made by matt

Collaborative Instrument

2010-08-18T14:46:00.000+01:00

Collaborative Instrument Sketch

2010-08-16T23:53:00.002+01:00

Finger Trainer

2010-08-15T21:57:00.004+01:00

OK, so it's been a long time since I've last posted something. Here is the beginning of a catchup on what I've been up to for the past few months.

This is one of my final objects that I have completed foe my degree. I is a finger trainer that repeatedly moves the fingers to play Telemans Sonata in D minor for the alto recorder. It is intended to be one in a series of objects that allows a user to attain one small success in their pursuit for perfection. Of course the user will not be able to play this piece of music from using the finger trainer alone but it aids them in learning the motion of the fingering, something that can be done when not necessarily rehearsing but in instances such as watching TV or possibly even while asleep.

This is the first prototype that started the development of the finger trainer.

Curious Show Catalogue

2010-08-15T21:48:00.001+01:00

Here are some images of the Goldsmiths BA Design show catalogue Sam and myself designed.

Pitch controller

2010-04-14T18:23:00.000+01:00

Here are images of what I hope is the final prototype for the pitch controller of my collaborative instrument.

New Website

2010-04-11T23:38:00.006+01:00

Finally I have a website, hopefully my work can now be documented a little clearer rather than by this blog.
The site is built using indexhibit as I have pretty limited coding skills but hopefully it will gradually become
more sophisticated as I learn.

Visit it at www.mattwestdesign.com

Slow Revolution (Book Design)

2010-04-11T17:04:00.001+01:00

Here are some images of a book I recently designed for artists Sean Kaye & Jenny West to accompany their current exhibition in Leeds, 'Slow Revolution'.

The Slapper Begins

2010-04-07T18:43:00.000+01:00

Collaborative InstrumentA

2010-03-24T18:29:00.007Z

Collaborative Instrument from Matt West on Vimeo.

InstrumentA

2010-03-21T14:12:00.005Z

Collaborative InstrumentA (in progress) from Matt West on Vimeo.

Continuing from my previous collaborative instrument I am attempting to design a new instrument that requires two people to be played: one person to control the pitch and the other to control the rhythm.

Rather than attempting to engineer together mechanisms and parts of existing instruments, such as a keyboard, I'm using simple electronics to divide the two basic functions mentioned above. Then I'll design the casing, intending to extend the division of the two functions and experiment with how both musicians communicate with one another.

Collaborative Instrument [in progress]

2010-03-05T18:26:00.000Z

At the moment I'm trying to make an instrument that depends on a collaboration between two individuals. For this machine I want one person to control the rhythm and the other to control the notes. For this instrument to be played successfully the two musicians will need to constantly communicate or rehearse together until they know the piece of music and each other perfectly.

Single Note

2010-03-04T22:41:00.011Z

Single Note from Matt West on Vimeo.

The Perfect Pankcake Flip

2010-03-01T22:28:00.002Z

The Perfect Pancake Flip from Matt West on Vimeo.

Theatrical Pancake Flips

2010-02-25T00:19:00.001Z

Theatrical Pancake Flips from Matt West on Vimeo.

The Perfect Circle Competition

2010-02-14T11:35:00.000Z

Perfection Machine #3 - The Perfect Circle Competition from Matt West on Vimeo.

Bike Crash Memory

2010-02-10T18:38:00.002Z

Bike crash memory from Matt West on Vimeo.

Perfection Machine #3 - The Perfect Circle

2010-02-09T19:24:00.001Z

The Perfect circle machine aims to train the users hand to draw a perfect circle through continuous repetitive motion so that when the machine is lifted away the user will be able to draw the perfect circle without an aid.

Perfection Machine #1 - The Duet

2010-02-05T17:23:00.001Z

Perfection Machine #1 - The Duet from Matt West on Vimeo.

With this machine two people sit, facing each other, with their fingers tied together. One person can play the instrument and the other is a complete novice. Their fingers are tied in such a way that when the pianist presses a key the novices fingers are simultaneously pulled to play the same key.

Exploration #28: Blind Observation

2010-02-05T13:17:00.000Z

1. Smooth, rounded edges, flexible but only between joints, made of parts, there is a smooth narrow metal rod sticking out and a circular base.

