On the road - Daniel Annetta

Abstract
To identify a design opportunity this dissertation
explores the history and trends in the development
of the electric guitar. The design intervention derives
from the hassle and risks of flying on planes with
guitars as they can be easily damaged in transit, but
if stored with you on the plane damage is minimised.
This project aims to find a solution for the average
musician on an average income that flies in the
economy class.
It explores the introduction of the travel guitar, a
smaller substitute of the electric guitar, to make
this travel easier. Through the evaluation of this
instruments function and feel the possible design
interventions were identified. To retain the feel of
a full-sized guitar was essential, as was the ability
to store it in an overhead locker when travelling
on an aircraft. The ease of how the instrument was
manipulated between modes was another key element
to consider.
The final design utilises a number of analog
mechanisms to manage and manipulate the guitars
elements, so that when in playing mode has the look
and feel of a standard instrument but when traveling
takes up no greater space than standard cabin
luggage.
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