Evan Demczuk

2020

I wish to use my skills as a designer to help bring ideas to life. I grew up as a very artistic person, striving to achieve the most elegant lines and detailed sketches on paper. Industrial Design has allowed me to refine these skills, as well as expanding other abilities such as computer aided design, human centered thinking, manufacturing knowledge, and more.

These collective talents give me a more realistic mindset required for the creation of products. I've never let go of my fantasy-loving side, which pushes my creativity. I'm very capable of adapting ideas into real, aesthetic, yet functional items. As a hobby I enjoy character illustration and creation both traditionally and digitally. I also have a passion for experiencing stories and worlds through the media to fuel the imagination.

Get to know me a little. I'd like to talk face to face but this is how it is!

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demczuk.evan@sympatico.ca Share This Page

Metropolitan Parcel Distribution

The delivery industry has been the backbone of industries all over the world, and significantly increased with the advent of digital commerce. Many companies continue to use transports that rely on manual labor that is becoming progressively intensive which has put strain on these systems. To assist the parcel handlers and accelerate company commerce, this thesis project was developed as a solution to the urban transportation of parcels. User and industry studies inform ergonomic workflows, alternative methods of delivery, organization, security and awareness. The culmination of these factors has led to the design of a compact transportation vehicle capable of deploying curbside vending machine equipment and other cargo packages to reduce manual labour and save resources including time. Ergonomics focused on a concept canopy with a standing-leaning drivers’ seat. The application of autonomous operation was also explored. The harmony of these elements created a user-centered delivery system to benefit a large connection of users.

Download Thesis PDF

Thesis Summary Video Award Submission

Overview of the whole project. Get a glimpse of the process and learn about what CONSIGN has to offer.

CAD Animation

Take a look at the CAD model and renders. Scaled for 3D printing and time restraint, it shows all functions and key aesthetics, while implying details.

Physical Model

The 3D printed model, showing relative scale and spacious layout. Some parts were hand-fabricated. Also has configurable parts. Special thanks to Agile Manufacturing.

Meeting the Four Thesis Pillars for Design Excellence

Metropolitan Parcel Distribution animation

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Enhancement of Human Lifestyle

The goal of this project was to create focus on the driver as well as the parcels, instead of just the latter. This takes many physical and mental stresses of the user and increases the safety, security, and mood of those interacting with the vehicle or lockers.

The aesthetics create a sense of cross commercial-industrial ventures, and inspire the urban landscape while blending with it. The parcel locker system creates an alternative way to receive packages, which can be reinforced through popular “subscriptions” to a company's vending machine. This improves the customer-company relationship and allows more parcels to be distributed in a busy environment. The driver can use navigational assistance, autonomous monitoring, loading assistance, and other features to keep their focus on their job. CONSIGN has the ability to change a massive, practical industry key to the world’s interactions.

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Human-Interaction Design

The vehicle itself lends to helping delivery personnel support the key artifact; your parcels. The high ceiling of the interior allows for safe handling of parcels and packages. The low-to ground body reduces step height entering and exiting the vehicle, and is fit for urban roads.

Doors and slides are easily reachable, and are hydraulic or power assisted to assist motions. The upright-seat supports the torso, upper legs and head. Body weight shifting-sensitive adjustments help reposition the seat and rotate it for rear access. The drivers wheel is within full motion of the arms. Handles for the canopy support getting out of the vehicle through lifting of the arms. Adjusted pressure for the driver’s pedals counteract upright gravity. The overall entering and exiting of the human body was considered in this design of CONSIGN.

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Human Factors and Ergonomics

The interior of CONSIGN was a balance of compact spaces that can be used efficiently, and supports a wide range of users with appropriate clearances to feel spacious enough for free movement. The largest innovation is in an upright driver's seat that can be used in stop-and-go situations to relieve the stress of ingress and egress.

As this becomes a pain in longer trips, the chair can change to a traditional seat with a shift of body weight. Parcels small enough to carry have ample space and easy access, while mass and heavy offloads can be done through the robot arm, and shifting of cargo is done through an in-floor rail system with load bearing hooks. Many functions can be done through a company smartphone or the large, visible cockpit dashboard. Lighting under the canopy-like roof can illuminate 360 degrees in various colors for alerting and awareness of all people around.

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Sustainability

It’s very clear to today’s world that electric vehicles are the way forward. CONSIGN uses these engines to improve its efficiency and support a cleaner world. Though on a deeper level, the vehicle seeks to use urban pedestrian traffic combined with mass-parcel drop-off to reduce stops, running times, fuel, and operating costs.

Collectively, this both increases the lifespan of the vehicle and increases the amount of parcels a single unit can distribute. Easily accessible battery swaps and upgrades, coinciding with modularity of the cargo compartment and replaceable body parts, increase the long-life usability of the product furthermore. The large roof can also support solar panels to power non-engine electronics in the vehicle further offsetting its Eco-footprint.