2. Flexible material (probably plastic), there are two joints, solid bits that feel like glass, its ery smooth except for two grill like ridges.

3. Absolutely spherical except for a little dimple sticking out, slightly flexible, when pressed it pops in and out.

4. Cylindrical with base but open top, slightly conical, thin/flexible but tough material, ribbed aroung the tube.

5. Solid shape, 2/3 of it is very smooth, cylindrical with a rounded end, gets slightly bigger towards the rounded end, the other end is ribbed and a narrower tube, thread coming out it with a bendy paper like tad on the end

Perfection Machine #2 - Keyboard Trainer (in progress)

2010-02-04T18:22:00.003Z

Here are the results so far of my time spent working over the past couple of days on a finger training device for playing the piano. I'm wondering what it would happen if a person with no musical knowledge used a machine that trained their fingers repeatedly to play a pattern from a piece of music. Would they eventually be able to play a piece without really knowing how? Also, could a device like this be used for musicians to rehearse when they are not at the piano. The machine would probably have to be programmed electronically so more complex pieces of music could be processed. It could be used by pianists when away from the piano; while watching TV, reading a book, or even during sleep.

Exploration #6

2010-01-29T19:54:00.000Z

Exploration #1

2010-01-28T16:29:00.000Z

1. Masking tape marking the floor, dividing the room in two.

2. Scalpel sticking out of my wall divide.

3. The room is full of old newspapers, journals, magazines, booklets etc...

4. A decapitated toy soldier on the window ledge.

5. Paper spectacles with pyramidic paper shapes over the lenses (window ledge).

6. A huge number of wall drawings!

7. A huge amount of tape stuck to the ceiling with nothing stuck to it!

8. A plain grey T-shirt on a hanger hooked to a screw on the wall.

9. Bulldog clips everywhere.

10. Mugs & cups galore!

The Pursuit of Perfection (Contextual Report)

2010-01-27T14:31:00.002Z

Over the past month or so I have been writing this contextual report titled The Pursuit of Perfection to add depth to my design project (on the topic) and to attempt to understand the paths a number of people take on their own search for perfection.

Domestic Perfection: Steak

2010-01-10T14:08:00.004Z

*Words will come soon*

Object Fiction Document

2009-12-06T16:26:00.003Z

Film Document

2009-12-06T12:47:00.003Z

4960 briefs Document

2009-12-06T12:41:00.002Z

Recorder Made Easy

2009-12-02T14:46:00.001Z

Recorder Made Easy from Matt West on Vimeo.

This is the final version of my short video "Recoerder Made Easy"

Making "Recorder Made Easy"

2009-11-29T19:35:00.003Z

Here's some images I took while making my short video "Recorder Made Easy". I'll put the finished version on the blog soon.

Recorder collection

2009-11-29T15:43:00.000Z

Here's my recorder collection. I haven't played properly for ages and since starting the recorder video last week I desperately wanted to play again. I'd forgotten how beautiful these are just as objects.

Recorder Made Easy (First Draft)

2009-11-26T01:06:00.005Z

Here is //WAS// a draft of a video that needs to be finished by Friday. I'm really not happy with it yet so hopefully a nights sleep will make things better

The idea behind the film is to play with the simplicity of a task that may require skill. I've broken down a piece of recorder music into single notes and altered a recorder so it has notes that are already created. The performer can't touch the recorder but only blow through it, playing only one note. I've recorded these single notes, then edited them together to make a piece of music.

If all goes wrong I have an idea for a film about a cheese grater.

Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeecorder

2009-11-24T19:40:00.003Z

Whisk + Recorder + Simon

2009-11-16T18:30:00.004Z

Whisk + Recorder + Simon from Matt West on Vimeo.

Poundshop

2009-11-15T01:25:00.000Z

So we've been instructed to buy some things from a poundshop for next weeks workshop. Not sure what we're going to do with the objects so am just buying things that instantly tickle my fancy. Its actually pretty liberating to have an excuse to go indulge on useless things you don't need or really want, yet have an impulse to buy. I think I'm going to get more objects than I need because I'm sure in a day or two I'll realise how stupid half of what I've bought really is.

