http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/home daily 0.75 2018-11-04 http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/coverflow daily 1.0 2020-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394325213466-P05NOU8ITY3BRH6F9IYN/Portfolio+Landing+clear.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394325213466-P05NOU8ITY3BRH6F9IYN/Portfolio+Landing+clear.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394062553750-GIUTPDVS9PFJ35MXJ914/Rensselaer+Alumni+Magazine+-+Winter+2011-12+%5B26+-+27%5D.jpg Home - Rensselaer Alumni Magazine Winter 2011-12 Myself giving a summary of my design plans to my class in PDI Studio I and my Professor, Burt Swersey, for whom I would later be a TA. The multi-page feature examined PDI as a new model of education, and it's influence on the culture of RPI. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394057314409-3M2FS3UJ2SZ4KFE6X9E1/Stove+group.jpg Home - Char Cube Group Our team for the Char Cube stove, myself in red. The result of a 10-week study of cultural practices and engineering design, the Char Cube was designed to address the epidemic of carbon monoxide poisoning and wood consumption in Sri Lanka and other developing nations. (Click on 'Portfolio' for full details) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394062479086-CS7SQ3P3HFQJZJ4P96NL/Class+on+the+Hill.jpg Home - Class on the Hill A shot of our PDI Studio VI class having our 3-hour session outdoors on the side of the wooded hill overlooking Troy, NY. A good portion of our classes are spent in communications-intensive analytical discussions on design and social-science related readings, the involved debate of which is led by students within the class with the supervision of our Professor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394062575297-XGIINL0M88NDBKPVOU8C/Dinner+Dean+PDI.jpg Home - End-of-Year Dinner To celebrate the end of a successful semester of Studio, and what was for many students the last semester of their design education, our entire class went out to dinner with our Professor and PDI head, Dean Nieusma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394062462277-ZYNS2J85BJM4RY4O2CN6/IMG_2188.JPG Home - Troy in the Winter A view over the City of Troy, my home away from home. http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/iqube daily 0.75 2015-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394061818835-ISQ11WVCC9ZBCN1E6K12/cube+pictures.001.jpg IQube - IQube A fun and tactile puzzle-solving platform. Educational benefits of the Rubik's cube reimagined for the digital age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394061818835-ISQ11WVCC9ZBCN1E6K12/cube+pictures.001.jpg IQube - IQube A fun and tactile puzzle-solving platform. Educational benefits of the Rubik's cube reimagined for the digital age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394409920403-O60Z8NDCDF348WXNB7G4/DSC_0029.JPG IQube - User Feedback Study During the design process for what would become IQube, our class repeatedly visited the Ark Charter School in downtown Troy. On our first visit, shown here, I interviewed five students over the course of an hour about their out-of-school environments and habits, favorite subjects & media, most interesting subject/ part of school. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1393897484475-5B7DU8K7PF186SI6FOTW/DSC_0031.JPG IQube - Response Device On the same day, we tested a response device intended to give information about student collaboration styles, their preferences in engagement/interactions, and their responses to puzzles. This was done with a bi-color puzzle. Using 3D glasses, two students were required to work together in order to assemble two different jigsaw puzzles, one only visible through a blue filter, and the other through red, superimposed on the same set of pieces. The feedback guided us towards our first prototype, shown on the next slide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1393878572411-HF9CMWZWARDU48UKAWIE/DSC_0438.JPG IQube - Cardboard Prototype In order to test the viability of our first concept, we devised a simple cardboard prototype in tandem with a web app to gauge our test group's reception to our idea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1393878572946-DFW69UKLLKJX58EFV731/DSC_0439.JPG IQube - Prototype I cut apart a couple of banker's boxes and added some air cushion packaging to house an iPhone for our web app. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1393878575070-UBS27E6LRM33O7C788NK/DSC_0440.JPG IQube - Cardboard Prototype The iPhone was held in with cardboard supports and air packaging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1393878575450-IG2T32QVE0KVIG8JS42M/DSC_0441.JPG IQube - Cardboard Prototype Alternate view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1393878579502-VMT2OSJN2IVZFD6YVSFX/DSC_0444.JPG IQube - Cardboard Prototype The iPhone screen was exposed through this hole, and the students were able to interact with the webapp shown in the following photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1393898951660-PKLZYP2JK30Y25J0L4X9/IMG_2181.PNG IQube - WebApp Screenshot A sample question from our response device WebApp, there were 10 questions in all, with correct answers being selected by tilting the cube towards the correct screen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1393879400986-CH26852W0R7FCQRFRQ5D/IMG_2195.PNG IQube - IQube WebApp Alternate view of IQube response device WebApp, showing the behind-the-scenes 3D structure of each question in-browser. