object. While it’s presented as a constructive, creative exercise in stress relief, the gift could be just as effective if the recipient spends quality time assembling it with his/her children. The materials and production process have been chosen to represent the sustainable agenda of our school. Recyclable and raw, nothing quite says “University of Oregon design” like a multi-faceted chipboard duck.

The production is simple: laser-cuts and screen-printing. To reduce overhead, the gift only needs instruments that the school already owns. The entire production run could be completed by two people in one day.

the final folded shape