Today

2009-11-15T01:10:00.000Z

Well today has felt like a lazy day with not much productivity happening. Most of my time I spent shopping and watching tv, but I did get round to making a couple little blueberry tartlets. They're really satisfying to make (and eat) so I might make a few of them for the Design Cafe this week.

James Bond in the studio

2009-11-12T20:46:00.000Z

We're getting into the habit of watching a film a week in the studio, this week was the turn of James Bond.

keyboardkeyboard

2009-11-10T17:04:00.002Z

//made by chris//

30 seconds Vs. 29 hours

2009-11-08T20:50:00.000Z

Domestic Perfection: Hamburgers

2009-11-08T19:58:00.003Z

Although I thoroughly enjoyed making and eating them, these certainly weren't perfect hamburgers. The only thing missing from Blumenthals ingredient list was the 16g of sodium citrate, which I couldn't find in any of the pharmacies and chemists visited (except in the form of lemon flavored cystitis tablets), and I doubt this made much of a difference to the outcome. Mistakes were made in the final stages of the recipe; exact amounts of ingredients weren't used in the last ten steps, the wrong type of frying pan was used and I slightly burnt half of the burger buns under the grill at the last moment. Apart from the frying pan these mistakes were due to the pressure of having a lot to do in a short time. This is the point where skill and experience is needed. A complete amateur, like myself, can quite easily complete the majority of the recipe because of the extreme detail of the instructions and ingredients, even though they are complex. But as soon as there was any suggestion of pressure and fast paced accuracy I failed completely and needed extra help (kindly given by Ben and Simon).

The point of doing this was not an act of the ego. This was the part I disliked the most; going to various butchers and shops, asking for strange amounts of and unusual ingredients, and receiving skeptical looks and questions in return. Instead, the point was to experience the attempt for perfection in what may be an everyday act and to see whether skill is needed. This is not an outcome or full-stop, but a starting point and experiment to help guide my work. Through the experiment I shall have an analysis of the experience and more of an opinion on what it means to do something everyday in regards of time and money spent, necessity and the social.

good idea or bad idea?

2009-11-05T23:47:00.000Z

The worlds cutest firework. (didn't really work though).

Thanks Simon.

Drawing Book

2009-11-03T17:48:00.003Z

Briefing Document

2009-11-01T16:55:00.000Z

Using memory, Using judgment

2009-10-23T21:26:00.009+01:00

To investigate skill and perfection in everyday routines and activities I am experimenting with memory and judgment, in this case the routine is cooking. I recorded myself making a artichoke risotto with no recipe. I have made risottos before (but not this specific one) and usually rely on the ingredients and amounts from a recipe.

In gathering information this may not as been as successful as it could have been because I have made risottos before, its quite a basic thing to make (its easy to alter during making to how it should be), and although it may be for some, cooking is not a skill that I think I have particularly lost due to technologies or trend.

To push this test further I need to use this idea of investigation to other everyday activities, use people other than myself in these tests (both who think they are skilled in particular tasks and those who think they are not)

Judgement Vs. Precision

2009-10-21T16:31:00.008+01:00

These images show documentation of an experiment comparing judgment against precision. I followed the same recipe for a fig tart twice, the first time by only using limited equipment (no weighing scales, food processors or timings) and the second time by following the recipe exactly (using all appliances exactly as instructed). This is documented by the left hand page showing judgment and the right hand page showing precision.

I wanted to find out whether domestic technologies inhibit skill. I thought that if I didn't rely on any equipment and purely on my judgment then I would produce a less successful tart than if I had used the equipment I'm used to and depended on the recipe exactly. It turned out that both outcomes were very similar in quantity, appearance and taste, and by following the timings exactly one tart was slightly overcooked (meaning that judgment won!).

Another experiment may work better if it is a domestic or everyday task (unaided by the normal technologies) that requires some degree of skill to create a outcome at a certain standard of perfection. One that I am not used to.

Perfection

2009-10-20T20:27:00.003+01:00

I was given a great cook book one Christmas by Heston Blumenthal called Perfection. In total is has 8 recipes, each meticulously researched and put together. The lists of specialist equipment, vast ranges of ingredients and intricate preparation details are amazing to read by themselves, as well as extremely daunting.

