This document contains descriptions of 7 design projects by Tuyet N. Tran: 1. Arch of Strength metal necklace incorporating an architectural arch element. 2. Virtue perfume bottle and packaging designed in the silhouette of a woman. 3. Squirt-a-Worm baby bubble bath toy shaped like a worm that squirts water. 4. Extraterrestrial cellular phone designed with fun, youthful characteristics for teenagers. 5. The Lean side table/stool made of steel with curved and straight lines for books and magazines. 6. Lotus laundry sorter and transport bag with collapsible compartments for separating clothes. 7. MOBO accessible designer bags for wheelchair

1. tuyetxtran@gmail.com
Tuyet N. Tran
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2. Portfolio
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Arch of Strength – Metal Jewelry
Problem Statement
Solution
Inspiration
Virtue – Perfume Bottle and Packaging Design
Problem Statement
Solution
Inspiration
Squirt-a-Worm – Baby Bubble Bath Toy
Problem Statement
Solution
Inspiration
Extraterrestrial – Cellular Phone Design
Problem Statement
Solution
Inspiration
The Lean – Side Table/Stool/Bookrack
Problem Statement
Solution
Inspiration
Lotus – Laundry Sorter and Transport Bag
Problem Statement
Solution
Inspiration
MOBO – Accessible Designer Bags for Wheelchair Riders
Problem Statement
Solution
Inspiration
Callisto – Light Emanation
Problem Statement
Solution
Inspiration

3. Arch of Strength – Metal JewelryArch of Strength – Metal JewelryArch of Strength – Metal JewelryArch of Strength – Metal JewelryArch of Strength – Metal Jewelry
Problem Statement
To create a necklace that incorporates an architectural element within the design using metal and
one pre-manufactured part.
Solution
Arch of Strength is a crescent shaped metal necklace that hangs just below the collarbone. It is made
of 20 gauge steel, gold jewelry wire, and a store-bought clasp. The crescent was shaped on an anvil
with a rubber mallet to mimic the natural curvature of the upper chest, just below the collarbone. The
architectural element incorporated in the design is a graphic representation of an arch commonly
constructed in ancient Roman Times. The arch is made by coiling a length of gold wire around another
strip and then bent and fastened to the crescent through perforated holes. On either side of the arch
are luminescent rays of light. The feeling of the piece conveys a message of strength through time, as
depicted by the central standing arch before every new day’s sky of brilliance.
Inspiration
The shape of the necklace was inspired by a woven bag, which I saw at Urban Outfitters. It reminded
me of large African necklaces that tell a story about a person. I wanted my necklace design to tell a
story about the person who wears it, and this person that I imagined in my mind is a strong, intelligent
woman whose character surpasses the obstacles in her life. Hence, strength and brilliance tell her
story.
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5. Virtue – PVirtue – PVirtue – PVirtue – PVirtue – Perfume Bottle and Perfume Bottle and Perfume Bottle and Perfume Bottle and Perfume Bottle and Packaging Designackaging Designackaging Designackaging Designackaging Design
Problem Statement
To create a perfume/cologne bottle package design with “an effective form that is simple, dramatic,
and quickly communicates the images of the product” in a unique fashion that stands up to the
competition, meanwhile maintaining the minimum dimensions of: 1” depth x 3” width x 5” height, and a
maximum dimension of: 2” depth x 4” width x 6” height.
Solution
Virtue is a perfume bottle with a personality. Its form romanticizes the qualities of a woman that have
long earned great admiration – a sloping back; long, slender neck; distinct collarbone; and voluptuous
curves which shape the front body of the bottle into a woman’s silhouette. Its translucent hint of yellow-
green conveys an air of freshness and purity. The bottle cap is like a round helmet with a concave face
giving further human resemblance to unify the design. Measuring: 1 ¼” x 2 ¼” x 6”, it maintains the
design parameters and has a unique shape for an identity to call its own.
Following the same theme, the logo design for the box is a curvy silhouette of a woman in gold
hugging the name, “Virtue,” that runs down in vertical orientation. A free-flowing font type, Bradley
Hand ITC, is used to convey more curves and facets of character. The complete package together
translates into – a woman with virtue.
Inspiration
As I immersed myself into the project, I started to analyze a deeper meaning to the nature of perfume.
When I think of perfume, I think of fragrances; I think of a woman; I think of sexy; and I think of naked
skin and the body. Yet, perfume is not simply a pleasant smell, it is an identity. Perfume is personal and
unforgettable for we associate memories, events, and people to scents.
