Vintage Sports Framed Picture Goals/Constraints

5 Goals for My Project

While I am trying to complete my project for a vintage sports framed picture, I have a clear vision of what I want it to look like, feel like, and do. The five aspects, or goals, that I want to achieve to determine if the project is successful are outlined below:

1. Authentic Appearance – The frame should have a distressed and aged look that feels like it belongs in a museum for sports or in an old sports bar, such as the frame seen below in image (2) by Amazon. The wood stain, finish, and overall look need to reflect a sense of nostalgia and history in the sports world.
2. Subtle Lighting – The LED lighting that will be implemented on the interior of the shadowbox frame should create a soft glow that enhances the picture without overpowering it. The goal with this is to add depth, making the picture stand out in a dimly lit room while not trying to gain all the attention of its surroundings.
3. Seamless and Functional Design – The LED strip is battery-operated, which means that there will be a battery pack that comes with it. I would like the LED strip and the battery pack to be discreetly integrated into the frame so it has a clean look and does not appear cluttered. Also, the remote control should also work reliably so that there are smooth adjustments for the brightness and color.
4. User-Friendly – I would like the battery compartment to be easy to access for the user in the case where the batteries are dead and need to be replaced. The entire setup should be hassle-free for anyone who wants to adjust the lighting, so the remote control should be intuitive to use.
5. Durability and Longevity – The lighting system needs to be checked before it is implemented into the frame to verify that everything works. Also, the frame should be sturdy enough and have good mounting points in order to withstand handling and display without falling.

By achieving the five goals above, I believe that my project will meet its full potential. The order in which I outlined the five goals is also the sequence in which I will be prioritizing them. I believe that achieving the look of vintage sports should come first, while functionality should come after that; however, it is still one of the main goals.

5 Constraints and Challenges

There are also five constraints that I recognize may impact the development of this project. Here are the top five challenges I anticipate:

1. Time Constraints – With multiple responsibilities and commitments, it may be difficult for me to stay on schedule with my project. I feel that I have spanned out my tasks well enough, but it is hard to tell if there will be a week where I am overloaded with work. The complete timeline for my project can be found below in image (3).
2. Budget Limitations – High-quality materials and electronics can be expensive. Luckily, I found some cheap materials; however, I am hoping that they do not break during the assembly process, otherwise I will need to set aside more money.
3. Skill Gaps – I am going to try to distress and stain the wood myself, which I have never done before, so I will need to learn it myself. With that being said, it may not turn out the way I would like it to.
4. Supply Availability – I have yet to purchase the frame because I am looking to buy the correct color that will match my picture the best. I also hope I can find the correct frame that will not pose a delay in my timeline for shipping.
5. Space for Assembly – Working with wood, electronics, and LED strips requires an appropriate and large workspace. Limited access to the correct tools or a designated area in my house could extend the time I spend on my tasks.

Out of the constraints I have listed, I believe that time management and skill development will be the toughest to deal with. However, with careful planning and a solid amount of research, I believe I can achieve a great final product.

References:

(1) Etsy Seller, d., https://www.etsy.com/listing/857556305/

(2) Lawrence Frames, 2016, https://www.amazon.com/8×10-Weathered-Black-Picture-Frame/dp/B01CT74HQO/ref=asc_df_B01CT74HQO?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80058254386355&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4583657823590884&th=1

(3) Image from myself.