The recipe for the perfect burger has 6 pages packed full of ingredients and precise instructions. But, is this amount of detail really needed? Would you be able to taste the difference between a normal home made burger to this one? Why is there a desire to make something so perfect? What would happen if part of the instructions were ignored and the cook let instinct take over? Would this be possible to make without the standard kitchen technologies i.e. food mixer, measuring jug, weighing scales? Let alone the special equipment needed i.e. digital probe and meat grinder?

I'd like to explore the desire for perfection in the everyday, the dependencies new technologies impose and the impact this has on independence and creativity.

Mind Melt

2009-10-18T17:41:00.001+01:00

This is quite an accurate representation of how I felt by the end of Friday.

Auto-Tune = Auto-Smack

2009-10-15T23:55:00.002+01:00

Typo Punishment

2009-10-15T17:02:00.004+01:00

Mouse Trap

2009-10-15T09:02:00.005+01:00

Mouse Trap from Matt West on Vimeo.

This is a short film showing the Mouse Trap in action.

Beer Goggles 2

2009-10-14T19:18:00.002+01:00

Beer Goggles

2009-10-14T19:10:00.003+01:00

Mouse Trap

2009-10-13T18:10:00.007+01:00

Alongside the keyboard, the mouse is one of the primary inputs into a computer, it bridges the point of physical movement and transforms it to something digital.

While using design software such as Illustrator I have found myself becoming more and more annoyed by the fact that I can create a drawing on a computer to a higher degree of skill than I can through a pencil and piece of paper. The computer purposefully makes the process easier, there is a "snap to place" tool that means physical inaccuracies are corrected automatically, there are also corrective tools such as "redo" and the "eraser", which at times have been life savers, but destroy the care, precision and skill I put into working as I know I have these life lines at hand.

If the computer had some way of disciplining the user, forcing them not to take easy options for granted, then the time and effort put into an activity would be heightened. If there was a visible deterrent for making mistakes then the effort put into learning how to skillfully complete a task, or even the amount of tasks attempted manually, would increase.

When manual errors are made directly through the mouse (such as while drawing in illustrator) then there could be a physical punishment. Maybe a guillotine is a touch severe, but it serves as an example quite nicely.

Typo Terror

2009-10-12T13:21:00.002+01:00

Technology is helping diminish essential and traditional skills. Microwaves allow us to avoid learning how to cook properly. Auto-tune means professional singers don't even have to be able to sing in tune (either live or in the recording studio). Spell check, something that has affected me through my education, means that basic grammar and spelling skills become unnecessary as the computer can do it for you. Unfortunately when technology is unavailable this lack of skill becomes exposed and creates problems.

Could technology be manipulated so it physically helps the user to develop real skills? This would probably only work if the user is unable to disable the technology discipline.

I could create physical punishments when mistakes are made, such as spikes popping out of the keys of a keyboard when typos are made. (i.e. in the crude image above)

26 Notes

2009-10-09T22:23:00.005+01:00

After writing 90 design related post-it notes and sticking them on the wall in categories with everyone else, I had quite a few left over. Most of what was written didn't fit into groups and seemed like little 'notes to self'. I thought it would be a waste just to throw these ideas and thoughts away so I decided to make a small book with them in. Hope it doesn't come across all pretentious, its really just a little booklet to refer to when I get stuck while attempting to design something mega-good.

Is this ugly?

2009-10-09T11:48:00.005+01:00

Ugliness is a subjective thing, it changes with fashions, it changes with time, it changes with personal taste. Such as the example above beauty may be rooted in someones beliefs. To one person (i.e. Simon) a scarf made from a dead fox may be attractive but to others it is ugly. Part of the reason why the scarf is ugly is not because of aesthetics but because of morals: the belief that an animal shouldn't be killed for any other reason than its fur.

Could a project be made out of the morals of beauty?

Public Toilet habits

2009-10-08T15:26:00.003+01:00

I'm pretty sure every guy remembers the pissing competitions from early school days where friends would battle it out to see who could get their wee to reach highest on the trough/wall. Back then there was absolutely no desire to urinate in the street and why would there be when weeing could be so much fun in the normal school toilets.

If activities and games were common place in public toilets would people be encouraged to use them rather than be lazy and find pleasure by urinating in public.

