This industrial design portfolio showcases projects completed by Michael Custer while obtaining his BFA from Kendall College of Art and Design from 2006 to 2010. It includes profiles of 5 projects: a shower caddy, footwear uppers, a phlebotomy cart, seating for a performance venue, and medical footwear. For each project, the brief or goal is stated and research, ideation, concept development, prototypes and final designs are displayed through renderings, models and photos.

1. Industrial Design Portfolio
A catalogue of the projects completed while ob-
taining a BFA from Kendall College of Art and
Design
2006 - 2010
michael custer

2. About Mike
Mike is a passionate designer with a true love for the craft that
is design. He began drawing at a very early age, only stopping
to take a brief eight year stint building robots. He soon found
that his life would not be complete without the creativity allowed
within design. In his free time he enjoys sketching footwear,
cycling, wrenching on cars, and reading philosophy.
michael custer

3. Shower Caddy
Footwear Upper
Phlebotomy Cart
Irwin Seating Company
Medical Footwear
michael custer no. 3

4. Shower Caddy
Brief:
Design “a new and innovative design, technology, or concept for making
household chores easier and more intuitive. The design improvement can
be applied to any basic household task, whether it is organizing clutter or
washing the dishes. The design can be completely original or an improve-
ment upon any part of the task.” (Simple Human)
michael custer
no. 4

5. Research
Trends:
-People who rush in the morning are now
prioritizing their morning
-Wood is becoming a common material
within high end bathrooms
-A Texas A&M study found that baths
in homes and hotels are “brimming with
disease-causing bacteria.”
Observation:
-Many families had no separation
between peoples products
-When caddies ran out of room other
areas in the shower were used as
storage
-Nooks and hard to clean spots in
showers rarely were sufficiently cleaned
michael custer no. 5

6. User Segmentation
Primary User:
Families
Age: 25-55
Gender: Male and Female
Income: Mid level
Size of House: 3-4 People
Type of home: House
Bathrooms: 1-2 Full baths
Personality Traits:
-Everyone shares one shower
-Willing to spend more time on initial
setup
-Conservative styling
-Shower is used multiple times each day
michael custer no. 6

7. Ideation
michael custer
no. 7

8. Ideation
-Adjustability
-Modularity
-Simplicity
-Unique bottle holding solutions
-Forced organization
michael custer
no. 8

9. Development
- Modular system
- Adjustable for different needs
- Supports forming a routine
- Contemporary styling
- Easy to clean (dishwasher safe)
michael custer
no. 9

10. Final Design
1. ABS Cap fits into groves in back 1
2. Four suction cups that can each 2
hold 40lbs support the caddy
3
3. Soap tray has slots to hang a loofa
from, as well as holes for
toothbrushes and razors, each is
designed to not come in contact
with each other 4
4. Mirror can swivel 180 degrees
horizontally so the user can adjust it
for proper viewing
5. Stainless steel bottle holders have
a specifically designed shape to
hold round and oval bottles
5
michael custer
no. 10

11. Final Design
Final Physical Model
-Fully functional
-Vacuum formed plastic parts
-Actual bent plywood
michael custer
no. 11

12. Use Scenario
1. Enter shower 2. Body wash/soap 3. Shampoo
-Many users wait minutes for the - Soap is stored on the top to avoid - The shampoo bottle is snaps into a
shower to heat up “sliminess” stainless steel holder
4. Conditioner 5. Shave (or brush teeth) 6. Exit shower
- Bottle holders can rotate 360 degrees - Razor, toothbrush, and soap, are all - When the user leaves the shower all
so that you can get every last drop out stored on a plastic shelf, while the objects have been returned to their
loofa is hung from hooks on the shelf specific place
michael custer no.12

13. Footwear Upper
Brief:
Take an existing sole design and create a series of uppers. The upper
designs should show the flexibility of the sole design and incorporate dif-
ferent types of footwear.
The final deliverable should be three distinctive concepts and styles, ren-
dered in profile view.
michael custer
no. 13

14. Ideation
michael custer no. 14

15. Concept 1
michael custer no. 15

16. Concept 2
michael custer no. 16

17. Concept 3
michael custer no. 17

18. Phlebotomy Cart
Brief:
While the actual act of performing a phlebotomy is some what simple,
there are many obstacles before and after performing one. These many
factors have caused the overall process to become cumbersome. To aid in
the lives of the patients and phlebotomists alike, design a product to make
their job simpler and easier.
michael custer
no. 18

19. Macro Research
Trends:
-The overall market for Phlebotomists
is expected to expand by 10-20% in the
next decade
Products used:
- Carts
- Specific chairs
- Trays
- Needles
- Vacutainers
- Sharps containers
- Alcohol wipes
- Gloves
michael custer no. 19

20. Micro Research
Observations:
- Incorporation of sharps container
-Storage for many drawings
- Many offer a space to store a remov
able rack
- Wheels use a easy locking mechanism
Areas for Improvement:
- Heavy
- Poor ergonomics
- Very little adjustability
- Little thought given to form
michael custer no. 20

