by Belén García, Paula Fermín, Marta Malumbres & Ione Leiva
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Upcycling is the process of transforming waste materials, objects, useless, or unwanted products into new products or materials of better quality, with a different function and often with better environmental value. The challenge of this project was to experiment with waste materials and turn them into functionable joints. In other words, designing objects that are not just visually attractive, but also environmentally responsible and sustainable.
The final prototype that we chose to develop is one that connects cardboard tubes using plastic
bottle caps. We took advantage of the existing screw mechanism present in the plastic bottles. When combined, the screw caps allow objects to be connected in six different directions: front, back, left, right, top, and bottom. With this system, we can create 3D structures with varying heights and lengths.
© 2022 This work is licensed under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license.
IMPACT / Our prototype can be used easily as it only involves one movement: twisting. We believe that people of all ages may use or interact with the product, depending on their physical and mental capabilities. In fact, we believe that one of the best uses for the prototype can be an educational toy for children. It is playful but useful, giving the users the freedom to personalize according to their preference. It teaches creativity with possibilities and the “twisting” movement.
CHILDREN'S DEVELOPMENT / According to Kirstine Beeley, an Early Years specialist, “Fine motor skills can broadly be divided into four categories: to build strength in hands and wrists children need to practise squeezing, pinching and twisting, as well as their hand-eye coordination.” Our prototype fosters the twisting category of fine motor skills that is essential to children’s development. Taking this a step further, this educational toy version of our prototype can be used in fine motor therapy or even occupational therapy for the disabled or recovering outpatients. It may be used not only as a way to develop the fine motor skills but also in the assessment in the said skills and even mental capacities.
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