This document provides details on Jess Kuhlenthal's design portfolio, education, experience, and skills. It includes a fog collector device designed for a German engineering company focused on biomimicry. The fog collector is made of simple, locally available materials like PVC piping and uses a gabion to secure it. It was designed for a small South African town to harvest fog and provide water.

1. Jess Kuhlenthal
Design Portfolio
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ITEM 8: CONNECTION PIECE

2. 2007-2011 Hudson Park High School, East London, Eastern Cape
Matriculated with 5 distinctions
Mathematics
Physical Science
Engineering, Graphics and Design
English
Life Orientation
Half-colours for academics
Anderson Trophy (2011)- this is presented to a matriculant that
immersed herself in a variety of activities and led peers with
dignity and enthusiasm
Service award (based on all the committees I was involved in)
Captain- 1st Team swimming, 2nd Team Waterpolo and 2nd
Team Hockey
2012-2014- Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town
National Diploma in Three-dimensional Design
2014-2015- Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town
B.Tech Degree in Industrial Design
Additional Courses:
LeNses (International course based on systems design and
sustainable energy for all)
Catia (Engineering CAD program- distinction)
Recent Achievements:
1st prize (won) the National Furniture Design Competition held
by the Department of Trade and Industry (2015)
Exhibited my winning table design at the Design Indaba 2015
See Trimod
Experience:
2015- Intern
OvP Associates, Gardens, Cape Town
Reference: Sarah Chang (sarah@ovp.co.za)
2015- Imaginate (startup)
Co-founder, editor and spokesperson
Reference: Shanee Rabie (shaneerabie21@gmail.com)
Education:
Jessica Courtney Kuhlenthal
Industrial Designer
Date of birth: 17 July 1993
Contact me:
jesskuhlenthal@ gmail.com
082 925 0312
I am a passionate, hard-working and diligent
individual with an ambitious attitude
towards life. I love to constantly be learning
and broadening my knowledge and with
that I always seek to challenge myself to
keep growing. As I am a creative and
analytical thinker I aim to always go above
and beyond what is expected and give my
all to any task I am presented with.
My Interests:
* Sport- whether I am watching or playing, I
am a sport enthusiast that firmly believes in
leading an active and balanced lifestyle.
* Reading- I mostly read design related
books but also enjoy some fictional
adventure books to keep my imagination
active.
* Personal projects- I often find myself
designing and making items for myself, such
as jewellery and lamps, in my spare time.
Skills and Strengths:
* Creative and critical thinker
* Idea generation
* Research (Primary and Secondary)
* Graphic Design (Illustrator, past projects
include logos, brochures, posters and
packaging)
* Solidworks and Catia (CAD Programs)
* Model/Prototype building
* Concept and presentation sketching
* Technical Drawing (Hand drawn or
through CAD)
WHO AM I?

3. This 1000mm x 2000mm tent is made from high
quality tephlon and aluminium tubing. The
structure consists of four bent aluminium tubes.
The aluminium tube is bent twice at ninety degree
angles with a radius of 200mm. These individual
bent tubes are assembled together by means of a
nut and bolt that creates an axis for the structure
to rotate around. Once opened the structure is
secured by inserting a rod through the base tubes
creating a sturdy structure. The cover of the tent
contains two bags close to these axis points
which are designed to be filled with sand or rocks
to add additional weight to the product.
The tent offers two main functional forms. One is
the enclosed tent that offers a place for a baby or
toddler to sleep that is free from sun wind and
sand. The second is more of a wind and partial
sun barrier but is semi open for the baby or
toddler to be in full view while they play or eat.
The cover of the tent is attached to the
aluminium structure by means of press studs.
This allows the cover to be detached from the
structure and simply put into a washing
machine to be cleaned. A small triangular
window is located at the back end of the tent to
allow for air to pass through the tent. There is
also a zip with netting as well as a loose cover
over the front end of the tent.
There are no sharp edges or corners to this
product and no choking hazards.
This tent is easily assembled and disassembled
within ten seconds and folds into a neat
1000mmx500mmx80mm with a handle allowing
it to be easily and comfortably carried. It is also
lightweight; weighing less than 2kg.
2 0 1 2
TODDLER BEACH TENT

