I am a charismatic and colourful individual. My work is heavily inspired by my upbringing in Malawi and helping solve problems that were very prevelant in that context. I believe strongly in codesigning with rural communities and so aim to incorporate my target users in the design process.
Final year project
KUSOKA: An off grid, sewing device, for rural Malawians, to generate an income.
KUSOKA
KUSOKA is a manually powered sewing machine that can be manufactured and effectively used within the context of Malawi. Designed closely with a group of rural Malawians, it fulfils the basic need for income generation whilst being a product that is easy to understand, repair, and use. From the laminated wood frame, cast supports and folded aluminium, the components of KUSOKA have been designed with the materials and available processes of Malawi in mind.
KUSOKA: Exploded
KUSOKA utilises internal components that are industry standard and readily accessible. This was a purposeful decision as it reduces the product's cost whilst allowing it to be easy to repair. Both these points make it a safer investment for rural Malawians, where the return on investment is everything.
KUSOKA Manufacturing
The processes used to manufacture KUSOKA are specifically chosen to be effective in Malawi. They require minimal training, processes and tools. The piece shown demonstrates the outcome of the folding process I have used which incorporates a simple jig. It also demonstrates how internal components are kept accessible for maintenance and repair. Manufacturing decisions were partially informed through conversations with business owners in Malawi.
KUSOKA: A Visual Piece.
Although function comes first and foremost in KUSOKA, there is still a need for it to be visually striking and attractive. The combination of anodised aluminium was chosen as it conveys high quality and material wealth which is seen as a desirable appearance. The aesthetics were validated by a group of rural Malawians who I was in close contact with throughout the process.
MoMed: A Mobile Pharmacy.
A future-thinking product designed to replace traditional brick and mortar pharmacies. MoMed utilises a fleet of small buses which travel around their local areas, stopping at designated places and dispensing prescriptions to the local communities. This service is paired with an app which allows users to stay on top of their prescriptions and collections.
MoMed: Reusable Packaging
As well as replacing traditional pharmacies, MoMed also replaces traditional medical packaging to reduce the astronomical amount of waste produced by the medical industry. Its aluminium case is able to withstand the temperatures needed to be sterilized and all information and labelling are fitted on a paper card that can be removed and recycled with ease.
Jack Taylor
Final year project
KUSOKA: An off grid, sewing device, for rural Malawians, to generate an income.
Work Experience
I worked for a year at Loughborough Grammar School in their DT department as a Designer In Residence. This meant that I was observing, assisting and even leading full lessons for students in years 8-13. I was also given the time and facilities to work on my own design projects. This placement allowed me to develop my leadership skills and the ability to think critically and problem solve under pressure quickly.