Parametric Design
Products
In a previous article, I talked about what parametric design is. As an example of this type of design, I mentioned a fashion designer having to make 24 iterations out of one jacket design (4 colors x 6 sizes).
Now, it’s easy to picture parametric design in the clothing industry. But it also takes part in lots of other industries rather inconspicuously.
Golf Clubs
They not only carry parametric design in shorter or longer shafts; but every set of irons and drivers model carry the same overall look while delivering slight variances in the head’s angle and overall face size in order to make for a full set (irons 2 to 9, plus Wedges, and drivers 1 to 3).
Car Tires
On the other hand, car tires are very parametrically complex designs. The same tire thread can be found in a lot of different sizes, ranging from compact cars to pick up trucks, while different threads can be found for any car’s specific size. This makes up for a very parametrically interesting size/thread matrix.
Swiss-Army Knives
Lastly, Swiss-army knives are one of the examples that I love the most. Mainly because I love knifes altogether, but it could also be the fact that I never leave the house without a pocket knife on me. Swiss-army knives like the Victorinox, pictured below, range not only in overall size but in blades, materials, color, and total number of tools among other features. But for the most part, all Victorinox’s carry the unmistakably logo and round ergonomic design.
Creatives
Philippe Starck
I came to know Philippe Starck’s work from a number of unique buildings he designed in my favorite summer vacation spot in Punta del Este, Uruguay. He has partnered with numerous well-known-brands such as Aprilia, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, and expanded his work through varied industries and applications such as furniture and smart rings, to reach an overall number of over 10,000 designs.
One of his latest works is a partnership with Slovenian building company Riko Hiše. They worked together to create P.A.T.H, a unique turnkey living solution. According to the website:
“P.A.T.H. OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF HOUSE SIZES, NUMBERS OF ROOMS, FLOORS, AND MULTIPLE OPEN FLOOR PLANS THAT BEST FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE AND NEEDS”.
It’s a very interesting parametric solution in a world that not only needs more environmental consciousness from our part as designers, but comes to solve the rising housing problem worldwide.
I would believe that due to the architectural nature of the designs, once an idea is sketched out and revised, it’s then rendered in some sort of AutoCAD software in order to better account for needs such as plumbing, electricity, walls, and other basic parts of a house; which AutoCAD has been designed to specifically help with.
Jay Nelson
I came upon Jay Nelson’s work through Instagram (@JayNelsonStudio). His profile was suggested to me by IG’s algorithm since I already followed a number of similar surfers’ accounts and outdoor brand Poler, with which he had a collab at the time.
Most of his art is done in woodwork. He creates beautiful pieces with his own hands. I suspect he mainly draws things and does not use any type of CAD software, as I have never seen him post any work of his on a computer, but I have seen numerous hand drawn sketches, as well as a number of blueprints.
I really enjoy his work, and I’m mostly attracted to the structures he creates out of cars and boats. Each design is inspired on the vehicles existing structure, and from there he proceeds to build beautiful campers, trailers, and pop-up tents. He even worked alongside Patagonia’s WornWear initiative, where he build a garment repair station in the back of an old truck.
Bob McTavish
Founder of McTavish Surfboards, a surfboards manufacturing company in Australia, Bob was one of the pioneers of what is known as the shortboard revolution in surfing, back in the 60’s. His creations helped refine rail and bottom design to maximize performance.
As a surfer enthusiast, I can’t help admiring Bob’s revolutionary work and appreciate all the boards his family company still creates to this day. Surfboard design and manufacturing is today torn by the technologies available and the soul in craftsmanship from a traditional shaper. I believe McTavish still relies on human hand for almost the whole process of board shaping and designing, and honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