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1395189926992-AHQ8QQ8C0A1TTLWQR0V6/IMG_1625.jpg IQube - Clay Model In order to determine how the final product should work, I next tried out several rough scale models in clay. After this rough model, the features were refined and readied for CAD. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394160882948-JFF0PXIJAX4N1LJEK4HM/cube+cad.jpg IQube - IQube Final Model After hearing feedback from our prototype and following several design revisions, we settled on the form that I developed, shown here. The design incorporated an ergonomic exterior of a soft-touch polyamide in a size that is easy to grasp. The interior includes features dimensioned for mounting brackets and hardware. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394161204380-43S4AB3YB82E9F7UD3CQ/cube+pictures.003.jpg IQube - 3D Model Interior The 3D print arrived from Belgium with lower definition than specified, though thankfully I had overtoleranced the cube's enclosure to make sure that each component fit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394234351657-CNY9U5R8O519WJD2X8I5/IMG_1797.jpg IQube - Component Prep The cube's LED displays arrived and were soldered together with color-coded wire extensions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394234317515-0XIH3OOJVWI5E40F5CBM/IMG_1793.JPG IQube - Test Wiring Using my trusty Arduino, I next tested each display to ensure it was working correctly, and ran some simple animations on them from my computer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394161210669-VUZ74VRP6AZ0PXWW0P65/cube+pictures.004.jpg IQube - Hardware Assembly Next I fitted the LED displays inside the cube housing, running off of standard SDA connections. Since the cube enclosure was made to be compact, the wiring was somewhat difficult in the less than 4 in^3 space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394234332111-DIPDQ8A6MSLHKDHFWHBB/IMG_1794.jpg IQube - IQube Assembled Just a few steps from being complete, at this point all the screens and sensors were installed inside the cube, leaving only the speaker and processor wiring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394234361369-H93GW5ORAXBOMOO3LJ9K/IMG_1799.jpg IQube - Completion Finally together, the IQube can be seen here during the end of its boot sequence. The battery life of our first generation device was somewhat short due to the space constraints of the cube and the large number of components we had running at a given time, but that can be improved. At our final day with our Ark students, many of them asked, "When can I have one!?" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394163425828-0CHFIQBT12IZR8WSE2VO/Iqube+fin.jpg IQube - End of Album For more info, see the references below:   Partner Site: http://zachtemkin.us/lab/iqube/ Course Webpage: http://homepages.rpi.edu/~eglash/eglash.dir/design.dir/pdi5.html https://static1.squarespace.com/static/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/530ff7e9e4b04fb5b2d05a3f/5328e897e4b0f59c297675a3/1395189911591/ IQube http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/personal-projects daily 0.75 2014-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394048433117-TO3YLR6PKFEYZ58M1U1I/IMG_2187.JPG Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394048433117-TO3YLR6PKFEYZ58M1U1I/IMG_2187.JPG Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394048488740-QN2EZDHVKNFRYPS0WIGS/DSC_0447.JPG Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394048512059-WHFD187H38N6MY85FHH3/DSC_0448.JPG Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394048625589-TPDJ563RJU7G68Q34AG9/DSC_0450.JPG Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394234509096-TV9IN3LZCMNJF3N36K1Z/train.jpg Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394234491582-KVF0ZS95AFN8BWDPHJWI/cannon.jpg Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394048566771-NCTHT34X2QHCKSIUB5LZ/DSC_0451.JPG Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394048648442-YN3XURM7E2YY8YKG6HFC/DSC_0454.JPG Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394048534876-CN0JT0MHWLV8PPTMYKWS/DSC_0449.JPG Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394234309684-2JXEPSS9TZ5TXBTCKSC9/IMG_1789.jpg Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394333845837-IDSIZFI183DPK8JA41AY/IMG_1539.jpg Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394334031594-2JL5S05H3TCMXE4SEQ1T/IMG_1611.jpg Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394333938994-4IDGEY20MCQB7G1ZVX41/IMG_1749.jpg Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394333953610-5H0LINFT9EFXR199VMW3/IMG_2106.JPG