Vehicle and Props Design - Project 1 : Pre-production
Ting Wen Yi / 0361799
Vehicle and Props Design/Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Project 1 : Pre-production
INSTRCTIONS
You are to create a suitable vehicle and props design for the world that you have proposed across for character design and anatomy (optional) or you can have it separate.. Your vehicle and props should communicate its functionality that reflect the world proposed. Note that for vehicle (man-made mechanical ), you are to choose 1 minimum from any of these types (land, air, water), whilst props are the components suitable to your vehicle where you will be continuously developing till your Final Project. Here you will be showcasing your ideation process as listed below:
- Moodboard and style guide
- Thumbnail Sketches ( 20 drawing in 2 sheets)
- Silhouettes (10 pieces in 1 sheet)
- Rough Value painting (5 chosen from the silhouettes) - 1 sheet
- Design breakdowns - min 1 sheet
Submission:
Pdf collections of all the listed items. Each items should be in 1920 x 1080 pixels. Please keep your raw files as a proof. Progressions to be showcased in your e-portfolio at the end of your assignment.
PROJECT 1 : PRE-PRODUCTION
Week 1- Purpose and Concept
Until now, humans have only discovered 5% of the oceans. So, in the blackness of the ocean depths, with extreme pressure and perpetual twilight, it's difficult for humans to explore deeper. In a real-life case from 2023, the Titan submarine was crushed in 0.02 seconds. Therefore, the vehicle's design will aim to have an extremely solid outer structure to withstand the underwater pressure and discover more deep-sea species. I'm creating a futuristic and sci-fi-themed design that will be rendered in a realistic style.
Research and Ideation
Giant isopods are deep-sea invertebrates characterized by their dorso-ventrally compressed bodies, which are shielded by thick and robust calcareous exoskeletons comprising overlapping segments. The initial shell segment is fused to the head, while the posterior segments are commonly fused to the body, forming a caudal shield over the abdomen. Positioned atop the first shell segment are the isopod's large, immobile eyes, spaced widely apart and boasting over 4,000 individual facets. These compound eyes feature a reflective layer known as the tapetum at their rear, imparting a luminous appearance.
With seven pairs of pereopods (legs), each possessing a single branch, and an abdomen comprised of five segments known as pleonites, each with two branches, giant isopods exhibit modified swimming legs and flat respiratory structures acting as gills.
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| Figure 1.1 Giant Isopods - Week 1 (27/4/2024) |
With the features of giant isopods, I have merged them with the submarine to create a functional submarine that is capable of discovering new species.
The submarine has a streamlined body shape to reduce drag as it moves through the water. It also features a hard outer wall to withstand water pressure. The ship has pereopods for agility and to reduce the risk of catastrophic failure. It has multiple windows to optimize visibility outside. It also has legs to crawl through trenches and to walk on the seabed.
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| Figure 1.2 Ideation 1 - Week 1 (27/4/2024) |
Janicella spinicauda, a deep-sea shrimp, has bioluminescence for prey detection and predator evasion, facilitated by small photophores across its body that also act as light detectors. These photophores exhibit genetic similarities to the shrimp's eyes, containing opsins and phototransduction genes for light perception. During its nightly migrations from depths of up to 1,500 meters to shallow waters, the shrimp uses its glowing ability to camouflage against predators. The exoskeleton of Janicella spinicauda exhibits remarkable durability, offering essential protection against the immense pressures of the deep sea. Composed of calcareous material, this robust shell is intricately structured with overlapping segments, forming a formidable barrier that shields the shrimp's delicate internal organs from the crushing forces of the ocean's depths.
Similar to giant isopods, the shrimps have seven pairs of pereopods, these legs provide the shrimp with stability and maneuverability in its underwater environment. The abdomen, consisting of five segments known as pleonites, bears modified legs adapted for swimming (natatory legs) and flat respiratory structures acting as gills (rami). This specialized morphology enables the shrimp to navigate the ocean depths effectively.
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| Figure 1.3 Janicella Spinicauda - Week 1 (27/4/2024) |
With some understanding of the features of Janicella spinicauda, I've drafted a submarine. The submarine has bioluminescent features to camouflage it in the deep sea if faced with unknown creatures. It also features a similar outer shell to withstand extreme pressure. At the back of the ship, there are two large round circles to optimize energy consumption and extend operational range. On both sides, there are two propulsion systems/mechanisms to propel the submarine through the ocean. Also, I've included a large window at the front and lights around the ship.
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| Figure 1.4 Ideation 2 - Week 1 (27/4/2024) |
Mood Board
I have put together a moodboard to present my ideas. My concept is to design a bioluminescent exterior with a heavy metal outer shell and propulsion mechanism.
