Final Project Report pt. 2: Dynamic Infinity Mirror

I wanted to build something that I would use as decoration. I wanted it to be interesting and fun to gaze at, but I also wanted it to be challenging to build, which I believe my project achieved all of that. Next I would like to refine this project a little more by replacing the…
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Dynamic Infinity Mirror + Blake Arellano

Project Description This infinity mirror incorporates random movements, light patterns, and color patterns encased in a modern 3-D printed shell to create a futuristic and modern aesthetic. Project Posts/Timeline Main Project Inspirations Top 5 Constraints Design Review Project Aesthetics Compared to 20th Century Design Movements Construction Timeline Final Stretch Progress Final Project Report pt. 1…
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Final Project Report: Dynamic Infinity Mirror

The Beginning I have always loved the color black. I think it is futuristic, classy, and sleek. If you look around my room or even in my closet, most of my items are black. My computer, keyboard, printer, water bottle, decorations, etc. I just love the modern and sleek look of it. So it made…
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Final Stretch Progress: Dynamic Infinity Mirror

Right now I am current sitting in the prototype lab of the Idea Forge printing the casing for my dynamic infinity mirror. I have spent the past two weekdays here making sure everything goes smoothly and so far everything has! I only have one part left to print, which I will leave overnight because it…
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Construction Timeline: Dynamic Infinity Mirror

So far I have completed 99% if the coding, electrical, and design work for my project. This week and next I will be doing final revisions on all of my work and starting the manufacturing section of my project. I have most all of the CAD work done and nearly all of my coding done.…
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Project Aesthetics Compared to 20th Century Design Movements: Infinity Mirror

My project definitely resembles the high-tech-matte-black aesthetic movement. The smooth matte black casing, the changing lights, and the effects of the mirror make for an extremely high tech appearance.   Art Deco: Art deco is one of my favorite aesthetics. For this I would keep the cube shape but change the internal mirrors to create…
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Design Review: Infinity Mirror Prototype

My design finds its inspiration in many of the modern devices we use today. I love the sleek, modern, and futuristic aesthetic. It seems innovative and creative and insinuates a sense of wonder and mystery. I recently received an Amazon echo dot, and loved the aesthetic of it. It is so simple looking yet strikes…
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Top 5 Constraints – Infinity Mirror

The Aesthetic: When I started the design process for this, I knew I wanted it to be dark, mysterious, and futuristic looking. The aesthetic was my constraint priority number one. This determined the material, the shape, the color, and the dynamics of the lights. Size: I wanted this to be a desktop sized item. It…
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Main Project Inspirations: Dynamic Infinity Mirror

I recently received an Amazon echo dot, and loved the aesthetic of it. It is so simple looking yet strikes me and this futuristic and modern device. So I sat down just drawing things that resembled that aesthetic. I started with a sculpture that just included some lights, then some of my own echo type…
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Skill Sets and Aspirations: Blake Arellano

Before university, I spent much of my time building things, doing chores, etc. I have rebuilt cars, engines, motorcycles as well as doing house work like remodels, flooring, and some minor carpentry. All this experience has allowed me to be hands on with projects. I have built my own bed frame and kitchen table in…
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Upcycle Final Report: Theo Jansen Inspired Kinetic Sculpture

Inspired by Theo Jansen’s Strandbeest project, I set out to create my own functional desktop Strandbeest. I wanted the creature to be powered by a crank, made out of paper, and resemble the aesthetic created by Jansen but with my own more modern industrial twist. For those unfamiliar with his work here is a brief.…
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Design Loop: Kinetic Walking Sculpture

I sat down, all my supplies purchased, everything planned out, and a prototype leg even made. But, as design goes, deviations from my planned path arose, and I was forced to rethink my route. I had my end goal, and my starting point. I believe that in design, you have at minimum a vague idea…
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Upcycle Thoughts: Kinetic Walking Sculpture

Theo Jansen has selflessly given his “11 holy numbers” away for the public to use however they see fit (See my previous post “Aesthetic Explorations: Theo Jansen and His Strandbeest” for more information on his creations). Shown below, the 11 numbers for a linkage system for a leg to be powered by a crank. I…
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Aesthetic Explorations: Theo Jansen and His Strandbeest

Theo Jansen, a dropout physicist become artist, has created his very own aesthetic. In 1980, Jansen began with 1500 combinations of 11 linkage sizes. Using a new technology at the time, a computer was utilized to dwindle the different configurations down to just one golden combination, the “eleven holy numbers”. These numbers allowed for the…
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