4. Brief: Replicate a part of an injection moulded product at a 2:1
scale and produce a stop motion video of the process
Although this is not a product I designed it indicates the extent to
which I pay attention to detail and shows my capability to
replicate and build scale models in a neat and precise manner. I
have made scale replicas in both ABS and Polystyrene plastic.
2 0 1 3
Stop Motion Video:
https://www.facebook.com/jessica.kuhlenthal/vide-
os/vob.1828035553/3824221903890/?type=2&theater.
2:1 SCALE MODEL

5. Paired food: Proudly South African lamb and samp soup with toasted ciabatta
Most traditional carafes are glass making it easy to watch the
wine as one pours it. With ceramic not being transparent this
motion is not as easy. By extending the neck of the carafe and
adding a slit that runs along the back of the neck gives the
pourer a view of the wine as they pour the wine therefore not
pouring too much or getting a fright or making a mess.
This opening at the back of the neck of the carafe also allows
the wine to breathe and air before being consumed.
The punt of the carafe is recessed enough to allow for the
pourer to insert their thumb and pour with one hand, adding to
the elegance of the experience and design.
The crockery set is specifically designed for the soup and
toasted ciabatta. The bowl is designed to be held and poured
directly into the consumers’ mouth, resulting in a traditional
African eating experience and warm hands.
This bowl sits on a piece of slate (the selected accent material)
that has been preheated to keep the soup warmer for longer.
The choice of slate was both for its contrasting aesthetic to the
glazed ceramic as well as for its functional purposes.
The plate that houses the slate has a
symmetrical profile with inclined levels
and indents that conveniently hold the
ciabatta pieces and minimize any
mess of crumbs or butter.
All pieces of the ceramic set have been
bisque fired and glazed with a satin
velvet white glaze for its smooth and
sophisticated finish and feel
This product was presented to Nitida
at an exclusive event and this set was
photographed with two other sets and
featured in the Tygerberg newspaper.
2 0 1 3
Selected Nitida wine: Calligraphy (Nitida’s specialty wine)
CERAMIC CARAFE SET

6. These glasses are made from stained and
laminated beech wood veneer. The frames have
been designed to complement the face of the
wearer regardless of age or face type. The shape
of the frames accentuates facial features, raising
and defining eyebrows to lighten the face. The
lenses are graded from a dark brown to a light
almost translucent brown that adds colour to the
face and blends in with the cheek bone. The curve
of the bottom of the lenses flow and define the
cheek bone without being too prominent or harsh.
The arms of the sunglasses are connected to the
frames through the use of flat cylindrical
neodymium magnets. This allows the wearer to
choice which arms she wishes to wear on that
particular day. This decision could be based on
mood, what she is wearing that day or what she
has planned for her day. This also means that if
the frames or arms break the wearer would simply
replace the part instead of losing a whole pair of
sunglasses. Alternatively the wearer could keep
adding to their collection and have a wider range
of options for her sunglasses.
2 0 1 3
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1syaXr8ghY4
SUNGLASSES

7. I made use of mechanical methods to amplify sound which
means there is no electrical component to this product but
instead it makes use of its shape and resources to amplify
sound.
As there is not one particular cell phone that is used by the
elderly it was important that this product was able to
accommodate a wide variety of phones. Fortunately
research proved that the elderly tend to most commonly use
phones that are simple and have fewer buttons but perform
the basic tasks such as phoning, telling time and sending
text messages.
This product has leverage along the spine that allows it to be
adjusted to fit virtually any sizes phone. With the addition of
the silicon that holds the phones profile the cellphone is
given a safe and secure fit within the product.
As the speaker of the phone is most often located at the
bottom of the cellphone it is often covered and the sound
gets trapped in the surface it is sitting on which significantly
lessens its audibility. This product is simply attached to the
phone, the phone is placed along the groove which creates
a funnel shape that holds the speaker suspended and off the
surface and provides natural amplification.
Brief: Design a product that amplifies sound
I decided to narrow down amplifying sound to amplifying a
phones ringtone and more specifically aimed towards the
elderly or hearing impaired who often cannot hear their
phones ringing which could be dangerous to their health
and well-being.
2 0 1 4
ELDERLY AUDIO DEVICE
2 0 1 4