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| Figure 1.5 Moodboard - Week 1 (28/4/2024) |
Week 2 - Sketches
During week 2, Mr. Kannan said that we should focus on functions and forms. I realize that I did it way too advanced because I already sketched like the final version. We are to sketch for all three vehicles (Land, Air, and Water) So, I redid my research and concept. Now, I've decided to do it for the movie 'Jurassic World'.
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| Figure 2.1 Jurassic World - Week 2 (1/5/2024) |
So, to complement the theme, it would be a Sci-Fi design with realistic rendering, and the time zone would be the near future.
1. Land Vehicle
So, for the land vehicle, I am to design it for an animal behaviorist, which is Owen from the movie. It is for training and behavioral studies. Therefore, I would like to design a buggy for easygoing and hopping in. My inspiration came from pangolins.
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| Figure 2.2.1 Pangolin - Week 2 (1/5/2024) |
Research says that pangolins are known for their unique defensive behavior of tucking into tight balls, offer inspiration for my design concepts. Drawing from this, the buggy's design can have a retractable protective shell and rollover protection structures, mirroring the pangolin's ability to shield itself from threats. The hard scales characteristic of pangolins provide an idea of a durable and protective outer shell for the buggy, to ensure resilience in various environments.
Furthermore, the pangolin's adaptation of a prehensile tail adds to the buggy's functionality. By integrating a similar feature, the buggy gains improved stability, agility, and additional support during maneuvers, aligning with the requirements of animal behaviorist training and behavioral studies.
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| Figure 2.2.2 Mood Board (Land) - Week 2 (1/5/2024) |
To summarize, the mood board for the buggy includes:
- Scanning and detection equipment for comprehensive data collection and analysis.
- Surveillance technology to monitor animal behavior effectively.
- Deployable remote sensing drones for aerial observation and coverage of large areas.
- A retractable or foldable protective shell inspired by the defensive behavior of pangolins, ensuring the safety of occupants and equipment during fieldwork.
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| Figure 2.2.3 Sketches (Land) - Week 2 (2/5/2024) |
2. Air Vehicle
For the air vehicle, it is designed for military and rescue teams engaged in battle and defense operations, my inspiration draws from the box crab.
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| Figure 2.3.1 Box Crab - Week 2 (2/5/2024) |
Drawing from the characteristics of the box crab, the aircraft has a square or box-like outer shape to maximize strength and stability while offering ample internal space for mission equipment and personnel. Referencing the crab's sharp claws, defensive weapons are included for combat capabilities, including the capacity for lifting heavy objects.
Inspired by the box crab's ability to fold its body into a protective shape, the aircraft features a modular framework that allows it to fold, providing a protective enclosure during combat situations.
Furthermore, adopting a dual-layer aircraft design, the lower layer can detach, serving as a rescue module for evacuation or humanitarian missions, while the upper layer is for combat operations.
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| Figure 2.3.2 Mood Board (Air) - Week 2 (2/5/2024) |
To summarize, the mood board for the aircraft includes:
- A square-to-round structure for the aircraft.
- A dual-layer design, allowing for versatility in operations.
- A detachable layer for specific mission requirements.
- Claw features integrated to securely hold the second layer in place.
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| Figure 2.3.3 Sketches (Air) - Week 2 (3/5/2024) |
3. Water Vehicle
For the water vehicle, my design is tailored to meet the needs of scientists focused on dinosaur exploration and discovery. My inspiration stems from the fascinating giant isopods.
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| Figure 2.4.1 Giant Isopods - Week 2 (4/5/2024) |
The submarine is inspired from the giant isopods. These creatures have seven pairs of pereopods (legs), enable them to crawl through trenches and walk on the seabed with ease. As submarine has limited mobility; they can only operate underwater and require transportation to reach the sea. Their thick and robust calcareous exoskeletons allow them to withstand immense water pressure, securing the safety of passengers even in challenging conditions.
With a segmented body structure resembling the isopods' pereon, the vehicle exhibits enhanced agility and flexibility, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures. Its streamlined body shape minimizes drag as it moves through the water, optimizing efficiency during exploration missions.
Furthermore, akin to the protective nature of giant isopods, the vehicle is designed to shield passengers from danger when necessary, prioritizing their safety throughout the journey.
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| Figure 2.4.2 Mood Board (Water) - Week 2 (4/5/2024) |
To sum up, the submarine design includes:
- A segmented body structure for enhanced maneuverability.
- Bioluminescent features for camouflage in underwater environments.
- Propulsion mechanisms for efficient movement.
- Claws equipped to catch small dinosaurs.
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| Figure 2.4.3 Sketches (Land) - Week 2 (4/5/2024) |
Figure 2.5 Presentation Slides - Week 2 (5/5/2024)
Week 3 - Progress
After practicing with existing vehicles to create silhouettes in the exercise, I applied the same method to the chosen subject. I experimented with the silhouette to modify it into a new vehicle and drew a few sketches, taking the form of the original silhouette I have created to design a possible new one.