Peeing in public

2009-10-08T13:50:00.005+01:00

While researching peoples guilty/unacceptable pleasures I found a lot people (mainly men) enjoy urinating in places where it is forbidden. Usually this is because of intoxication and sometimes pure necessity. There seems to be something liberating and slightly rebellious about the act that makes it satisfying. Unfortunately for those who enjoy peeing in public, the act is seen as anti-social and is illegal. This is understandable because of the implications it may have on others and for the sanitation of the street.

By telling people that they are able to urinate in certain public places it may cause a rise in people who do.

Above are images of my poster saying "this is a public toilet". This morning I passed a guy shamelessly having a wee against this wall while a bus full of people was stopped next to him and pedestrians walked past. Every time I see someone having a wee in public I'll place this poster where they were, hopefully this will humiliate the public pisser, with the knowledge that they have been noticed and commented on. But then again this might make urinating in public all the more pleasurable.

Confession

2009-10-08T13:38:00.002+01:00

There are many unaccepted pleasures that some of us secretly share. People like to steal, not because of need but because of the thrill and risk of being caught.

If confessions are placed at the site where unaccepted pleasures occur (such as the thrill of stealing) do peoples desires change? If you know other people enjoy this secret pleasure does it have less appeal? Will a community of guilty pleasure seekers arise after desires are made public and shared?

(left-over) Lemon Tart

2009-10-03T17:10:00.004+01:00

I've never really been very good at making desserts, so I thought I'd have a bit of a practice by having a go at one of my favourite puds... lemon tart. I followed the recipe, which was really simple, and ended up with enough pastry and filling for two tarts. Here is a pic of my second tart, it looks a tad burnt but thankfully I'm a fan of a bit of burn. The problem is that I've already got one tart to eat so I don't really know what to do with this one... might share it out on Monday.

Focaccia Farcita

2009-10-03T17:03:00.003+01:00

Well Mr Barker, it looks as though you made some delicious food yesterday, those images made my mouth water so much that I thought I would follow your lead and spend my evening cooking.

Here's some lovely mozzarella, Gorganzola and basil stuffed focaccia. Its going down fast.

[re]design stand finished!

2009-09-24T13:44:00.002+01:00

We just about finished setting up the [re]design stand at 100% design last night. The giant cardbox is looking great complete with graphics, screens and interactive climbing wall. It definately stands out from the rest!

a random dispersal of dust (mutely understood)

2009-09-22T00:25:00.008+01:00

This weekend Jenny West (mum) and Sean Kaye are launching their book at the London Artists Book Fair, Whitechapel Art Gallery. They have taken Borges' short story, 'The Library of Babel', and written a version of its opposite. Its a really interesting read and has been beautifully hand typset and printed.

Read more about it here.

[re]design setting up at 100% design

2009-09-22T00:04:00.006+01:00

Two days in and I have cut a lot of card + 1 bit of finger.

We're half way there to making a giant cardboard box for [re]designs' stand "Doing it for the kids". Just a bit more cutting, sticking, drawing and painting to go!

Croissant

2009-07-13T18:52:00.004+01:00

Here's yet some more food I've been making. This blog is becoming some kind of diet diary. These took ages and ages to make but the results are good. Yum

Cappelletti

2009-07-12T18:52:00.002+01:00

This is my second try at making pasta, after my first failed miserably a couple of months ago. I was watching Masterchef which, apart from those two men with funny accents shouting at me about "BIG FLAVOURS" and how "COOKING DOESN'T GET MUCH TOUGHER THAN THIS", I think is a good show. It inspired me to make some Cappelletti (a fancy looking ravioli), and apart from not rolling the pasta out quite thin enough it worked out pretty well.

Bagels

2009-07-11T18:07:00.000+01:00

Over the past week or so I've found myself become addicted to baking and cooking. I find the whole thing really satisfying. Here are the results of my attempt at making Bagels. I think they were nice, well my dad liked them... he said I have Jewish fingers. (is that weird?)

Brioche

2009-07-10T16:25:00.007+01:00

I'm back at home for a few weeks away from lovely London friends and my bandmates & girlfriend, who have separately gone travelling around Europe. So feeling a tad lonely, I'm trying keep myself busy (between placements and such).