8. This project was a World Design Capital initiative
that gave the opportunity to learn and gather
significant knowledge about ethnographic
research within the social context.
We were to observe Greenmarket square, interact
with the informal traders as well as stakeholders
such as the City of Cape Town and gather
relevant research to validate and guide a design
of a new informal trader stand. What stood out
from observations is that the traders, who
although have different products for sale, all have
similar structures. The structures did not cater for
their specific products but rather provided a
general structure. A major issue that had been
identified by engaging with the traders is the time
and effort required to set up and set down their
merchandise.
As the representatives of the City of Cape Town
had indicated that funding is a huge challenge
when dealing with improving the informal trading
sector it was decided to make iterative changes to
the existing structures at Greenmarket Square.
We proposed a long and medium term product
based on costs and time for implementation. The
medium term product consisted of iterative
changes being made to the existing square tube
structures at Greenmarket Square, this includes
adding more connection points to allow for added
stability and allowing the structure to be
assembled in a modular fashion to cater for
various products to be displayed. Two of the four
vertical square tube poles would be extended to
create a roof structure that directs rain away from
the stand as this had been identified as an issue
for the traders in winter. We also added an
overhang connection to provide extra shelter
against wind and sun for both tourists and traders.
New covers would be made to fit the structure, this
cover would be made from canvas with netting
windows to allow for air to not catch in the cover
and be a danger on windy days, another concern
mentioned by traders. The cover would be attached
and secured to the structure by means of nylon rope
and knots at all four vertical poles.
The medium term product makes use of existing
materials and uses an iterative process to address
issues such as the weather, the lack of individualism
and to improve the overall appearance of the
market.
The long term product that was proposed is
essentially a cart that houses the traders’
merchandise. This cart would be used to
significantly minimize the time and effort spent
assembling and disassembling the display of
merchandise as well as provides a suitable and
effective means of anchoring for the stand structure.
As this would require more financial aid to
implement it is recommended as a long term
product.
INFORMAL TRADER STAND 2 0 1 4

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DRAWING TITLE
SEIL FOG COLLECTOR
ASSEMBLY OF FOG COLLECTOR
PAGE 1 OF 5SCALE 1:13
JESS KUHLENTHAL
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FRONT VIEW OF SEIL FOG COLLECTOR LEFT VIEW OF SEIL FOG COLLECTOR
ITEM
NO.
PART NAME QTY REMARKS MATERIAL DRG
NO.
1 MAST 1 50MM DIAMETER, SABS
APPROVED, WHITE,
AVAILABLE AT ANY
HARDWARE STORE
PVC PIPE 14-01
2 TIP CAP 2 50MM INSIDE DIAMETER,
SABS APPROVED, WHITE,
AVAILABLE AT ANY
HARDWARE STORE
PVC 14-02
3 ROPE 1 AVAILABLE AT ANY
HARDWARE STORE
NYLON 14-03
4 FESTO
MATERIAL
1 PROVIDED BY FESTO,
10MM THICKNESS
14-04
5 SIDE CAP 1 50MM INSIDE DIAMETER,
SABS APPROVED, WHITE,
AVAILABLE AT ANY
HARDWARE STORE
PVC 14-05
6 HORIZONTAL
PIPE
1 50MM DIAMETER, SABS
APPROVED, WHITE,
AVAILABLE AT ANY
HARDWARE STORE
PVC PIPE 14-06
7 MIDDLE PIPE 1 50MM DIAMETER, SABS
APPROVED, WHITE,
AVAILABLE AT ANY
HARDWARE STORE
PVC PIPE 14-07
8 CONNECTION
PIECE
2 87.5D PLUMBING
CONNECTION, 50MM
INSIDE DIAMETER,
WHITE, SABS APPROVED,
AVAILABLE AT ANY
HARDWARE STORE
PVC 14-08
9 SEAL 1 46MM DIAMETER, WHITE,
SABS APPROVED
PVC 14-09
10 BOTTOM PIPE 1 50MM DIAMETER, SABS
APPROVED, WHITE,
AVAILABLE AT ANY
HARDWARE STORE
PVC PIPE 14-10
11 GABION 1 METAL MESH, VERY
RIGID, FILLED WITH ANY
AVAILABLE ROCKS
METAL
MESH &
ROCKS
14-11
12 5L BOTTLE 1 5L WATER BOTTLE,
AVAILABLE AT ANY
GROCERY STORE
PET 14-12
13 OUTLET PIPE 1 50MM DIAMETER, WHITE,
SABS APPROVED,
AVAILABLE AT ANY
HARDWARE STORE
PVC PIPE 14-13
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This was a project launched by Festo, a German based
engineering company focused on Biomimicry that has recently
developed a 3D-printed material that converts fog into water
droplets. The brief was to design a housing structure that will
support this material and maximise its efficiency.
It was recommended to consider the entire life-cycle of the
product in order for it to be deemed socially sustainable.
As Fog commonly occurs along South Africa’s West coast
I selected a small town known as Lamberts bay to base my
design in. As this area is commonly known for its tourism and
fishing industries I decided to use this as inspiration for my design.
I had decided that this product would need to be constructed by
the locals themselves in order for them to fully understand how
the product works as well as enable them to repair the product if it
breaks or gets ruined. It would also have to be constructed in
materials that are readily available to this small town.
This is why this product is made from simple and easily
accessible materials. The main structure is made from
PVC piping and connections. This is available at any
hardware store. The material is connected by means of
nylon rope intertwined into the material. The structure is
secured by a gabion, this is a wire mesh block that is
filled with rocks and stones to add anchorage.
As each “sail” of fog harvesting material is only
1000mmx500mm it would produce roughly three litres of
water from a dense fog filled day. Thus the storage tank
for this product is a five litre water bottle. Also available at
virtually any local store. As these bottles are clear it
allows one to see how full the bottle is at any given time.
The aesthetic of this product replicates the sail
boats in the harbour making it an appealing
structure for locals and tourists. The material that
collects and converts the fog is also connected to
the structure similar to how a sail is connected to a
post. This appeals to the locals who already have
this knowledge and can relate to the product. To
further encourage locals to maintain and sustain
this product is its implementation at local schools.
This product would be used by teachers as a
learning tool to teach children about weather,
geography, mathematics, biology and science. The
plan would be to have at least three of these
structures assembled at schools with a row of
vegetables in front of each harvester. The water
collected by the product would be used to sustain
the vegetable garden and produce a source of
food.
2 0 1 4
FOG HARVESTER