21. User Interview
-What is the most important attribute you
look for in a product in the hospital set
ting?
“To operate the product using only one
hand”
-What is the largest hassle in the process
of Phlebotomy?
“the patients arm moving while I’m trying
to insert the needle, and then continuing
moving while I take blood.”
-If you could have one dream product to
aid in Phlebotomy, what would it be?
“a cart that some how incorporated an
armrest”
michael custer no. 21

22. Ideation
-Form
-Lightweight
-Adjustability
-Nesting
-Storage
-Construction
-Function
michael custer no. 22

23. Development
- Layout of components
- Form language
- Function
- Mechanisms
- Assembly
- Ease of cleaning
- Incorporation of armrest
- Locked storage
michael custer no. 23

24. 1
Final Design
2
1. Ergonomically shaped handles height
is adjustable
2. Removable sharps container
3. Adjustable arm pad allows for any 3
seat to become a phlebotomy station
4. Removable bin allows for the user to
adjust the load per day
4
5. Locking compartment for storage of
personal items and controlled equip
ment
5
6. Sturdy ABS base snaps into roto
molded upper frame
7. Small casters in the front and large
wheels in the back allow for greater 6
mobility around the building
7
michael custer no. 24

25. Use Scenario
1. Sharps container is removable for easy disposal, 2. Knobs twist to tighten and loosen around the 3. The handle is angled in such a way that as the
and is located in an easy to reach location. handle, allowing for the user to set a proper height user adjusts it, not only goes up, but also away from
and lock it in place. the cart.
4. Knobs on both sides twist to clamp down in posi- 5. When loosened, the armrest can fold down and 6. The armrest extends out past the cart, allowing
tion. slides along the rails to adjust to the height of the improved comfort and adjustment for the user and
user (when seated). patient
michael custer no. 25

26. Irwin Seating Company
Brief:
During the summer of 2009 an opportunity to become the first in house
designer at this seating company arose. Throughout the summer various
projects were worked on and the internship was extended for the following
school year.
Projects varied from:
- Creating concept chairs
- To creating production ready parts (from design through manufacturing)
- Projects analyzing the brands overall design offering
- Working as project leader with suppliers to create prototypes
michael custer
no. 26

27. Research - Performing Arts
Trends:
- Smaller radii on fillets gives impression
of skilled craftsmanship
- High end chairs have a reduced gap
size between parts
- There is a combination of metal and
wood incorporating architectural ele
-ments
Design Direction:
- Create contemporary style standard concepts
that incorporate new modular design
- Concepts must be scale able to all demograph
-ics ( low to high end)
- Explore materials and finishes
- Create clean thought provoking forms
- Products must have a uniform form language,
unique to Irwin Seating
- Final products must showcase craftsmanship
capabilities of Irwin Seating
michael custer no. 27

28. Ideation - Performing Arts
michael custer no. 28

29. Concept 1 - Performing Arts
michael custer no. 29

30. Concept 2 - Performing Arts
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31. Prototype- Performing Arts
michael custer no. 31

32. Cast End (In Production)
michael custer no. 32

33. VIP Table (In Production)
michael custer no. 33

34. VIP Custom (In Production)
Front
Door profile
Top
michael custer no. 34

35. VIP Custom (In Production)
michael custer no. 35

36. Concept Illustrations
michael custer no. 36

37. Medical Footwear
Brief:
The nursing profession is very vast, having many highly specialized fields.
Within these jobs, nurses are subject to unique issues and situations. Cur-
rently there are footwear companies working towards solutions for nurses
on a broad scale.
Develop an understanding of this market, the issues within the field, an
design a targeted entry.
michael custer
no. 37

38. Research - Trends
Trends:
-Within RN’s currently employed, the age group
of 50 and above is now the largest
-Insufficient staffing is such a large problem,
that nurses are complaining that the stress is
leading to a drop in overall care of the patients
-Due to safety concerns, many hospitals are
regulating the type of footwear that their
staff can wear within the hospital, complying
with OSHA regulations
-While Crocs remain popular within the field,
many hospitals have banned them
-Long periods of standing are viewed as a risk
factor for development of musculoskeletal dis-
orders
-43% of people who experienced foot problems
said that heel pain was their biggest problem
-Interest in style when purchasing shoes de-
clines by age, due to an increased need for
comfort over everything else
michael custer no. 38

39. Research - User
Roles:
- Scrub Nurse: works with surgeon within the
sterile field, passing interments, and other
items during the surgical operation
- Circulating Nurse: works outside of the sterile
field, responsible for managing nurses within
the OR, assists in maintaining a safe environ-
ment
- RN First Assistant: has additional training and
education, assists directly in the surgery, con
trolling bleeding, even suturing during the op-
eration
Qualifications:
- General nursing experience before entering
Perioperative Nursing, mainly in critical care
and emergency room care
- Emotional Stability
- Must be able to accept responsibility
- The ability to direct others
- The ability to coordinate a patient’s health care
plan with other professionals
Salary:
- Average of $56,880
michael custer no. 39

