Reflection

Coming into this project, I was excited by the opportunity to design and build something I had never worked with before—a clock. One of the main constraints was that we were not allowed to use wood, as it had been the primary material in our previous timekeeping project. This pushed me to think differently about materiality and explore new directions that better aligned with my personal design style.

From the start, I knew I wanted to pursue a more industrial aesthetic. Through research, I became interested in the form of old school bells and was drawn to their circular shape as a natural foundation for a clock face. I liked the idea of repurposing an existing object—taking something familiar and giving it a new function. Building on this, I found inspiration in the chains used in grandfather clocks, which led to the concept of incorporating a hanging chain with attached numbers to create an elongated and unconventional way of reading time.

The final design combined simple, raw materials—such as a bike chain, gears, nuts and bolts, adhesives, and the bell itself—to create a piece that feels both industrial and modern. I intentionally used metallic finishes and minimal detailing to maintain a clean, cohesive look while still emphasizing the mechanical qualities of the design.

While the process itself was more straightforward than expected, sourcing materials—like driving nearly an hour to find the right bell—was a key part of bringing the concept to life. Seeing the final product come together was extremely rewarding, and the positive feedback from peers reinforced the success of the design.

As a sophomore industrial design student, this project stands out as one of my most fulfilling experiences so far. It challenged me to think creatively within constraints, experiment with unfamiliar materials, and develop a concept that reflects both my interests and my evolving design perspective.