Cameleer & Goals
The Name 'Cameleer'
The name of this design project is 'Cameleer'. The inspiration for this name comes from the story of the Afghan cameleers in Australia, as shown in the figure. Camels are draft animals capable of transporting heavy loads, travelling long distances without needing as much water or rest as horses or bullocks, and surviving extreme weather conditions such as drought and high temperature, making them ideal for extreme conditions of the Australian interior. During the period from the 1860s to the 1930s, when automobiles and railways were not widely used, the Afghan cameleers made significant contributions to Australia's transportation industry. These cameleers and their camels played significant roles in various expeditions, such as Colonel Warburton’s crossing of the Great Sandy Desert in 1873 and William Gosse's exploration into central Australia in the same year.
Cameleer Goal
The agenda of the Cameleer Project is to integrate the legacy and strengths of Afghan cameleers into design, emphasising qualities such as adaptation to different lifestyles, resilience in various environments, and effective space utilisation for those with the mindsets of explorers. Additionally, user experiences and aesthetics of the overall design are also taken into consideration. While larger RVs have their strengths, they also pose challenges in urban settings, such as difficulty navigating narrow streets, higher fuel consumption, and restrictions on certain roads and parking. The Cameleer Project aims to address the limitations of owning a large RV by offering a more compact yet comprehensive option to the market.
Research Of Recreational Vehicles
Mobile Homes Market Research
Mobile Homes Market Research
Mobile Homes Market Research
The recreational vehicle market is thriving. Evidence has shown that RV users look into the following aspects when choosing their RV: space, comfort, and amenities like hot and cold water systems, air conditioning, showers, bathrooms, and kitchen systems. Additionally, since driving is an
inseparable function of these vehicles, many users
The recreational vehicle market is thriving. Evidence has shown that RV users look into the following aspects when choosing their RV: space, comfort, and amenities like hot and cold water systems, air conditioning, showers, bathrooms, and kitchen systems. Additionally, since driving is an
inseparable function of these vehicles, many users also seek comfort for the driver and passengers, fuel efficiency, safety systems, and power parameters when selecting mobile homes. Combining all these desired features, modern RVs or mobile homes that are available in the market nowadays tend to be large in size. Examples of existing products in the market include the Mercedes Sprinter, Iveco's large vans, and even some companies that use large tour buses as design based models. The increased size of RVs leads to rises in the product's price, design costs, and operational expenses, leading to a user demographic aged 33 - 51 years (Australian Trade and In vestment Commission, 2022). The sheer size of these vehicles necessitates larger storage spaces, higher operating costs, and higher prices. Moreover, the large dimensions limit their usability in many scenarios. For example, they cannot navigate through urban areas with height restrictions of 2.1 meters or even 1.8 meters (CBD) (Nimble Camper, 2024; Motorama, 2024);
They can only be parked in surrounding campgrounds but not in parking lots in most shopping centers or supermarkets in the CBD area. Additionally, when the vans are not in use, they can occupy half or even all of a home's front yard space, which can be inconvenient.
Evolution of Van Life
Mobile Homes Market Research
Mobile Homes Market Research
The roots of Van Life can be traced back to the counterculture and hippie movement of the 1960s when people sought to break free from societal norms and materialism. Many hippies used Volkswagen vans and other vehicles for travel, embodying a nomadic lifes tyle (Britannica, 2024; HISTORY, 2024). Over time, RV culture became popular in the
The roots of Van Life can be traced back to the counterculture and hippie movement of the 1960s when people sought to break free from societal norms and materialism. Many hippies used Volkswagen vans and other vehicles for travel, embodying a nomadic lifes tyle (Britannica, 2024; HISTORY, 2024). Over time, RV culture became popular in the 1970s and 1980s, with families and retirees using motorhomes and campervans for road trips and vacations (Forgeard, 2024; Encyclopedia.com, 2024). This period witnessed the commercialization and growth of mobile living.
However, the true merging of the Van Life living concept occurred in the 1990s and early 2000s, when subcultures such as surfers, rock climbers, and other outdoor enthusiasts adopted Van Life as a practical way to stay close to their activities (Boyers, 2021; Vanlife Trader, 2024). Vans provides affordable and flexible accommodation for those pursuing outdoor sports and adventures. What truly brought the Van Lifestyle to widespread recognition was social media and digital nomadism.