10. Trimod is essentially a raised surface that aims to utilize
space effectively as well as provide a sense of
individualism and personalization from the user. This
product consists of three right-angles triangles, one larger
(1000mmx500mm) and two smaller (500mmx250mm) that
can be configured in nine different ways according to the
user’s needs, preference or space available.
Configurations include a rectangle, square, right-angled
triangle, parallelogram and trapezium. These parts
connect and fit to each other by means of magnetic strips.
These magnetic strips allow for a secure and comfortable
fit that is strong enough to hold its grip but also allows the
user to separate parts with a simple tug.
This product encouraged interaction and is not just
another coffee table. If a user wants to put a cup of tea
next to them while they sit on the couch they need only
pull a small triangle next to them instead of the entire
table.
It is made from beech wood sealed with a non-toxic
wood seal, magnetic strips, foam for protection and
T-nuts. The feet are connected by means of a T-nut
which makes the feet adjustable to ensure a near
perfect fit for the magnets.
The Department of Trade and Industry held a
national furniture design competition. I entered
Trimod as it suited the requirements of the
competition,
Trimod was selected as one of the top five finalists
which meant it was showcased and exhibited at the
Design Indaba 2015. Trimod was later announced as
the winner of the competition. As the winner I was put
into contact with several influential stakeholders of
the furniture industry in South Africa. I am currently
looking into getting Trimod mass produced for sale. I
was also interviewed on several radio stations and
featured in newspaper articles and online platforms.
Links to the online articles can be found below.
2 0 1 5
https://www.thedti.gov.za/editmedia.jsp?id=3255 http://www.smallbusinessconnect.co.za/news/win-with-furniture-design.html#.VdXBSfmqpBc
https://www.cput.ac.za/newsroom/news/article/2811/cput-students-take-top-five-places-in-furniture-design-competition
TRIMOD

