Will Foster-Friesen

Hi, I’m Will. I am interested in trying to design unique new product categories that solve real problems that people have. Especially the people in my life. I love woodworking and see myself designing furniture either as part of my career or after I retire. I am also passionate about mechanical design and electronics, as well as CAD/other software, I enjoy making videos and using my hands to build things. My interests go on and on, after graduating, I am excited to gain some experience and explore some different fields, and most importantly learn more about how to be a great designer!

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647-575-7237

william.foster.friesen@gmail.com Share This Page

The Four Essential Pillars for Design Excellence

The four essential pillars encompass human-centric design approach and the understanding of full-bodied, three dimensional physical interaction of user, product and environment. The projects generate innovative solutions using research-driven, evidence-based designs which focus on the user experience.

3D Render showing the dimensions of the product

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Enhancement of Human Lifestyle

Cusina's small nested state synergies with a small apartment. It grants the freedom to cook whenever and wherever desired.

Caster wheels allow the unit to be moved around and between apartments easily if necessary. The table completely detaches from main body, offering a backup workspace, and can be moved to an ideal location for dining.

Drawing of person moving product through door

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3D render of figure using gestural control

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Human-Interaction & User-Centric Design

When nested, it is no wider than 30”, narrower than standard Canadian door frames, permitting movement between rooms.

Compact cooking cleaning eating entertaining are all in one package. It allows users access to recipes and ingredients with simple hands free gestural control.

Drawing showing two people with different heights using the machine

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3D render of figure using water hose inside kitchen

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Ergonomics & Human Factors Design

Foot pedal operated gas shocks adjust the height of the counter top to provide an ergonomic prep surface for not only the 99% male, the 1% female, but everyone in between.

The pullout stools are a standard height of 18”, and have clearance underneath the front, allowing users feet to get underneath when attempting to stand up (important for elderly, and other physical difficulties). Heavy 15 gal water tanks need not be emptied manually, separate fresh and grey water hoses onboard can pump can water without bending over.

Breakdown of the parts that constitute the product

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Sustainability & Social Responsibility

Cusina adheres to a Cradle to Cradle design philosophy.

The main counter tops are made of a food safe recycled plastic material called Polygood and the body panels, structural, and mechanical component are all made of Aluminum, a virtually infinitely recyclable metal. Onboard air filters contain a C2C certified material called AqFresh. No materials are composite, or entombed within plastic, meaning repair of a broken part is easy, and recycling of materials is easily done with a simple disassembly.

Project Summary

The housing crisis and stagnated wages occurring across the globe is causing young professionals to extend the period spent renting and living with roommates. A lack of options and getting squeezed into smaller apartments raise tensions, as roommates compete for shared spaces and struggle to get enough personal space. The amount of rental housing units in Toronto has risen by 23% since 2011, yet median apartment size has shrunk by 40% since the 1990's. These, among many others, put roommates on edge. 41% of renters surveyed said that keeping shared spaces clean is the main cause of tension between roommates. The kitchen is the top problem space reported by renter interviewees whether left dirty, unorganized, is too small, or occupied when needed. The unique compact form of Cusina offers users the benefit of a full kitchenette yet is able to be moved around easily and is no larger than a kitchen island. It provides additional use through expandable counter top space, with storage for essential cooking and eating utensils. A smart interactive screen allows users to access recipes and ingredient lists, with simple hands free gestural control.