40. Research - Use Scenario
1. Morning Preparation 2. Commute 3. Patient Interaction
• User goes through morning rou- • User exits the house and drives to • Prepping patients for surgery
tine of showering, dressing, and work • Checking in on patients after surgeries
breakfast • The user parks and walks the block • Assisting in surgeries (stationary
• As the user exits the house they and a half to the hospital standing for long periods of)
put on their shoes which have • Once inside the user checks in to • Many things are spilled onto shoes,
been stored in the foyer see what is scheduled for the day the user will wait to clean up until they
are done with the patient
6. Commute Home 5. Break 4. Clean Up
• Many nurses run errands on the • During the course of the day, the • a hospital provided sanitizer is
way home from work user takes a break used to clean
• At the end of their travels, the • It is common place for many nurses • After each surgery all sanitary
shoes are taken off and stored in to remove or partially remove their materials are thrown away
40
the foyer of the house shoes during this period
michael custer no.

41. Research - Competition
Dankso Price: $79-$140
• Innovative use of materials (PVC frame instead of
wood)
• Most common shoe among interviewed users
• Antimicrobial foam cushion provides improved health
standards
• Have sometimes received criticism due to Chinese
production
• Many nurses complained about the height, noting that
they had a tendency to walk out of them
Nike Shox Price: $60-$120
• Styles vary from wild to mild
• Many different color combinations
• Can come with all leather uppers, or high tech
meshes
• Can be commonly found on sale, for a lower price
than many nursing specific shoes
• Many times does not meet OSHA regulations
• Shox provide comfort and support for walking long
hours
Z Coil Price: $120-$180
• Many different styles
• Greatly reduces impact on heel
• Available with a full leather upper
• Proven to assist in lifting heavy loads
• Nurses talked about this shoe during ethnographic
research “it was the last shoe they were going to buy
for work”
michael custer no. 41

42. Ideation
michael custer no. 42

43. Ideation 2
Concept 1 Concept 2 Concept 3
-Padded collar -Padded collar -Padded collar
-Quick release lacing -Adjustable Strap -One handed quick lacing system
-Carbon fiber toe cap -Plastic living hinge insert for -Exposed carbon fiber toe camp
-Teflon coated upper protection -Carbon fiber spring for heel support
-EVA sole -Removable Tyvek sheets -PU sole
-Interchangeable heels -PU sole -Carbon rubber outsole
-Exhaust stacks allow ventilation within the -Bladder pumps air out through exhaust -Microban foam insole
shoe stacks -Bio-Smart liner
-Bio-Smart liner -Smart wool removable liner
michael custer no. 43

44. Concept Proposal
This shoe solves many different
needs common in nursing today:
Cooling System
-cycles air through shoe using bladder and
exhaust
-air is pulled under the entire shoe, giving more
consistent temperatures across the entire shoe
Teflon Coated Upper
-teflon coating makes dirt easy to wipe off
-provides protection against bodily fluids
Carbon Fiber Toe Cap
-lightweight
-meets all OSHA regulations for hospital foot
wear
Adjustable Strap Fitment
-allows heel tighten around foot
-one handed operation
Biosmart Lining
-provides extra line of defense against bacteria
michael custer no. 44

45. Concept Proposal
Teflon Coating for easy cleaning
Quick Adjusting strap and acid resistance
Air is drawn in through gaps
within the shoe, flows through
the insole to a bladder, and
pumped out of the heal when
walking
Air flows through pathways cut
into the insole, cooling the foot
as it is drawn into the bladder
michael custer no. 45

46. Theme Directions
Outdoor Footwear
-Earth tones
-Sole extends to toe
-Aggressive tread
Simple Forms
-Analogous colors
-Clean forms
-Minimal pieces
michael custer no. 46

47. Theme Directions
Athletic Inspired
-Aggressive forms
-Deep flex grooves
-Lots of color break ups
Dress Inspired
-Decorative stitching
-Clean forms
-High end leathers
michael custer no. 47

48. Final Design
Athletic Inspired
-Aggressive sole with lots of flex
-High heel to reduce slippage
-Covered strap to provide tight fit
michael custer no. 48

49. Final Design
michael custer no. 49

50. Final Design
1. Cork insole with PU inlays creates a comfort 1
able and supportive bed for the foot. Groves
are cut into the sides and bottom of the insole 2
allowing air to flow through the shoe
2. Carbon fiber toe cap allows the shoe to meet
OSHA regulations, while still being light-
weight.
3. Large flex grooves are molded into the PU
midsole allowing for an increase in flexibility
3
over traditional nursing footwear.
4. Carbon rubber outsole allows for increased
grip.
4
michael custer no. 50

51. Final Design
- Air travels in through gaps in the shoe
- When the shoe is in heel strike, air is
expelled from the heel counter
- As the bladder located in the heel ex-
pands again, it draws in air from the bot-
tom of the insole
michael custer no. 51

52. Final Design
- Strap adjusts over the metatarsal giving
a significant increase in fit for the user
michael custer no. 52

53. Final Design
- The entire upper is coated with Teflon to
resist corrosion from acids, as well as
aiding in the ease of cleaning
michael custer no. 53