Form studies help develop three-dimensional visual literacy by strengthening the ability to perceive, visualise, and shape forms with precision. This exercise trains the mind to manipulate 3D shapes without relying on sketches. Working in abstraction encourages making value judgments, developing design intuition, and refining sensitivity to form quality, surface interactions, and spatial relationships. Through direct material exploration, the process fosters a more instinctive and hands-on approach to shaping forms.

Exploring Form Through Abstraction

The exercise is divided into two parts. The first focuses on creating ten distinct handset forms by visualizing and shaping them directly in foam, considering ergonomics and environmental context. Each form must be unique in expression while maintaining a high standard of articulation and surface finish.

Refining and Iterating on Form

In the second part, one handset is selected for further refinement, with five variations exploring proportion, radii, chamfers, and scale. This iterative process enhances the ability to maintain form character while experimenting with subtle transformations, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of form development. The chosen form to work on was the  "sliced cylinders". While less playful, it demands attention to detail—balancing the geometric nature of the cylinder with the challenge of creating a precise slicing motion from a single block of foam. The final form is a result of labor and precision, emphasizing craftsmanship and control over material.