The object I want to explore is a transparent umbrella - one of the most

indispensable products nowadays. However, people usually have lots of difficulties in

using it. Hence, I designed two new innovative ones and will analyze some principles
I have added into it based on Dieter Rams’ principles, Universal Principles, and Don
Norman’s emotional principles. The umbrella was derived from ancient Egypt about
4,000 years ago and known as the name “ombrella” or “parasol” because its shape
like a leaf canopy (Rankine 2017, p.4). Moreover, in the past the canopy was made
of oiled silk (Sangster 2007, p.20). Later, it changed from oiled silk into water-proof
parachute fabric to defend people from the rain. Not only that, the form is small but
then it was developed to be larger and became luxurious accessory in the
seventeenth century (Sangster 2007, p.14). Nowadays, the umbrella improved a lot
but it still remains the original shape.
The transparent umbrella was invented to hide people from the rain. Because of its
functions, it was designed to have a form like a bowl upside down and a handle to
hold. Whenever it is raining, the rain drops will follow the canopy and fall to the
ground. Additionally, the handle looks like a hook to hang it up. Furthermore, the
updated version contains the stretcher, runner, and open/close button to open the
umbrella easily.
The first time I saw the transparent umbrella, I wonder whether it can be used to
protect me from the sun or not. Additionally, I really do not like the transparency
because it is useless and reduce the functions of the umbrella. While using it for the
first time, I realize that it definitely cannot be used to prevent the sun and I feel
disappointed about that. However, it was
doing a great job while the rain was
happening. After using it, I think that it is
not as useful as I expected. If the rain is
too heavy and the wind is too strong, I
can be wet.
Through the original umbrella, I realized
that there are three Universal design
principles applied to this object.
Accessibility is the first one, on the
umbrella, there is a little button on the shaft. Without instruction, users can easily
know that they have to push the button to open the umbrella if they do not know how

Figure 1: The Transparent Umbrella – Saigon Campus by

to use it for the first time. Hence, because of this principle, people can easily
recognize the usage of the umbrella and it helps avoiding the errors. Secondly,
Affordance was also applied to the umbrella, when people see the last part of the
shaft, they can see a part that is curved. Indeed, the handle part is often curved and
thick or has a different color. By this way, designer gave a hint to users to hold that
handle. Finally, Form Follows Function is obviously seen on this umbrella. This
umbrella’s function is mostly used to against the rain, so that its stretcher has the
same form with the upside-down bowl and there is no decoration on this umbrella, it
is just transparent. 
Meanwhile, I have sketched another innovative version called
“The Parasol”. For this one, I have changed the canopy’s form
into another one looks like a bat’s wing and I also enlarged it.
To did it, I applied the principle Affordance into it. Although the
form was altered, it also did a great job in its function even
more effectively. Similarly, I added the decorative pattern on
the canopy by using the principle called Icon Presentation.
Differ from the transparent original, this updated one have Figure 2: The Parasol – Saigon Campus
by Tam Ngo, RMIT University, 2019.
some rain drops on the canopy not only to decorate but also to
represent the function of this umbrella which is related to the rain. Finally, I made the
line outside the canopy emerged from the canopy’s surface. By doing this, we can
easily the symmetrical elements.

The last version I have created named “The

Figure 3: The Lightbulb – Saigon
Campus by Tam Ngo, RMIT University,
2019.
designed a bowl to contain the light. Thus, it can prevent users from accidents when
the lightbulb suddenly falls down.
Lightbulb”. I added the lightbulb on the top of the
umbrella and it was covered by a transparent bowl
and it was considered as the Aesthetic - Usability
effect. This idea is quite strange and interesting for
users to use. Then they have motivation to buy and
use it, also perceive more about the functions. The
next principle is Factor of Safety, instead of adding
the lightbulb directly into the inside of the canopy, I
The original includes three Dieter Rams’ principles which are unobtrusive, honest,
and useful. It is true that the original did not have any decorative features. With its
simple form, it still works well and really convenient. Version 1 “The Parasol”
contains useful, innovative, long-lasting. This version was enhanced from the original
to have more useful functions, so that its updated elements will help prolonging the
longevity. The last version called “The Lightbulb” was applied aesthetic, innovative,
and understandable principles into it. This version was changed its appearance a lot,
mostly on the canopy part. It is developed to have one more element and function.
Hence, it looks more appealing and users also perceive the usage through the new
design.
The first new version was inspired from the parasol and what I like most about it is
the middle part of the shaft because it was added a joint to stretch and fold.
Moreover, the handle looks like a foot and the canopy was made to be larger.
Hence, I would prefer using it when going to the beach. Otherwise, “The Lightbulb”
version would have a big change in their design if we truly added lightbulb to the
umbrella. This idea is really crazy and risky; I am also worried about the case that
the light can cause an accident like falling down to users’ head or electric shock. 

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Rankine, M 2017, Brolliology, Melville House Publishing, NY.
2. Sangster, W 1864, Umbrellas and their history…, Riverside Press, NY.