Personal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394333971623-YQQ0SPJQT2E8W4ZT01S3/IMG_2208.jpg Personal http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/designindex daily 0.75 2014-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394164981027-ISKZASEBY83OXW9ZRGJA/Design+Index+Poster+slice+3.jpg The Design Index - Stanford Consortium - Design Index - Strategy Design Logo design for the Design Index summer design symposium. What follows is a series of infographics used to describe the proposed cooperative relationship and summer education convention between the design programs of Stanford University's d.School and Rensselaer's PDI program. Throughout this semester-long project, I led a team of 3 in organizing not just the framework of this real-world initiative, and in executing it's real-world details. A more detailed view of the program can be found at the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kxrkyzdzofhjbb8/Design%20Index%20Report.pdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394164981027-ISKZASEBY83OXW9ZRGJA/Design+Index+Poster+slice+3.jpg The Design Index - Stanford Consortium - Design Index - Strategy Design Logo design for the Design Index summer design symposium. What follows is a series of infographics used to describe the proposed cooperative relationship and summer education convention between the design programs of Stanford University's d.School and Rensselaer's PDI program. Throughout this semester-long project, I led a team of 3 in organizing not just the framework of this real-world initiative, and in executing it's real-world details. A more detailed view of the program can be found at the following link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/kxrkyzdzofhjbb8/Design%20Index%20Report.pdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394164637443-63I7J4MPZ8T89O7HJMN9/Design+index+page.jpg The Design Index - Stanford Consortium - Program Concept The summary of the project goals, sent to Rensselaer & Stanford faculty, as well as IDEO management. An eBook of the informational pamphlet given to staff during our proposal meetings can be found at the following link: Program Flipbook It reads: We propose the creation of a one or two-week summer design symposium between RPI and Stanford University. The event will bring students and faculty from each school together for intensive collaboration and workshop activities facilitated by IDEO. By the end of the week, each party will have learned about different approaches to design and how to improve their programs for the following year and continue to grow for the future. Today Stanford University and Rensselaer are the two premiere educators in interdisciplinary design education. Each has its own strengths, and both have something to offer the other in terms of their differing approaches to design instruction and research. Each institution stands to benefit through an interaction designed to identify common strengths but also contrasts between the programs, to pool resources, and to improve the design ecosystems of both schools overall. Each summer, through a one or possibly two-week symposium, faculty and student representatives of Rensselaer and Stanford will meet to run through a complete design project administered by IDEO. This project will entail engaging students in a conceptual deep-dive, tackling a real-world problem either set forth by the program or possibly suggested by an outside company in order to, by week’s end, create a concrete/tangible final solution. Through this process the faculty members from each institution will be given the chance to work together in an environment filled with the inspiration of creative professionals and insight of current design students to develop new teaching techniques and identify program goals for the following year. This summer, we would like to assist IDEO in developing the specific workings and format of the program under their direction, while simultaneously acting as a liaison between each of the parties involved. Through doing so, we would be able to share our knowledge of the design program here at RPI and our perspectives as undergraduate design students to help better address the needs of the program’s development. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394469483573-MHM88UMJDLPV7KLUKOZA/Design+Index+Poster+slice+4.jpg The Design Index - Stanford Consortium - Benefit Analysis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394164847847-J492TNHICWCBQIVY5FZ5/Design+Index+Poster+slice+1.jpg The Design Index - Stanford Consortium - Program Concept I started this initiative with an idea I had the second semester of my Freshman year. After getting initial support from IDEO and the members of my own institution, I was given permission to follow-through with the project as the focus of an entire design studio, PDI Studio VI. I enlisted two of my classmates, Lauryn Menard and Peter Finigan, and work began. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394233588042-WUW64NSB4SX905K5AGP8/Design+Index+Poster+slice+2.jpg The Design Index - Stanford Consortium - PDI - Stanford Model Comparison Stanford's Hasso Plattner Institute of Design, or d.School, was chosen as an ideal partner for forming our initial partnership. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394164341449-QAFDET0XBVGJ8O9T2Q1L/Design+Index+Pamphlet+Book-6.jpg The Design Index - Stanford Consortium - Resources Infographic An illustration given during proposal presentations to faculty and other parties in order to more easily convey vital program information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394164368345-DO0F7G95X1IHHBZW583H/Design+index+graphic+1.jpg The Design Index - Stanford Consortium - Resource Infographic The numbers listed demonstrate projections for the first-year iterations of the program. http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/charcube daily 0.75 2019-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394227428477-WQFA8OZ6SF7R4HOR8RQ3/Stove+group.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Char Cube Team Our six-person team for the Char Cube stove presenting the details of our culminating semester-long project to the two professors and our classmates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394227428477-WQFA8OZ6SF7R4HOR8RQ3/Stove+group.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Char Cube Team Our six-person team for the Char Cube stove presenting the details of our culminating semester-long project to the two professors and our classmates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394227403428-ML52TZO5RTAW46JCCLNS/C1.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - User Overview Our stove was designed to address the problems of carbon monoxide poisoning and deforestation facing the Tamil refugees of the civil war in Sri Lanka. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394229032234-113A6EJAPI840HR9R1MZ/Stove+indoor+2.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - User Research Our research showed that the Tamils used primarily indoor cookstoves operated at night, when it is coolest. The mud-walled huts in which they live are without holes or ventilation, so their cookfires merely vent into the room. This has caused millions of deaths annually from carbon monoxide poisoning, primarily among infants. Previous efforts to address this problem included a simple ventilation system of metal pipes through a hole in a wall. However, these efforts have been unsuccessful, as the users will frequently remove the ventilation pipes in order to use them for rain gutters, etc. Voiding the safety of the device. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394227452815-JIO83HOB0BETP82YNWDG/C2.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Team Ideation Our assigned group of six sharing research discoveries and discussing possible avenues of attack for our stove design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394228401197-MRECS6KYXSF585KCK2OY/Stove+2.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Prototype Design 1 A simple design with an insulated water jacket was designed in order to both capture excess heat that would otherwise go waste and overheat rooms, and to boil water which is essential to nearly all Tamil dishes, used in rice and tea. This design was not chosen because the cooling effect of the water would cause incomplete combustion of burning gases, leading to carbon monoxide production. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394228401201-8NP0WIZ1VUMNQS80ZRN5/Stove+3.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Prototype Design 2 A U-shaped design, also with a water heater built-in, burnt in an inverted fashion to give more time for gases to decompose. This bulkier design was thrown out for manufacturing difficulties and material waste. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394228401516-WX1BKWH8OP8SU4RLJLBH/Stove+4.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Test Model 1 Simple clay models were tested of each of our prototype designs with crushed charcoal in a lab setting in order to determine efficiency of the design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394228401582-KHCISE6RLTHWZNU1YSKB/Stove+5.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Test Model 2 Simple clay models were tested of each of our prototype designs with crushed charcoal in a lab setting in order to determine efficiency of the design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394229542582-PNN1SAN9QILLIY7BQF36/Stove+indoor+4.png PDI Design Studio Sequence - Existant Technology An existing stove design which, while efficient, is made by hand on a per-house basis, cannot be moved, and still vents into the room. Excess heat here is used as a seat-warmer. This design was not ideal because, for Tamil refugees, the nomadic nature of the camps prevents any but semi-permanent structures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394229540394-MHNNYOFTDN7CLAXB7277/Stove+CAD.