Designing for better photography

[alimac]

I am a student, studying in my final year for a Product Design and Manufacture Meng degree and have set my self a design project to "Create Innovation in Photography". My core competencies are in mechanical and manufacturing engineering and ergonomics though I have a relatively good knowledge of physics and electrical systems.

I am at a very early stage of development so want to keep my post open to interpretation. Below is a preliminary brief I have set my self:

To design a piece of hardware (camera or accessory) which the user can interact with in order to push the boundries of photography, exploring where and how photos can be taken and what equipment can be used to enhance a shot.

I'm looking at all areas of photography at this stage from amateur through to professional as well as in different industries (Commercial, Engineering, Crime scene investigation, Sports....etc)

I want to make sure I am not just "Designing a box" with a load of clever electronics inside. I want to create value with physical features (e.g. the gorilla pod from joby or the "lensbaby" lenses)

I am looking for general issues users have with photography as well as problems in specific senarios and suggestions to what people would like to take photos of but cant using their equipment.

Thanks for your help

Ali

 

[molested_cow]

Well, research is a form of art in itself. You can't just dish out a really generic question and expect answers.

People are only comfortable to talk about their personal opinions with people who they feel truly understand the subject. You need to structure your research questions in a way that it helps guide the interviewee through a thought process but at the same time, not limit the potential feedback that they may give you. Through the structure, you should show that you are not a stranger to the topic of photography, that means you need to do you own research before you put the microphone in some one else's mouth.

Trust me, the way you just asked the question, you will not get much from most people.

Asking for opinion on the internet can only give you surface information because you cannot follow up on certain feedbacks that you find interesting. I recommend doing a search on local photography clubs and do a personal interview. I guarantee that you will get a lot more than you've asked for. However, it will take a lot more pre-prepped questions to sustain a good conversation, so make sure you over prepare yourself. Again, it's a skill of its own.

 

[alimac]

Thanks for your feedback, I realise how generic the original post is so i've edited it and added a bit more detail.

I enjoy photography but am by no means an expert and am looking for feedback from people across the board, from amateur to pro. I'm looking for local photography clubs aswell though at this stage any information is useful.

My current concepts are based around

How to improve scene lighting using popup flash or external flash guns

Effects that could be created by visualising other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum

Effects that could be created using different lenses (i.e "lensbaby" lenses)

How cameras could be more versatile in terms of where photos can be taken (I was very impressed with the gorilla pod tripods)