The modern Van Life movement gained significant momentum in the 2010s with the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube (AMP America, 2024). Influencers and content creators showcased their van conversions and nomadic lifestyles, inspiring others to embrace this way of living (The Vanabond Tales, 2024). The digital nomad movement, driven by remote work and the internet, allowed creators to film and upload videos during their travels, while digital nomad viewers could experience the Van Life lifestyle from the comfort of their homes, further promoting the popularity of Van Life.
The Van Life POP
Mobile Homes Market Research
Why Choose ‘Kei Car’
As the Van Lifestyle gained popularity on social media, many bloggers who hadn't initially caught the wave or were inspired by the movement began recording videos of themselves converting their vans at home. These engaging renovation projects quickly went viral on YouTube and other social media platforms. The detailed, step by step videos
As the Van Lifestyle gained popularity on social media, many bloggers who hadn't initially caught the wave or were inspired by the movement began recording videos of themselves converting their vans at home. These engaging renovation projects quickly went viral on YouTube and other social media platforms. The detailed, step by step videos captivated audiences, demonstrating that van conversion was accessible to anyone with passion and creativity.
This trend showcased both the practical aspects of van conversion and the unique, personalised touches each individual brought to their project. Viewers were drawn to the authenticity and ingenuity displayed, sparking widespread interest in DIY van convers ions.
Consequently, many viewers, motivated by these videos, started their own "van building
projects" in their backyards. This grassroots movement expanded the Van Life community,
encouraging more people to explore the freedom and adventure of this lifestyle. The
phenomenon demonstrated how digital platforms could facilitate the sharing of skills and ideas, fostering a global community of Van Life enthusiasts who support and inspire each other (RebelHQ, 2024; Project Vanlife)
As this style gradually becomes more mainstream, many RV conversion companies have seized the opportunity. Manufacturers like Pleasure Way, Coachmen, Sportsmobile, and others have begun offering tailored design and conversion services. Due to their expertise in large begun offering tailored design and conversion services. Due to their expertise in large--scale scale RVs, the customization of Class B RVs in the Van Life style quickly captured market demand RVs, the customization of Class B RVs in the Van Life style quickly captured market demand (We're the Russos, 2024). However, not everyone has the ability to desi(We're the Russos, 2024). (We're the Russos, 2024).
However, not everyone has the ability to design and assemble their own vehicle, and manufacturers have capitalized on this user need by providing personalized interior conversion services. These services have continued to evolve and remain in demand to this day.
Why Choose ‘Kei Car’
User Centered Design (UCD) Research
Why Choose ‘Kei Car’
Why Choose ‘Kei Car’ Asian tourism appeals to budget conscious adventurers who seek to explore the wilderness in relative comfort and prefer non intimidating, non threatening vehicles, unlike a Land Cruiser (Nomadic Matt, 2024; Nomad Footsteps, 2024). These travellers often ch oose more accessible and manageable transportation options to
Why Choose ‘Kei Car’ Asian tourism appeals to budget conscious adventurers who seek to explore the wilderness in relative comfort and prefer non intimidating, non threatening vehicles, unlike a Land Cruiser (Nomadic Matt, 2024; Nomad Footsteps, 2024). These travellers often ch oose more accessible and manageable transportation options to navigate diverse landscapes, ensuring an enriching and affordable experience.
This approach emphasizes minimal environmental impact and efficient use of resources, which are critical in Japanese automotive design. Due to the scarcity of land, residential roads were limited, leading the government in 1949 to introduce 'Kei Cars' ultra compact vehicles under 3.4 meters long, 2 meters high, 1.48 meters wide, with engines below 660cc and power under 64 PS(63hp; 47kW) (Retro Motor, 2020). Kei cars, produced by brands like Suzuki, Honda, Subaru, Nissan, Mazd a, and Daihatsu, include small sports cars, compact sedans, hatchbacks, mini trucks, and microvans (MotorTrend, 2023).
These cars excel in space efficiency,
with interiors of mini trucks and microvans comparable to mid to large pickup trucks (Andrew's Japanese Cars, 2023), and their small size and flexible handling make them ideal for narrow city spaces.