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - CAD Concept Our first concept design, the stove was intended to use more abundant and environmentally friendly biochar for fuel, have a water jacket on a ventilation spout in order to prevent repurposing of the ventilation and to provide boiling water for tea/rice, and, most importantly, was designed with RPI's foremost combustion expert, to completely convert carbon monoxide to harmless gases. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394228401839-UAIBJZPBN94NDCFQAMHU/Stove+6.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Stove Assembly - Base https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394228401917-UU98MA2R5GFENOJUWZCL/Stove+7.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Stove Assembly - Fume Hood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394228402087-CESE8IDQK0NZKBTDDRKW/Stove+8.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Stove Assembly - Enclosure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394228400939-UXLU3JLPNKVHBXQ06R6G/Stove+1.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Stove Assembly - Interior Piping & Tray https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394228799943-9FKTWL64DZJ6AVLSGPNQ/Stove+Presentation.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Final Presentations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394228798608-6TGXI04QMS1SM4C11IH7/Stove+Langdon.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - Langdon's Critique At the end of each project cycle, we give formal presentations on our process and final product. Here, Professor Langdon Winner, a noted professor and academic in the field of Science & Technology studies, gives feedback on the Char Cube cookstove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394229980006-SGP61YHRRES2I6SVX1GU/Stove+group.jpg PDI Design Studio Sequence - End of Album http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/tactape daily 0.75 2016-05-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222601553-3KZWELQXEDCVZML49IRE/Tactape+14.jpg TacTape - Tape Length Slider On the underside of the dispenser body, out of sight, lies a 1:1 tape segment length slider. Here, the user can adjust how long each segment will be cut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222601553-3KZWELQXEDCVZML49IRE/Tactape+14.jpg TacTape - Tape Length Slider On the underside of the dispenser body, out of sight, lies a 1:1 tape segment length slider. Here, the user can adjust how long each segment will be cut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222691780-5DT7FMINV9C7QRHEWCR8/Tactape+12.jpg TacTape - Form Concept Drawing The last revision of my design sketches for the final external form. I chose a streamlined aesthetic, and dimensioned the body accordingly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222680738-BS1EVNY7AQGQMMVNQFT8/Tactape+10.jpg TacTape - Body Dimensioning Size and weight dimensions were chosen, along with material, to give a sensible form factor that also conveyed quality, and also was heavy enough to not move when tape was pulled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1464139982374-KSVLU9HSPVG24N4JAAJJ/IMG_7349.JPG TacTape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222720178-6K4MC6LWRA1E6F7IYA8Q/Tactape+3.jpg TacTape - TacTape TacTape was an exercise in executing a successful aesthetic design with mechanical elements, in a fully-functional and fully-realizable design. TactTape is an automatic desktop tape dispenser, which dispenses consistent segments of tape using a mechanically-powered system and very simple user experience. Outwardly intuitive, TacTape dispenses tape segments of user-selected length and conveys simplicity and elegance in form, without compromising the necessary complexity and functionality of the internal mechanism. For the full design report, click here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222691703-DBMXECAZII1063PZ0K0Z/Tactape+11.jpg TacTape - Body Rendering After making compromises for the internal structure of the mechanism, you can see how, after much work, the final design came very close to matching the initial concept.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222692682-5YH38YPS9CRUKUTM1ROU/Tactape+13.jpg TacTape - Body Aesthetic The exterior of TacTape was designed to fit with other high-end office products, such as ACCO Brands' Swingline 747 Stapler. My father had this stapler as I grew up, and I always admired its blend of aesthetic and usability. TacTape was designed to sit comfortably next to that particular stapler. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222723276-E8HB5G05LGA0JR3Z7K5K/Tactape+6.jpg TacTape - Cutting Mechanism When at rest, tape is fed through the stainless steel cutting blade, like so. It is supported from underneath by a textured polymer which prevents sticking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222724097-2ISTT82NG8GPC9BPXBH6/Tactape+7.png TacTape - Cutting Mechanism After the tape is pulled forward, the blade is drawn downward and cuts the tape to the desired length. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222723350-D24W8QK5XCXBZDTIVK8A/Tactape+5.jpg TacTape - Roller and Ratchet system. As the tape is pulled forward, its contact with this assembly causes a ratchet to wind. When that ratchet reaches a point predefined by the length-selector on the underside of the dispenser, the cutting arm is lowered and the cut is made. Additionally, and the most difficult of our engineering tasks, was ensuring that a tab of tape protruded from the front of the device as the dispenser was reset after each pull. This sprung ratchet accomplishes that, so that the dispenser can be used again and again without outside interference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222720778-L8XQ16WHDHX3UCIPWEC6/Tactape+2.jpg TacTape - Full Mechanism Assembly A complete view of the mechanism with tape roll for reference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222721457-Q4VT7DSC21NTY9VYTDVO/Tactape+4.jpg TacTape - Internal frame On the interior of the die-cast aluminum shell is this housing for the mechanism. Holding each gear in place, it scissors open to allow easy replacement of the tape reel, and also holds it in place with a bearing and insert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222724733-NLR4US9QTEKR7VM2KL46/tactape1.jpg TacTape - Closed Mechanical Assembly Ease-of-use and a pleasant interaction experience with reloading and pulling the tape was critical to the success of a fully-considered end product. To accomplish this, we made the pulling force required for the mechanism minimal, and the reloading sequence as easy as loading any other dispenser. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394222486997-2PHE8J2TYZ5DFGZ8ZD41/Tactape+9.jpg TacTape - End of Album The final rendering of TacTape's exterior. http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/furl daily 0.75 2014-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394232584642-12S56LLZKUY6HJG27DH6/Furl+title.jpg Furl - Furl In a project whose focus was on usability and aesthetics, Furl was a representative project not so much focused on utility and purpose, as the subtleties of industrial design. Furl is a dual-use poster storage and transport device intended for use in environments, such as design studios, where 2D mediums are used frequently. Furl is used to roll posters in one smooth movement, and to store these posters in a protective case which can also be used for transport. For more info, the full design write-up can be found here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394232584642-12S56LLZKUY6HJG27DH6/Furl+title.jpg Furl - Furl In a project whose focus was on usability and aesthetics, Furl was a representative project not so much focused on utility and purpose, as the subtleties of industrial design. Furl is a dual-use poster storage and transport device intended for use in environments, such as design studios, where 2D mediums are used frequently. Furl is used to roll posters in one smooth movement, and to store these posters in a protective case which can also be used for transport. For more info, the full design write-up can be found here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394232387693-RUUKDHU3E2NXXDQ17C66/Furl+5.jpg Furl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394231873612-JI2O3RTQVZZPBH04X29Q/Furl+3.jpg Furl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394231874108-2WSD73R23FJWPZ4G35MB/Furl+4.jpg Furl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394231873296-3I97SGEYH0QSKXP9M92A/Furl+1.jpg Furl https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394231872044-K7W8RXSBEG8C76D5PKMV/Furl+2.jpg Furl http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/graphic-art daily 0.75 2014-03-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394327559466-A3G09L456V1VJJ0P0G1T/A1.jpg Graphic Art - Poster of Poster Design Our first project of the aesthetically-oriented Studio III, we were asked to create a poster whose subject was on good poster. While flattened here, I decided to put a twist on the 2-D format by having a poster printed on slices of clear acetate film. The 24"x32" poster was additive, with six individual layers rather than a single static image. Each layer represented a single element of good poster design, as denoted by the text at the top. The element represented by each word was added one-by-one, until the final image you see here was created. Viewers could afterwards leaf through the images hanging on the wall to see the contribution each component made towards the whole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394327559466-A3G09L456V1VJJ0P0G1T/A1.jpg Graphic Art - Poster of Poster Design Our first project of the aesthetically-oriented Studio III, we were asked to create a poster whose subject was on good poster. While flattened here, I decided