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In Week 1, I began by sketching possible robot arm designs for the project, exploring different forms and functionalities. I discussed these concepts with my group, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of each idea. Together, we considered our existing skills and abilities to determine which designs were most feasible, allowing us to identify potential directions to move forward with the assessment. During the week, I also researched and evaluated existing robotic machines and their capabilities, while developing a list of questions to guide the upcoming client call.

Client Questions

1. Beyond the robotic barista, what other tech integrations are you imagining? For example: smart ordering systems, augmented reality menus, ambient AI lighting, or other innovations?

2. Are you envisioning the brand expanding to multiple locations, or will it remain unique to one space?

3. What experience do you want customers to have when they walk into your café?

4. Who is your ideal customer—tech enthusiasts, tourists, students, creatives, corporate workers, or early adopters?

5. Are there any films, brands, tech products, or environments that capture the look and feel you’re aiming for?

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In Week 2, we had a client call to clarify the direction for the portfolio:

• Client prefers a minimalistic and professional style with a clean, modern layout.

• Requested a subtle and consistent color palette that reflects their personal brand.

• Wants the portfolio to include both digital and physical project examples to show versatility.

• Strong emphasis on personal branding throughout the portfolio (logo, name, or visual identity).

• Asked for a clear “About Me” section that is concise but engaging.

• Suggested balance between visuals and written content (not overly text-heavy).

• Requested space for client testimonials or case studies to build credibility.

• Interested in having mock-ups that demonstrate how the portfolio would look in both print and digital formats.

• Highlighted the importance of consistent typography across all pages for professionalism.

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Week 3 - Concept Development and Initial ideas

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Week 3 - Concept Development and Initial ideas

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In Week 3, I began my design journey by developing mood boards and gathering material references to establish a clear vision of the overall aesthetic for my final design. I spent the week delving deeper into the client brief and outlining my ideas. By the end of the week, my team and I had settled on the concept of a table with a distillable feel, incorporating a vending machine-style access door that leads into a hidden speakeasy.

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In Week 4, I focused on designing a table that incorporated a metal barrel lid to achieve a dystopian aesthetic. I used Fusion 360 to model the table, which was designed as part of the bench seating for the limited seating area. I experimented with different layouts and materials to ensure the table aligned with the overall theme while remaining functional and visually striking.

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Week 5 - Refinement & Finial adjustments

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Week 5 - Refinement & Finial adjustments

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In Week 5, I developed sketches and a final design for the vending machine to present to the client as potential design options. The sketches incorporated elements of the brand name and featured a swinging open design that could be securely locked overnight. I refined the details to clearly communicate the concept and functionality, ensuring the design aligned with the overall aesthetic and theme of the project.

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Week 6 - Final Presentation & reflection

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Week 6 - Final Presentation & reflection

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In Week 6, we presented our designs to the client, and overall the presentation went well. The client seemed particularly intrigued by the vending machine concept as well as the lamp design created by one of my teammates. Their positive response provided valuable confirmation that our ideas were aligned with their vision for the project

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This week we were introduced to a new design brief from an Airbnb host, which shifted the focus of our studio project. The task is to design a suite of modular appliances for kitchen, bathroom, and household contexts that are distinctively Airbnb. Unlike traditional appliance companies, this brief places emphasis on blending brand identity, user experience, and environmental responsibility. Alongside unpacking the brief, my teammate and I dedicated the week to developing a portfolio document that captured our early ideas, sketches, and design explorations. This helped us clarify how different modular appliances might fit into Airbnb’s brand identity and allowed us to compare multiple directions before narrowing down. The portfolio also acted as a shared visual reference, keeping our concepts consistent and aligned.

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This week, my teammate and I met with our tutor to discuss our initial design concepts. We had been exploring a tiled, modular design language, but during feedback it was highlighted that our ideas did not fully align with Airbnb’s brand identity or the expectations outlined in the brief. While the tiled approach offered a strong aesthetic and modular potential, it risked feeling more suited to generic tech branding rather than Airbnb’s distinct values.