11. This is essentially a key organiser that aims to minimise the
daily frustrations with keys such as their bulkiness, tendency to
hook on objects and their noise. It also provides a convenient
and comfortable hold and leverage for keys whilst in use.
This product is named Pivot and is the first product to be
introduced to market by a startup known as Imaginate. This
particular product has been designed, manufactured and sold
by five B.Tech students within a five month time frame.
The side profiles of the Pivot were designed through a
vigorous user testing process to attain the best size, proportion
and shape for the profiles whilst in and out of use, both
functionally and aesthetically. We also paid special attention
to not design for left or right handed people.
The Pivot is given to the user fully assembled and with triplex
key placeholders. This allows the user to disassemble the unit
themselves to get an understanding of the product dynamics
and then reassemble the product by placing their keys
strategically according to their preference.
As there is no way to decipher a top and bottom to this product
we have incorporated notches located close to the pivot
points of the product for users to associate the placement of
their keys with a notch. Notches range from one notch to four
notches based on the face and side of the product. As these
notches are indented into the profiles it also allows users to
locate the correct key in darkness and also caters for the blind.
The profiles are made from high quality aluminium, powder
coated and pad printed. The profiles are assembled by two
interscrews, also referred to as book screws. Keys are separated
by nylon washers as nylon is self-lubricating and durable.
The Pivot has been sold as individual products to customers
but is also being explored for use as corporate gifts for
organizations as it offers organizations significant exposure to
current and potential customers.
2 0 1 5
Promotional Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lHGxg3YOV0
PIVOT
This is essentially a key organiser that aims to minimise the
daily frustrations with keys such as their bulkiness, tendency to
hook on objects and their noise. It also provides a convenient
and comfortable hold and leverage for keys whilst in use.
This product is named Pivot and is the first product to be
introduced to market by a startup known as Imaginate. This
particular product has been designed, manufactured and sold
by five B.Tech students within a five month time frame.
The side profiles of the Pivot were designed through a
vigorous user testing process to attain the best size, proportion
and shape for the profiles whilst in and out of use, both
functionally and aesthetically. We also paid special attention
to not design for left or right handed people.
The Pivot is given to the user fully assembled and with triplex
key placeholders. This allows the user to disassemble the unit
themselves to get an understanding of the product dynamics
and then reassemble the product by placing their keys
strategically according to their preference.
As there is no way to decipher a top and bottom to this product
we have incorporated notches located close to the pivot
points of the product for users to associate the placement of
their keys with a notch. Notches range from one notch to four
notches based on the face and side of the product. As these
notches are indented into the profiles it also allows users to
locate the correct key in darkness and also caters for the blind.
The profiles are made from high quality aluminium, powder
coated and pad printed. The profiles are assembled by two
interscrews, also referred to as book screws. Keys are separated
by nylon washers as nylon is self-lubricating and durable.
The Pivot has been sold as individual products to customers
but is also being explored for use as corporate gifts for
organizations as it offers organizations significant exposure to
current and potential customers.
2 0 1 5
Promotional Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lHGxg3YOV0
PIVOT
This is essentially a key organiser that aims to minimise the
daily frustrations with keys such as their bulkiness, tendency
to hook on objects and their noise. It also provides a
convenient and comfortable hold and leverage for keys whilst
in use.
This product is named Pivot and is the first product to be
introduced to market by a startup known as Imaginate. This
particular product has been designed, manufactured and
sold by five B.Tech students within a five month time frame.
The side profiles of the Pivot were designed through a
vigorous user testing process to attain the best size,
proportion and shape for the profiles whilst in and out of use,
both functionally and aesthetically. We also paid special
attention to not design for left or right handed people.
The Pivot is given to the user fully assembled and with triplex
key placeholders. This allows the user to disassemble the unit
themselves to get an understanding of the product dynamics
and then reassemble the product by placing their keys
strategically according to their preference.
As there is no way to decipher a top and bottom to this
product we have incorporated notches located close to the
pivot points of the product for users to associate the
placement of their keys with a notch. Notches range from
one notch to four notches based on the face and side of the
product. As these notches are indented into the profiles it also
allows users to locate the correct key in darkness and also
caters for the blind.
The profiles are made from high quality aluminium, powder
coated and pad printed. The profiles are assembled by two
interscrews, also referred to as book screws. Keys are
separated by nylon washers as nylon is self-lubricating and
durable.
The Pivot has been sold as individual products to customers
but is also being explored for use as corporate gifts for
organizations as it offers organizations significant exposure to
current and potential customers.
2 0 1 5
Promotional Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lHGxg3YOV0
PIVOT