"new" Shift knob design

[20vPrep]

Hey I am designing a new line of shift knobs for one of my product design classes let me know what you think.
Criticism, positive AND negative are welcome, helps me design better.
Initial thoughts? Thanks
-BWell

[TerrorSwain]

can I suggest an 8 ball with the KDF-Wagen logo. I would love that!!!!!

[20vPrep]

Thank you!

The one with the gears teeth?

[crusty72]

That 8 Ball is killer.. I would buy one for sure

[wannabaja]

Industrial Design student eh? What school?

[NTUNED]

Criticism, positive AND negative are welcome, helps me design better.

1.I think this first one is the one I like the best. Maybe instead of a disk shape, make the bottom rounded but with the flat top? Just an idea
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...n/b8b4065d.jpg

2.Definitely not. It looks like a golf ball with sharpie VW on it. Could definitely use improvement
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...n/22f1f308.jpg

3.You might be onto something with this one but I think the VW logo is a little too much on it. Maybe a smaller logo? maybe a logo on the side instead of dead center?
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...n/5171a28d.jpg

4.Classic 8 ball shape. Maybe add some extra/take away from the ball shape? I don't know, Not saying is bad, could def see it as a shifter, but nothing really to wow from the classic shifter
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...n/4846d2ec.jpg

5.I think this one is for LULZ hahaha Looks straight out of star wars for me. Screams Death Star
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...n/574d692c.jpg

[TerrorSwain]

Thank you!

The one with the gears teeth?

That would be the one!!!! I have always loved that logo!

[20vPrep]

Industrial Design student eh? What school?

Correct! Art Institute of Seattle.... for now... to finish up my bachelor degree and then off to California for my masters at AAU, The Art Center or CCA (hopefully)

1.I think this first one is the one I like the best. Maybe instead of a disk shape, make the bottom rounded but with the flat top? Just an idea
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...n/b8b4065d.jpg

2.Definitely not. It looks like a golf ball with sharpie VW on it. Could definitely use improvement
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...n/22f1f308.jpg

3.You might be onto something with this one but I think the VW logo is a little too much on it. Maybe a smaller logo? maybe a logo on the side instead of dead center?
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...n/5171a28d.jpg

4.Classic 8 ball shape. Maybe add some extra/take away from the ball shape? I don't know, Not saying is bad, could def see it as a shifter, but nothing really to wow from the classic shifter
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...n/4846d2ec.jpg

5.I think this one is for LULZ hahaha Looks straight out of star wars for me. Screams Death Star
http://i1261.photobucket.com/albums/...n/574d692c.jpg

AWESOME input! I really appreciate it!
And yes! the death star is exactly what I was going for, i think that is as close as I can legally get without Lucas knocking down my door demanding my computer.

I strongly agree with your statement to # 4. As a designer it is probably the least satisfying to me as I , in essence, slapped a sticker on it and a screw in it. As soon as I complete my last two finals, you should see some more updates.



A question for all to ponder next time they are cruisin, what is a normal, comfortable grip position for you while you are shifting?

[Superbeet]

I'm really into the middle one. Don't know if I like the baby blue, but a yellow like the sun beetle shift knob would be rad.

[boratuner]

Nice work. I am leaning towards the flat disk and the golf ball design. The 8 ball is cool also. either way cool project idea. Do you have any other designs?

[NTUNED]

A question for all to ponder next time they are cruisin, what is a normal, comfortable grip position for you while you are shifting?

I wish I had a bug (been wanting one for a while) to add more first hand experience with their shifting pattern/grip

but in my 04, I find myself using the top, front, right, and bottom sides most. Mainly top and front as far as placement of hand and fingers to move the shifter.

Therefore I believe you need a (if not complete sphere shape shifter) curve top for the shifter. I think a flat top will not be comfortable in your hand, so slightly curve would just suit better in the palm and be more comfortable in the long run.

As for the rest, firm front (meaning no odd cut outs that you'll be hitting or feeling with your hands) and you should be set. Sides can be used for a more unique shape without taking away from comfort

(Once again, this is speaking from an 04 jetta standpoint, so the shifter console is closer to the arm. In a bug or other aircooled, due to the longer shifter, this might not be necessary or related)

[rabbitnothopper]

8ball with vw, if and only if full 8ball size, im going to ebay to buy one right now.



this deathstar one is a cool concept but the bumpy looking design fails
the green vw logo embossed in that pattern works well for the design however.
may i suggest keychain for this one instead of shifter knob?
or market it as a rearview mirror ornament

[20vPrep]

^ awesome thank you! yeah, the pattern would need to be altered before any production and the vw emblem doesn't play well i agree. I was actually just thinking about the imprint that it would leave in your hand if it weren't surrounded in a clear sphere