Product Deconstruction & Knolling

In the world of design, understanding a product goes beyond its appearance or function. It requires a deep dive into its materials, manufacturing processes, and internal components. This philosophy forms the backbone of the "Product Deconstruction" project, part of the Digital Modelling & Process module, where first-year design students were introduced to this essential skill.

The Importance of Deconstruction

Product deconstruction is a crucial tool for designers. It provides insights into how products are made, why certain materials are used, and the manufacturing techniques behind them. By dissecting a product, designers can better understand how to innovate and make informed choices in their own creations. This project was designed to instill these foundational skills, setting the stage for students’ future design endeavors.

The Project Scope

Students worked in groups, selecting a product for deconstruction and analysis. The journey began with identifying suitable products and narrowing them down to one for detailed exploration. The chosen product was then meticulously taken apart, with every component labelled, documented, and studied. This process included:

• Material Identification: Determining what materials each component was made of and the rationale behind these choices.

• Manufacturing Process Analysis: Understand, label and outline the production methods employed for each part.

• Component Labeling: Ensuring clarity in identifying each part and its role in the product’s functionality.

The Art of Knolling

To visually communicate their findings, students adopted the technique of knolling. This practice involves arranging disassembled components in an organised, grid-like layout, providing a clear and aesthetically pleasing way to showcase the product’s anatomy. Each group produced an A1-sized Knolling Graphic that documented their analysis and highlighted the visual appeal of the deconstruction process.

Deliverables and Key Milestones

The project was structured across several key phases:

1. Product Selection and Initial Research: Groups selected 2-3 potential products, discussed options with the lecturer, and finalized their choice.

2. Disassembly and Documentation: The chosen product was dismantled, with components carefully stored and labeled. Initial lists of materials and manufacturing processes were drafted.

3. Graphic Development: Using edited photos with clean backgrounds, students created their knolling layouts, ensuring clarity and visual appeal.

4. Final Presentation: The culmination of the project was the submission of an A1 Knolling Graphic, mounted for display, and a group submission on Blackboard.

   
   

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

This project aimed to fulfill two primary learning objectives:

1. Understanding Production Processes: Students gained firsthand experience with major manufacturing methods and their relationship to material choices and design intent.

2. Analyzing Existing Products: The ability to deconstruct and analyze a product provided students with insights that could inform their future designs, particularly in material and manufacturing selection.

   
   

Reflection on the Process

The "Product Deconstruction" project was more than an exercise in disassembly. It was a hands-on learning experience that bridged theory and practice, allowing students to engage deeply with the design and manufacturing processes. The visually striking knolling graphics showcased not only the components of the products but also the students’ growing understanding of design principles.

By the end of the project, students were equipped with a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of product design and a set of analytical tools that will serve them throughout their careers. This foundational knowledge is a stepping stone to innovative thinking and informed decision-making in design.