Based on this idea, I noted admirable characteristics of a woman as the basis from which to model
the form. An admirable woman is raw, honest, intelligent, sexy, and strong. This idea list, coupled with
charcoal sketching of areas of the female body, along with preliminary analysis of existing bottle forms,
through more sketching, provided me with a better grasp of the shapes and curves. From here, I was
able to begin the foam form studies. One model incorporated an oval shape carved out at the center
to resemble the belly button. Then, I thought, why not carve out the shape of a woman’s silhouette.
Hence, the perfume bottle mirrors all the virtues of a woman, as well as, what “virtue” entails – moral
goodness, honor, honesty, integrity, intellect, strength, and purity.
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10. SquirtSquirtSquirtSquirtSquirt-a--a--a--a--a-WWWWWorm – Baby Bubble Bath Torm – Baby Bubble Bath Torm – Baby Bubble Bath Torm – Baby Bubble Bath Torm – Baby Bubble Bath Toyoyoyoyoy
Problem Statement
Babies can get aggrevated as bath time rolls around because of the insecurities of an unfamiliar
environment, hence parents have a difficult time making bath time quick and painless for both.
Solution
Squirt-a-worm is a friendly, lovable, and fun companion that will assist in making bath time a fun
experience for both baby and parent. Made with colorful terry cloth material, soft sponge fill, soft,
formable plastic for the antenna, foam loops, and a baster tube mechanism in the interior,
Squirt-a-Worm squeaks as he collects bath water from his bottom, ready to spray water out when his
head is squeezed again. The sponge segments on his back may be used to scrub baby clean while
the yellow, formable antenna loops make magical bath time bubbles. And when bath time is over,
there’s no need to worry about drying Squirt-a-Worm, all you have to do is use the convenient loop in
his back to hang him up to dry, ready for the next bath, to be a friend and to entertain when things get
scary.
Inspiration
Squirt-a-Worm was inspired by a jumping frog toy that jumped every time you squeeze the connected
pump. I liked to see the cause and effect each time I squeezed the balloon pump. At the same time,
thinking back when I was young, I enjoyed playing around with water, wading until my hands turned
into prunes, and also squirting water guns. All of these ideas made me want to create a toy you play
with in water. But what could I create besides a toy that floats? Since it was around Christmas time,
turkey basters popped up in my mind. Those are definitely a low-tech form of entertainment and
cheapishly fun when you suck and squirt water. This became the internal mechanism and from there
the character came to life as I added on extra features.
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13. Extraterrestrial – Cellular Phone DesignExtraterrestrial – Cellular Phone DesignExtraterrestrial – Cellular Phone DesignExtraterrestrial – Cellular Phone DesignExtraterrestrial – Cellular Phone Design
Problem Statement
To create a wireless communication device that is small, ergonomic, easy to use, and specifically
designed for a teenage target market.
Solution
The final concept is a cellular phone design that plays on fun, youth, looks, and personality with its
vibrant, fuller, and rounded body. The overall shape of the phone is a figure “8” with a flattened bottom,
setting it apart from traditional phones on the market that are refined and slim to appeal to an older
market. Additionally, humanistic characteristics – digital face interface, silhouette of pigtailed hair, ear
holes, and custom arm hand grips – are incorporated into the design to enhance the playfulness and
create the ingredients for what becomes an Extraterrestrial friend that connects you to your friends.
Some product features include: voicemail, speed dial, caller ID, web-access, two-way messaging, text
messaging, secret number storage, and voice-activated calling. When programmed, your
Extraterrestrial friend will alert you to things to do and who to call each time the phone is turned on.
Phones will be sold with interchangeable color accessories with an option for male and female ver-
sions. It is essentially, a cellphone friend that has a face and personality that matches the owner.
Inspiration
Teenagers are growing up faster everyday, but they are still about fun and games, so this inspired me
to create a design that made the cellphone become a toy. I wanted it to be something that teenagers
would go out and buy as a group to converse with their friends; something cute and hip, but yet,
affordable.
Interestingly, not all the design was inspired by cute images and games, but a rap video by Buster
Rhymes, “Pass the Courvoisier,” where in which he wore a braided duo with pigtails. I thought it would
be fun to incorporate this into the design to designate the girl version from a male version. This
serendipitous event has turned out to complement the design very well and I’m glad I incorporated it.
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18. The Lean – Side TThe Lean – Side TThe Lean – Side TThe Lean – Side TThe Lean – Side Table/Stool/Bookrackable/Stool/Bookrackable/Stool/Bookrackable/Stool/Bookrackable/Stool/Bookrack
Problem Statement
To design and build a side table for a living room space for storing letters, books, and magazines that
“accentuates the connection of the base to the top” using metal as the primary material, and to main-
tain a length and width not to exceed 24 inches, and a height not to exceed 28 inches.