1. Land Vehicle
Continuing with my idea of using a pangolin as my inspiration, Mr. Kannan suggested I explore the forms first before adding textures. So, I used the silhouette of pangolins to design a buggy. I also used the liquify effect to play with the silhouette. For the first sketch, I combined the tail of a pangolin with a dinosaur tail to align with the theme of Jurassic World. I also added a weapon on top of the car. For the second and third sketches, I incorporated a tracking device at the front of the buggy to track dinosaurs. All these vehicles have large wheels set at a distance from the car body, allowing the wheels to retract inside. It mimics the pangolin’s ability to tuck in its limbs, providing the vehicle with the capability to adjust its stance or profile, improving maneuverability and adaptability in different environments.
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| Figure 3.1 Land Vehicle Development - Week 3 (11/5/2024) |
2. Air Vehicle
Using the idea of a box crab grabbing its mate, I created a silhouette with a dual-layer system. The aircraft can be seen as having crab claws that grab another layer, which can be detached. For the first sketch, I drew a crab-like aircraft without the second layer, exploring possible shapes that could resemble a crab but with a sci-fi design. In the second sketch, it is shown that the first layer has a more complicated design, as it is intended for military purposes. The second layer has a simpler, rectangular form with two flying engines at the back and six legs. So, when the second layer detaches and drops to the ground, it can also use a walking method for evacuation. The third sketch features a round body shape on top with large engines and weapons, clipping the second layer with claws.
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| Figure 3.2 Air Vehicle Development - Week 3 (11/5/2024) |
3. Water Vehicle
With the idea of the form of giant isopods, my silhouettes feature a streamlined body shape. For my first sketch, the submarine has a few legs (crawl to shore/seabed) with two claws (to catch dinosaurs) and is weaponized with engines. The front features large windows for people to observe from the inside. The second sketch has a similar design but lacks claws, with weapons positioned below the body. The third sketch displays different claws and different tail designs.
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| Figure 3.3 Water Vehicle Development - Week 3 (11/5/2024) |
After Mr. Kannan said to use a existing subject I choose jet as the base and incorporate with the crab element, He said can add different vehicle like (a train body etc.)
Week 4 - Progress
So during this week, he taught us how to explore various forms by combining them with our subject. He also showed us how to use shades of grey to make the forms stand out. I used an existing jet design and combined it with a box crab, slowly developing to different designs. Designs 6, 7, and 8 are for the second layer of the aircraft, making them look different from the ones inspired by the crab. Design 8 has small dented areas that serve as clips for the first layer of the aircraft.
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| Figure 4.1 Exploration of Air Vehicles - Week 4 (19/5/2024) |
To help with my sketches, I've found additional reference pictures that can help define the body shape of my air vehicle. I've created a new board specifically for references to logically build an aircraft body shape.
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| Figure 4.2 More Reference Pictures - Week 4 (19/5/2024) |
Week 5 - Development
As Mr. Kannan wants me to think deeper of the functionality and the purpose of my design, so here's a more detailed explanation:
This air vehicle design proposes a dual-layer aircraft tailored for both military combat and evacuation operations, ideal for high-risk environments such as those shown in "Jurassic World". The upper layer is dedicated to military purposes, equipped with heavy weaponry to manage large threats, such as a T-rex escape. This layer includes an electric prod capable of stunning dinosaurs to prevent them from attacking the aircraft. The design is inspired by crab claws, allowing it to grasp or contain dinosaurs effectively.
The aircraft features a unique clipping mechanism that secures the second layer. In the event of a dinosaur attack, this layer can detach and function independently, serving as an evacuation module to transport passengers to safety. This detachment capability is critical for ensuring the safety and survival of the occupants.
The first layer of the aircraft is equipped with four large rotors (or fans) that provide the necessary lift and stability to support the entire structure, even when fully equipped for combat. The second layer is not only lighter but also includes two additional fans and extended wings, enhancing its capability to swiftly transport passengers away from danger.
This dual-purpose design optimizes functionality in emergency scenarios, combining robust defensive features with agile evacuation capabilities, ensuring a versatile response to any situation that might arise in such volatile settings. The character of my design is sleek as it combines a streamlined, modern design with robust functionalities, making it appear both appealing and formidable.
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| Figure 5.1 Development of Air Vehicle - Week 5 (26/5/2024) |
The electric prod on the aircraft inspired from the 'Jurassic World' movie itself. I included it in the design to make sure it fits well with the movie's world and story. This way, the aircraft looks like it belongs in the movie and adds to the story in a way that viewers can easily recognize.