Why Choose ‘Kei Car’ Asian tourism appeals to budget conscious adventurers who seek to explore the wilderness in relative comfort and prefer non intimidating, non threatening vehicles, unlike a Land Cruiser (Nomadic Matt, 2024; Nomad Footsteps, 2024). These travellers often ch oose more accessible and manageable transportation options to navigate diverse landscapes, ensuring an enriching and affordable experience.
User Centered Design (UCD) Research
User Centered Design (UCD) Research
User Centered Design (UCD) Research
Asian tourism appeals to budget conscious adventurers who seek to explore the wilderness in relative comfort and prefer nonintimidating, non-threatening vehicles, unlike a Land Cruiser (Nomadic Matt, 2024; Nomad Footsteps, 2024). These travellers often choose more accessible and manageable transportation options to navigate diverse landsc
Asian tourism appeals to budget conscious adventurers who seek to explore the wilderness in relative comfort and prefer nonintimidating, non-threatening vehicles, unlike a Land Cruiser (Nomadic Matt, 2024; Nomad Footsteps, 2024). These travellers often choose more accessible and manageable transportation options to navigate diverse landscapes, ensuring an enriching and affordable experience.
This design will cater to the needs of international travellers, with a focus on Asian travellers, who wish to maximise their travel experiences on a limited budget due to exchange rates or travel expenses. The specific mention of "Asian travellers' is due to Cameleer's design utilising small vans manufactured in Japan. These vehicles are well--known across many Asian countries, known across many Asian countries, providing a familiar experience even when travelling thousands of kilometres away from home.providing a familiar experience even when travelling thousands of kilometres away from home.
The target user group for Cameleer includes:
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Users who enjoy outdoor activities in relatively comfortable settings.
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Travellers who prefer to avoid paying high accommodation fees.
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Travellers who value flexibility in their lodging locations appreciate the freedom to explore without being constrained by their accommodation choices.
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Individuals who want to avoid paying extra for accommodation during public holidays or important dates.
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Who prefer unconventional travel methods.
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People who require a certain level of privacy.
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Travellers who seek immersive experiences in local culture and lifestyle.
These groups will be the primary focus of this design. They have unique travel insights, wish to experience new things without being constrained and aim to maximise the value of their travel memories.
Action Research
Why 3D Scanning is Important?
Why 3D Scanning is Important?
Why 3D Scanning is Important?
- 3D Scanning
To achieve optimum space utilisation, every inch of available space must be used.
Therefore, obtaining precise interior data with a 3D scanner is crucial in the initial design stage.
3D scanning is vital for this project, providing a precise base model for high precision design.
Accurately measuring a 2.5mm gap using only basic
- 3D Scanning
To achieve optimum space utilisation, every inch of available space must be used.
Therefore, obtaining precise interior data with a 3D scanner is crucial in the initial design stage.
3D scanning is vital for this project, providing a precise base model for high precision design.
Accurately measuring a 2.5mm gap using only basic tools would be challenging.
The initial aim of the Cameleer design was efficient mass production while accommodating potential future global remote sales and production. Transmitting design files to local CNC facilities via the Internet saves transportation time and costs compared to manufacturing and shipping the panels overseas. Digitally based design and machi ning files are crucial for both local and global production. Reusable scan files enable cost effective design variations, benefiting both enterprises and designers in the long term (Savastano et al.,2019; Tchoukoualeu, 2021).
Testing File with MDF
Why 3D Scanning is Important?
Why 3D Scanning is Important?
- Test & Trouble Shoot
3D Testing File:Before starting the design, it is necessary to verify the accuracy of the scanned files andunderstand how to interface with industrial manufacturing to avoid material waste. Simpleshapes of MDF boards were drawn within the X, Y, and Z coordinates to test the scanning file.
Trouble shooting:1. The ini
- Test & Trouble Shoot
3D Testing File:Before starting the design, it is necessary to verify the accuracy of the scanned files andunderstand how to interface with industrial manufacturing to avoid material waste. Simpleshapes of MDF boards were drawn within the X, Y, and Z coordinates to test the scanning file.
Trouble shooting:1. The initial CAD model did not include "Micky mouse ears", causing rounded cutouts to not fit into right angle edges, which will result in two panels can not be joined.