to put a twist on the 2-D format by having a poster printed on slices of clear acetate film. The 24"x32" poster was additive, with six individual layers rather than a single static image. Each layer represented a single element of good poster design, as denoted by the text at the top. The element represented by each word was added one-by-one, until the final image you see here was created. Viewers could afterwards leaf through the images hanging on the wall to see the contribution each component made towards the whole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394327484704-IIEU8MAHP2QUTXITPAS5/A2.jpg Graphic Art - Poster on Poster Design An earlier concept for the previously mentioned prompt, this format was also executed in layered acetate, but was instead made to tell a story. At first there is a simple circle, which then becomes a balloon, then a boy dangling dangerously in the sky from the balloon, and finally the image you see of the boy running happily on along the path with his balloon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1393885445835-MZ7LLTJ90N8224FAEUX8/Camera+Poster+small.jpg Graphic Art - Acolyte Camera A case study on the modern issues facing the stand-alone camera. Redesigned for today's smartphone demographic, the Acolyte concept was made to once again make dedicated cameras pertinent to the non-prosumer market. Similar to the logic of Sony's NEX line, the Acolyte distinguishes itself in the following key ways. Features include: -Removable objective lens for portability & different photo modes -Live-view screen to view effect of chosen settings before the photo is taken & encourage usage and understanding of higher-end features -Wi-fi & bluetooth integration for sharing -Innovative battery system for travelers and long-life applications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394327489259-UKZWEGQZN2ROP7HDJ0CB/A3.jpg Graphic Art - Scholastic Bowl T-shirt Design I was asked in high school to design the logo for our varsity scholastic quiz bowl team. I sketched this in charcoal with some photoshop editing, to show an answer buzzer grasped by the fist. My teammates and I wore this design to several championships and it continues to be the logo of the team to this day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394327502943-OJPX0KBP9ZDQ2ZA8SWGX/A4.jpg Graphic Art - Ultimate Frisbee Design Contest Shown is my winning design for the Chicago High School Ultimate League tournament frisbees. The design swirls when thrown to create bands of the bright orange, blue and red. The championship games were played with prints of this design, and copies were presented to the winning team of the regional league. I was also given one in recognition of my design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394327519248-M70465N7LOBMP7JD1ZF5/A5.jpg Graphic Art https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394048541561-54CYLDZMUBQNX6LTJZGK/PMD+Relay+Cover+Photo+Bold.jpg Graphic Art http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/staircase-support daily 0.75 2016-05-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1420675900535-1BHX89HFJYJNOT1QO11T/IMG_0169.jpg Staircase Support https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1420675900535-1BHX89HFJYJNOT1QO11T/IMG_0169.jpg Staircase Support https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1464139807548-NN2GFS4X3FWV7D8HJO8V/IMG_4339.jpg Staircase Support https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1464139807354-258JTISUJES62QPV93QX/IMG_4346.jpg Staircase Support https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1464139812804-BSGDJPDO09FJIERUV09M/IMG_4341.jpg Staircase Support https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1464139813358-DO7TPRDGKTYHDRVJ2HQ2/IMG_4340.jpg Staircase Support https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1464139815723-X1YS9H2DYBNZPXAEXGJG/IMG_4350.jpg Staircase Support http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/new-cover-page-1 daily 0.75 2018-12-10 http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/about daily 0.75 2013-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/530ce2ede4b067ea68a9e674/1394474297136-UX9J1PKZ4PNXT3XMFUCF/ea.jpg About Me http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/contact daily 0.75 2018-11-07 http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/ford-thirty-under-30 daily 0.75 2018-12-18 http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/collegiate daily 0.75 2021-03-12 http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/ford-mobile-ev-charger daily 0.75 2019-06-16 http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/home-1 daily 0.75 2020-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5093f258e4b0979eac7cb197/1364325042459-9U08MTWPKEQRKANQNGRB/product-collage.jpg home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5093f258e4b0979eac7cb197/1444845493850-6MQY1QE0Z4TXUJ15ZO2B/capetown-1v%2B113.jpg home http://www.dominicgelfuso.net/davidskidney daily 0.75 2025-10-12