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I've added blue and various shades of grey into the aircraft's color scheme, that is inspired by the visual themes of 'Jurassic World.' Blue is a recurring color throughout the movie, symbolizing the advanced technology and futuristic aspects of the park. The shades of grey reflect the mechanical and industrial elements present throughout the movie setting, aligning the aircraft with the film's aesthetic and conveying its readiness for both military and rescue missions within the Jurassic World universe.
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Figure 5.3 Development of Air Vehicle (Colored) - Week 5 (26/5/2024)
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Week 7 - Design Breakdown
For Project 1, my design has not been finalized yet. This is the drawing I have for now. I plan to have some curvy lines at the edges, not too sharp. I also need to refine the details later on. The current design has a retractable landing gear for landing and takeoff. The claws are the landmarks, and I have not gone into details yet. I have tilted the angle of the engine so that the front view will look more dynamic. The plane is big and tall, so I plan to have a stair behind the plane for passengers to get in, but it is not shown in my drawing. The darker shading indicates the landmarks for windows.
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| Figure 6.1 Orthographic Sketch (Layer 1) - Week 8 (15/6/2024) |
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| Figure 6.2 Orthographic Draft (Layer 2) - Week 8 (15/6/2024) |
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| Figure 6.3 Combine Look - Week 8 (15/6/2024) I colored my aircraft with whites and dark blue. Since it's an air vehicle, I wanted it to camouflage in the sky so that dinosaurs would be confused and unable to spot us. The blue color was chosen to complement the theme in Jurassic World.
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Although it may seem like I've done little, it took me so long to get to this stage. The drawings I have done took me a couple of days to complete. I also did a blockout in Cinema 4D because I'm not familiar with Blender.
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| Figure 6.5 Block Out in Cinema 4D - Week 8 (15/6/2024) |
| Figure 6.6 Project 1 Compilation - Week 8 (15/6/2024) |
FEEDBACKS
Week 6:
The design is too complex. check your scale. the weapon too big. identify what do actors see. evaluating the hierarchy value. identify the scale compare to the passenger to the vehicle, how big, how many pilots. make sure it make sense. What is in view in identity. evaluate the positioning rotation, scale.(transformation).
When you have any sort of idea exploration, you can just draw. Doesn't matter, right? So when you draw, you just want to be as rough as possible because there's a lot of effort taken here. When it's too complex, when things are further away, sometimes we put so much effort into things that are further away, which you're not able to see almost all the time. Your effort will then be burned out. In terms of interaction, in terms of usability, you want to now kind of debate which areas you need to focus carefully. You need to identify the hierarchy of values in design principles. For instance, shape and form, repetition. We need balance.
Week 5:
Develop from ideas 4, 5, and 8. The shape is good, but give it a persona, like what kind of feeling or character you want to convey, such as sexy, cute, etc. Think more in-depth about the functionality: for what purpose, how it works. Should it have a double layer, or just add something for weaponization, for what team/function? Does it need to be this heavy? How can the engine carry the weight?
Week 4:
Just choose one type of vehicle. If you want to choose an aircraft, you have to think about whether it should have such complicated designs. Also, does it look like an air vehicle? If you want to make it a crawler, that would be interesting for the design you have. If you want an aircraft, then you should think about how it looks as an aircraft with air engines.
Week 3:
You should explore form first, then texture. The designs are too cute; they should lean more towards sci-fi with clean lines. The concept for the air vehicle is really interesting, although challenging, but it's worth exploring further. For the water vehicle, designs 5, 6, and 7 have potential for further development. The others are too cute or resemble steampunk too closely. Also, number the drawing.
REFLECTIONS
Experience
It has been a very long journey for me, filled with countless hours of refining sketches, brainstorming ideas, and squeezing out every bit of creative juice to reach this stage. Designing a vehicle for the first time was a challenging yet immensely fulfilling experience. I dedicated myself to exploring and pushing the boundaries of ideation, constantly iterating and evolving my designs to ensure they met the project's objectives. Working on different types of vehicles, including land buggies, air crafts, and submarines, also allowed me to experiment with different functionalities, forms, and themes.
Observation
Throughout this project, I observed the iterative nature of design and the evolution of ideas. Starting from initial concepts to detailed design breakdowns, each stage contributed significantly to refining and enhancing the final concepts. This process highlighted the importance of creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills in creating designs that are not only visually appealing but also functionally and thematically aligned with the project's goals.
Findings
One of the key findings from this project was the importance of functionality in design. Each vehicle had to serve a specific purpose, whether it's for training, combat, exploration, or evacuation. Integrating features inspired by real-life creatures such as pangolins, box crabs, giant isopods, and deep-sea shrimp not only added aesthetic appeal but also enhanced the functionality and adaptability of the designs.
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