Whether you're rolling out a project for your 3D design class, or working on prototypes for a manufacturer, an ash tray is a perfect opportunity to put design concepts into practice. Chances are you'll put a good amount of thought into your ash tray design, in considering both style and function to produce a result that users will love.
Instructions
1. Choose materials. You'll probably go with what's most accessible to you. Manufacturers churn out ash trays in steel, porcelain or glass. You can even use found objects to make interesting ash trays.
2. Make your style choices. You may want to sketch up the intended form of your ash tray to try to imagine what it's going to look like, marking in color choices and dimensions.
3. Identify your functional element. Note what happens to the ash when it is deposited. Decide if you want to include a lower tray for easy disposal. Figure out how your model handles waste.
4. Build with extra features. Some manufacturers have caught on to offering ash trays with wind protection, where ash is not exposed to the elements, as wind can take your ash and spread it around the vicinity. You may want to include neat extras like resting forks for smokes or match or business card holders.
5. Build for your intended use. With smoking on a wide-spread decline, your ash tray may intended more as an art piece. Try to reflect that in your work and show philosophy through design.
6. Be creative, and push the boundaries of what has been done. This kind of work will stand you in good stead throughout a design career.