2. Many areas need to be thicker, making the material prone to breakage.
3. For MDF boards, a 0.2mm base layer, or 'onion skin', is retained to prevent materialdisplacement during processing, avoiding drill bit jamming.
During assembly, many thin areas broke because the scanning file testing panels did not reserve any clearance or tolerance. To address this issue, it is critical to leave sufficient clearance in the final design and consider the different material characte ristics between plywood and MDF. On the other hand, these breakages do not affect the purpose of this testing, which is to verify the accuracy of the 3D scanning file. Vehicle testing and data comparison showed that the scanned files were highly accurate, allowing the procession to the next design stage.
Why is Prototyping Important?
Why 3D Scanning is Important?
Why Modular Design is important?
Producing a prototype in stage 1 is crucial for experiencing the space more intuitively. Directly feeling every design detail within the space is more effective than imagining it through data in 3D Modeling software. Real life experience is essential for achieving an excellent campervan/RV design that provides better solutions.
Many RV de
Producing a prototype in stage 1 is crucial for experiencing the space more intuitively. Directly feeling every design detail within the space is more effective than imagining it through data in 3D Modeling software. Real life experience is essential for achieving an excellent campervan/RV design that provides better solutions.
Many RV designs in the existing market prioritize aesthetics over space utilization, resulting in significant space waste. Consequently, many campers or RVs that appear large from the outside often feel cramped inside. This trend is highlighted by the emph asis on visually appealing interiors that do not necessarily maximize available space effectively (RoverPass, 2023).
The plan involves designing and creating a prototype in the first phase. This approach allows for daily use and actual travel testing, providing ample time in the second phase to refine the design details.
Why Modular Design is important?
Why Cameleer Prefers Plywood but MDF?
Why Modular Design is important?
- Previous Experience and Design Fault
Before starting on the design of the Cameleer project, driven by a longstanding passion for modifying vehicles, a small camper was crafted entirely by hand without digital intervention in the manufacturing process.
This led to numerous issues only discover ed during the fabrication of the panels, res
- Previous Experience and Design Fault
Before starting on the design of the Cameleer project, driven by a longstanding passion for modifying vehicles, a small camper was crafted entirely by hand without digital intervention in the manufacturing process.
This led to numerous issues only discover ed during the fabrication of the panels, resulting in many details not meeting design expectations.
Additionally, the lack of prior testing and the absence of considering Design for Disassembly (DfD) during the design phase required the removal of all interior fittings forreplacement or repair when internal components were damaged.
Why Cameleer Prefers Plywood but MDF?
Why Cameleer Prefers Plywood but MDF?
Why Cameleer Prefers Plywood but MDF?
During the assembly stage, a technician in the workshop raised a valid question: "Since this
is a trial assembly, why use plywood as the trial material instead of the cheaper and more environmentally friendly MDF?"
Initially, MDF was considered for the first indoor trial assembly based on the design. However, during the assembly "scanning
During the assembly stage, a technician in the workshop raised a valid question: "Since this
is a trial assembly, why use plywood as the trial material instead of the cheaper and more environmentally friendly MDF?"
Initially, MDF was considered for the first indoor trial assembly based on the design. However, during the assembly "scanning file testing phase" using MDF boards, significant differences in material characteristics between MDF and plywood were observed.
Firstly, MDF boards exhibit extremely high uniformity, with thickness deviations as low as 0.05mm or even lower for a 16mm board.
In contrast, plywood, being a composite material, showed a thickness deviation of
±0.3mm for the 15mm board used in the actual measurement.
Secondly, unlike plywood, MDF boards have identical front and back surfaces, with no
differentiation in quality levels like plywood's front and back surfaces.For instance, the Falcata boards selected for this project were of BC grade, meaning significant differences in colour and grain patterns between the front and back surfaces (see Figure 1 4 ). During the
nesting stage, lack of experience led to oversight regarding factors such as surface differences and wood grain patterns.
This resulted in colour inconsistency on the outward facing side of the boards during assembly and issues with adjacent boards having mismatched grain patterns. Had MDF been used for this trial assembly, similar issues would not have been detected at this stage and would have remained unresolved in the next stage, leading to more time and
material wastage.