Solution
The Lean is a side table that plays on elegant curves and straight lines. Made of 3/8” steel rod and a
veneered wood top, it stands 23.5” tall, 15” wide, and 16.5” deep. The table top is a crescent shape
that is squared and rounded at the ends; it is joined to the base through a series of screws. The front
two legs are straight and slant forward while the back legs curve in and bend out to maintain stability.
The top shelf allows storage of letters, notepads, and/or remote controls, while graduated rods riding
up from the front legs behave like racks to stand various height magazines and books. The bottom
rods running vertical to the graduated rods support these magazines and books. Furthermore, to
maintain the feeling of elegance, grace, and stability, it is given a finish, the color pewter – a harmony
of gold and silver iridescence. The resulting design holds up to the requirements and adds a level of
versatility also as a sitting stool where books and literature are stored within the seating unit to deliver a
unique experience.
Inspiration
I originally wanted to design a side table with an adjustable height and casters for mobility, but after
visiting a furniture store on Clement Street called Busvan, and seeing some beautiful tables with simple
connections and clean welds, I was determined to learn how to tig weld. As I headed out the door I
spotted this steel-rod wine rack with various shelves for storing bottles of wine and was at once in-
spired. I designed an organic-shaped tabletop, and steel rod base with shelving area. Making the full-
scale model out of board paper revealed structural mistakes that turned into blessings. Because the
glue gun did not hold up the structure vertically, it slanted forward and leaned back. The final form of
The Lean was influenced by this very eventful discovery. Additionally, helpful suggestions made by a
classmate, Vien, influenced me to change the straight base that did not complement the organic top. I
decided to curve the rods going around the perimeter of the shelves and also slant and curve the rods
alongside the graduated rods to maintain a fluid theme of graceful curves encompassing straight lines
within the design throughout the top and base.
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21. Lotus – Laundry Sorter and TLotus – Laundry Sorter and TLotus – Laundry Sorter and TLotus – Laundry Sorter and TLotus – Laundry Sorter and Transport Bagransport Bagransport Bagransport Bagransport Bag
Problem Statement
The entire preparatory process of doing laundry is a taxing chore that demands ones time, patience,
and physical effort to collect, sort, and separate clothing in preparation for the wash, in addition to
transporting wash loads to and from the washer.
Solution
Lotus, Laundry Sorter and Transport Bag, is a storage receptacle with collapsible inner compartments
that allow the user to pre-sort and separate soiled clothing into two or three categories, i.e. lights,
darks, and/or delicates, that may be easily zipped closed into a duffel-like bag, to be carried at the
side, on one shoulder, on both shoulders, like a backpack, or across the chest, for easy transport to a
home washer or one that is remote, like the Laundromat.
With the problem and user profile of the young and old in mind, Lotus is a bag made of canvas and
chintz, sustained in its form and structure using removable, flexible plastic rods, slipped through
designated slots to create three open compartments that fan out from one center seam, like a decora-
tive paper disco ball with the ability to collapse into a two compartment bag through the use of a
center snap button between the middle compartment. Two loops at the top of the bag provide the
option of hanging, to save space. When each compartment is full and ready to wash, the two shoulder
straps are convertible to one strap through a zipper mechanism, giving multiple options to carry/
transport the bag as desired and deemed most comfortable for the user. For those who do not own
washers, a zipper pocket is also provided for storing coins and a small box of detergent.
Inspiration
Bits and pieces of the design were inspired by observations and interviews of people at the
Laundromat, as well as, products that I had come across by fate. I had drawn up so many ideas for
the product from a plastic storage system on casters – to a luggage-like system, but further ideation
brought me back to an idea that I had quickly sketched down and set aside, thinking that it was too
simple. This bag concept embodies three compartments that fan out on a horizontal axis, similar to a
decorative paper disco ball. The product that inspired me was a plastic hanger I saw during my trip to
China this past summer that expands out from the center in a circular formation to hang socks up to
dry. I thought to myself, what if this laundry sorter could do the same thing and collapse away when
the clothes are in the washer so that you can take it and go, without having to wait and guard your
laundry cart at the Laundromat? These were common problems people faced: the long wait with no
other option but to read a book or play video games, along with the problem of cart theft if left unat-
tended. Paper models helped me to refine the design and another product, a purse I got from Viet-
nam, inspired me to add the strap that converts into two straps so that Lotus can be worn as a back-
pack.