As you can see in the pic below my bedroom/mums studio is a jungle of kitchen stuff that she likes to draw and make arty things with, none of which are generally used for any cooking. So I thought I should put some of the equipment to use. Here is my first attempt at baking Brioche.

p.s. It wasn't that nice

MC Badges

2009-05-25T11:58:00.002+01:00

Continuing the logo thing, here are a couple of badges for Green Man Says Go. I'm feeling a name change coming on for the band so all these little bits & bobs I've been producing may have been a bit of a waste of time.

Park Hill

2009-05-20T21:42:00.009+01:00

Sheffield seems to have a Love/Hate relationship with Park Hill, a Corbusier inspired piece of concrete architecture overlooking Sheffield. Its undergoing a slow transformation into trendy apartments but at the moment is half derelict and half shell.

As research for a project in which I am developing ideas for moving image installations for a event that will take place at Park Hill I took these photos.

Salvaged Seat

2009-05-16T18:43:00.009+01:00

so lo fi

2009-05-11T15:23:00.001+01:00

CMYK Covers

2009-04-25T14:16:00.003+01:00

Here are the covers for GMSG's new demo.

Tracks;
1. Strike Up The Band
2. It Is What It Is
3. Run Away

Frank

2009-04-22T21:17:00.010+01:00

As part of a branding project with Jefferson Sheard Architects I helped develop the character Frank. Here are some photos of happy people/possible Franks wearing "Frank" and "I'm with Frank" t-shirts.

Portfolio

2009-03-29T18:40:00.009+01:00

GMSG

2009-03-12T19:42:00.002Z

The logo I designed for my band screen printed for t-shirts.

200 covers

2009-03-11T12:07:00.003Z

200 Covers is a challenge I set myself to produce 200 different variations of cover artwork for my bands single we had pressed on 7” vinyl.

Anti-Jogger explanation

2009-01-26T09:17:00.003Z

In and around Regents Park, London, I found the anti-social. The area is infested with joggers. Joggers that impose their undignified, pretentious and self-righteous parade of fitness that aspires to false ideas of physical perfection.

Creating the character George J Shait (an anagram of I hate joggers) has given me the freedom to explore varied and sometimes extreme perspectives about aspects of society in which I live. In addition to this, the conversations between George and other characters within different roles in society, has allowed me to constantly question my views (hypothetical and real) from ethical, practical and political angles.

I have developed from my anti-social document (an Anti-Joggers Handbook that contained a manifesto, views on the intellectual jogger and guerrilla methods for other Anti-Joggers to adopt) by continuing a blog written by George (www.ihatejoggers@blogspot.com) and furthering conversation with George as shown in the letters displayed. This project has given me the first step in shaping my ethical views as a designer by analyzing a single act.

CV

2009-01-19T12:13:00.000Z

The Anti-Joggers Handbook

2008-12-05T16:36:00.002Z

George J Shait: On Joggers

2008-11-25T16:36:00.001Z

As part of my project titled the Anti-Social, I am designing against the joggers that have infested the Regents Park area. My design involves the creation of a character, George J Shait, whom is constantly critiquing the jogging culture and the society that spawned it. George is going share his views, malicious actions and cruel pursuits through his blog;

http://ihatejoggers.blogspot.com

The aim is for me to observe and critique a specific part of my surrounding world and design interventions in it.

Joggers = Anti-Social

2008-11-24T17:44:00.000Z

Rhizome - Design a Super Hero

2008-11-22T15:47:00.001Z

In a group of nine people our brief was to design a superhero, his origin story, his nemesis and the universe in which he lives. After creating all these things we were to act as super fans supporting this new hero in opposition to 10 other new heros at a superhero convention.

As well as being a fun project this was aimed for us to critique society and find problems that our super-heros can fight against.

Our hero, called Rhizome, battles against Kernel Beatdown; an 80's obsessed corporate boss, who is trying to buy internet space so anyone who wants to access any website will have to pay him. Rhizome, a super-nerd who from a childhood accident can access the internet wirelessly straight from his brain, is being effected by Beatdown and so for personal reasons and to help society is at war against him.

Above are pictures of us as Rhizome nerds. The Right hand picture shows Kernel Beatdown and Rhizome.