Reassessing Airbnb’s Brand Identity

Following this feedback, we revisited Airbnb as a brand to better understand how our designs could align. We looked at Airbnb’s past, present, and potential future, breaking down their identity into the following key elements:

Connection and belonging – Airbnb’s core message is about creating a sense of home anywhere in the world.

User-friendly and intuitive experiences – everything from their app interface to their marketing emphasizes accessibility and ease of use.

Contemporary yet approachable aesthetics – clean, modern, and welcoming rather than overly corporate or cold.

Sustainability and innovation – with increasing emphasis on environmental responsibility and long-term community impact.

This exercise helped us clarify that any appliance design must not only be functional and modular, but also feel distinctly “Airbnb” in both aesthetics and purpose.

In reassessing our approach, we also discussed what types of appliances would best suit Airbnb rental spaces. Instead of focusing on traditional kitchen or bathroom utilities, we considered appliances that could be universally beneficial across different types of properties. We identified fans, air conditioning units, and other air-related accessories (such as portable purifiers or humidifiers) as promising directions.

These devices felt more aligned with Airbnb’s needs because:

Climate control and air quality are consistent concerns for travelers, regardless of location.

Portable, modular solutions could easily adapt to different types of rentals.

They provide a strong opportunity for integrating sustainability features such as solar power or energy-efficient systems.

Aesthetic flexibility allows them to blend with both contemporary and Scandinavian interior styles, while still adding a touch of uniqueness.

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This week, I focused on the design development stage, moving from broad brand exploration into tangible sketches and visual ideas. My main priority was to translate Airbnb’s brand identity into the form and function of potential appliances, with a particular emphasis on air-related products such as fans, air conditioners, and purifiers. I spent much of the week sketching out potential design directions, experimenting with shapes, proportions, and how modularity might work across different devices. A key part of this process was exploring how the Airbnb logo and brand language could be subtly integrated into the products:

Fan Blade Integration – I sketched ideas where the form of the fan blades echoed the curves of the Airbnb logo. This gave the product a subtle branded identity while still serving a functional purpose.

Airbnb-Shaped Air Conditioner – I also experimented with air conditioner unit concepts that mirrored the Airbnb logo’s iconic outline. The challenge here was balancing recognizability with functionality and ensuring the design did not feel forced or gimmicky.

Air Purifier Design – Similarly, I explored air purifier shapes inspired by the logo, considering how airflow patterns, vents, and modular components could naturally align with its form.

This week was important in beginning to visualize how Airbnb’s identity could be embedded into the appliances themselves, rather than just being added on as a logo or surface detail. The sketches allowed me to think critically about how to strike a balance between brand symbolism and usability. It also became clear that the logo’s form could be used as a unifying design element across multiple appliances, creating consistency while still allowing each device to serve its specific function.

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This week, my teammate and I decided that developing a fan would best suit the brand image. We brainstormed a few ideas but agreed that an A-shaped frame made the most sense because it can close and be stored vertically, horizontally, or even hung, adapting to all Airbnb homes. After deconstructing the idea further, we considered our audience and liked the concept of the fan being an inexpensive welcome and thank-you gift that Airbnb could give to each of its hosts. We chose 9mm plywood for the frame to provide sturdy support with a natural, eco-friendly look, and paired it with a 3D-designed fan component for modern functionality and precise customization.

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This week, I spent time digitally designing the product. I successfully recreated the fan, the A-shaped frame, and the hindge After completing the designs, I sent the files off to be laser cut and 3D printed. I also spoke with other designers in the class who liked the idea of the fan and suggested exploring how different materials might change the design’s look, considering that Airbnb homes have a variety of aesthetics. This feedback encouraged me to think about material options that could better match different home styles. Next, I plan to assemble the components once they arrive and test the fan’s functionality and durability while continuing to explore material variations.

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In my final week, I assembled the design following these steps:

Step 1: Sanded the plywood and applied a marine-grade clear coat for durability and moisture resistance.
Step 2: Attached the hinge carefully to ensure smooth folding.
Step 3: Cut and attached the rope for hanging or carrying the fan.
Step 4: Glued the 3D-printed fan component securely to the front of the frame.

This process brought the digital design to life with a functional and polished final product.