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27. MOBMOBMOBMOBMOBO – Accessible Designer Bags for WheelchairO – Accessible Designer Bags for WheelchairO – Accessible Designer Bags for WheelchairO – Accessible Designer Bags for WheelchairO – Accessible Designer Bags for Wheelchair
RidersRidersRidersRidersRiders
Problem Statement
Wheelchair riders are a large consumer market group who are given a limited choice of product
options for customized purse/bag systems, which do not accentuate diverse personalities or lifestyles;
nor are existing products theft deterrent; ergonomically designed, or readily accessible to provide for
quick transactions.
Solution:
MOBO is a purse/bag system that accommodates and yields to the diverse needs of people with
disabilities. Much like designer bags available in the market, the aesthetic is elegant and pleasing. Two
large compartments within and various pockets and slots allow storage of keys, wallet, cellphones,
pens, datebooks, etc. Yet, beyond these basic functions lies a multitude of versatile and user-friendly
functions.
As an ensemble piece, MOBO consists of two parts – an adjustable Velcro belt and an attach/detach
storage bag portion with two extending tabs that are similarly reinforced with Velcro for easy attach-
ment. It is made with gold corduroy, lined with black rip-stop nylon and accented with imitation leather
of vinyl material.
Worn about the waist, the bag lies flat on the lap without interfering with mobility. Circular ringed
zippers allow easy opening and closing for users with limited dexterity. The bag is further expanded for
more storage room by unzipping a bottom zipper. Additionally, the convenience of a flip out sleeve for
storing identification or municipal fast-pass (Muni fast-pass) allows for quick transactions. Further-
more, multiple wear and attachment features – worn about the waist, across the chest as a messenger
bag, around the thighs to maintain leg stability, attached to an available armrest, or attached around
the leg bars of the wheelchair – allows a freedom for users to choose which carrying method is most
easy for them, towards heightening mobility.
Inspiration:
The prospect of making MOBO was a result of an experience that impacted me on a deep level. I was
spending a lot of time with people with disabilities, particularly wheelchair riders, as a result of partici-
pating in a class taught by Ralf Hotchkiss on wheelchair construction for which I became acquainted
with a movement called Whirlwind Wheelchair International that seeks to provide mobility for those
disabled in developing countries. The experience went deeper than technical construction for it
touched on emotions and humanity. I wanted to contribute a product that would make life easier and
more inclusive for wheelchair riders.
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28. The idea of a new purse/bag system came to mind during a weekly wheelchair riding exercise. I had
difficulty purchasing goods and making transactions sitting in a wheelchair because I was using
products not made for wheelchair riders. Wallets slipped in pant-pockets are cumbersome, back-
packs hooked behind chairs are inconvenient and vulnerable to theft. Furthermore, research and
personal interviews with wheelchair riders made me aware of the lack of accommodating products for
wheelchair riders that don’t stigmatize their disability. I was on a mission to provide ease, comfort, and
flexibility, as well as, style to a market that lacked this attention. Throughout the design process, user-
feedback was most important to the function and design, as well as, a designer purse I had seen at
Nordstrom’s, which incorporated an expandable storage capability.

32. Callisto – Light EmanationCallisto – Light EmanationCallisto – Light EmanationCallisto – Light EmanationCallisto – Light Emanation
Problem Statement:
To create a light emanation product for an interior space that uses multiple parts of the same unit part
to form a three-dimensional shape, using the CNC Router Mill to manufacture parts.
Solution:
Callisto is a light emanating, organic, hanging sculpture made with high density polyethylene (HDPE)
and electroluminescent wire (E. L. Wire). The modular shape is a narrow oblong ring, 17” long and
5 5/8” wide. On either end is either a tab or a slit. At its center, is a raindrop shape that is partially
detached from the main unit piece, only to be attached to one end to allow it to flex. (The raindrop has
slits to allow light to shine through and a hook at its end). The electroluminescent wire is then, sewn
with monofilament to circumscribe the central cutout. When two identical unit pieces of these thin
sheets of HDPE are combined and inserted into one another, with opposing ends matching, a
3-dimensional bulbous sculpture is formed as the tab and slit interlock at both ends and the raindrop
flappers, cup and embrace. The cool blue light that emits, glows brilliantly like jelly fish in the deep sea
or galaxies in space. In the sunlight it casts magnificent shadows like the wings of a butterfly.
Inspiration:
This project was a group effort of four people – Cory Bloome, Virginie Manichon, Ernest Milan, and
myself – all of whom contributed hours of thinking and testing our ideas. Our inspiration began with
paper configurations that Virginie presented to the group. We all enjoyed the beautiful interlocking of
oblong rings, with a third piece bent into itself and adhered within the space between these rings.
From this beginning, we divided duties and explored.
I was in charge of refining the design. We knew that we wanted our light emanation to be free flowing
in nature, to maintain those elegant curves and twists and bends. This is hard to do since we were
required to manufacture with the CNC Router Mill.
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