This was the final project for Stanford's "Formgiving" product design class. The assignment was a create a highly personal object that you felt you had an unusual or extreme affinity for, or that somehow represented an essential part of your nature or character.
I chose to create a 10" diameter wooden radial ball bearing. This is a fully functioning bearing, with inner and outer races that ride on 2" diameter wood balls.
Design for me is about man working with nature to create things that improve our world and improve our lives. I also relish mechanical precision and design that surprises. I felt a wooden bearing would capture the essence of these things.