Dealing with Death

2008-11-21T20:40:00.001Z

Death is a subject that needs to be dealt with carefully as it is one of the last remaining taboos in western society and unfortunately because of this is an area left alone by designers. I looked into the huge subject area of death to design for and after research decided to concentrate on the act of mourning. In our western society the mourner is separated from their deceased loved ones far too soon. Immediately after death the body is dealt with by death professionals, by this I mean doctors, mortitioners and funeral organisations, and then either buried of cremated. This seperation can cause the mourner to become disconnected with the death and although this does not hinder grieving too much, it does hinder the mourner fully handling and understanding their loss.

My design attempts to tackle this problem. I have designed an urn that aids the mourner by controlling the dispersion of their loved ones ashes. There is one larger urn that all the ashes are originally put in and this, when the mourner wishes, passes an equal amount of the ashes into the smaller urn that is carried by the mourner and dispersed from. Because a set amount of ashes can be released at any one time the mourner can scatter their loved ones ashes over various sites that have personal value. This prevents the mourner scattering the ashes immediately and feeling like they've lost their loved ones forever but creates a system to aid the mourning. Equally, because the design itself encourages the controlled scattering of ashes the mourner feels compelled to release the ashes rather than keep them in an urn on the mantle piece and never to fully recover from their loss.

Love Love Love, Me Me Me

2008-11-20T19:17:00.001Z

These are completely egotistic postcards showing what I (from left to right) hate to love, love to hate and love to love.

First up, what I hate to love is sleeping, or more specifically snoozing. This is a totally self indulgent act that I cannot help but love, though I know there are many things of more importance that I should be doing.

Bad fashion is something that I love to hate, and I hope not in a snobbish way. It just makes me smile when people wear silly clothes, especially when they think they look the bees knees.

Music, friendship and cheese (I'll extend this one to food in general) are my three loves that make my life worth living and are deservedly the things I love to love.

Merry Christmas

2008-11-19T21:51:00.001Z

In this series of christmas cards each contains a simple recognisable christmas symbol such as a cracker, tree or stocking and each is printed in a single colour; red, green or yellow.

CD & Vinyl Artwork

2008-11-19T21:34:00.001Z

This pair of CD and 7" vinyl sleeves are designed to not distract attention from what they contain. They are attempting not to give anything away about the music within. The clean lines, subtle colours and a simple typeface may even contradict the music contained. They make a needed change to the attention grabbing trend of music artwork of the moment.

Designed for the band Green Man Says Go.

Learning to Read (December 2007)

2008-09-28T21:43:00.004+01:00

'Learning to Read' is the outcome of a project brief titled Super Ordinary. The first step of this project was to define ordinary and then super ordinary. My definitions are as follows;

"Ordinary: an object or action that is common to and forms part of an individuals routine"

"Super Ordinary: an object or action that has one or more key characteristic manipulated to an extreme degree. this characteristic can be part of the function, form or situation."

These original definitions spurred questions - what action/object do I design for? what characteristic(s) should be changed? - that led the process of the project. The action that I decided to design for was reading and the subject of this design was myself. I have a difficulty with the ordinary day t0 day action of reading, I especially have trouble with staying focussed on a text. The longer it is the more difficult it becomes, my mind starts to wonder, my imagination starts to play and my eyes follow the text without my brain comprehending what is being read. The solution of this is to design a book (the object) that aids my (the individual/user) ability to read (the action).

This led me to tailor the definition of Super Ordinary to suit my needs;

"Super Ordinary: an object that has something specifically manipulated to suit the needs of an individual."

The two alterations that I was to make to the standard book

design had to involve a visual change in the text and an alteration in the tactility of the book cover. The aim of the changes was to break the visual monotony of line after line of the same font, the same colour, the same size text and the same background to each page; all of which fail to hold my attention. Also, the change in tactility of book cover, possibly discomfort, could be used to grab my attention; the more I stir and fidget with lack of concentration the more discomfort I would feel, the book could discipline me.

After many tests of materials and text alterations such as a cover pierced with pins and text alternating in colours with definitions added where needed I designed a book cover made from course sand paper with a small amount of text on each page, each line of text alternates in colour.

matt west design