These are the principles that guide how I approach my craft. I treat this like a constitution – they may need amending with time. They are also ideals. To be honest, it is rare that every principle here is executed to its full potential. Good design is difficult work! In the previous post, I explained why these principles flow from…
Every designer has an internal codex, a set of principles that guides their design decisions. I refer to my own as “reverent design.” Reverence is not a word we commonly use. It means a deep respect tinged with awe. I believe that this is the correct beginning point for great design. So let’s consider how “awe” and “respect” influence design.…
Laptop port details, 3D render Bak USA wanted to re-envision what a purpose-built laptop for education could be. We had plenty of data from our customer experience and production departments. All of this was channeled into a design sprint that ignited a rapid two month design process. There is an entire story about this design sprint. But that’s for a…
Rugged Bluetooth Keyboard, USB-C Charging port Bak USA, a Buffalo-based computer manufacturer, was developing a suite of ruggedized products aimed at construction managers and in-field workers. Our goal was to create a durable, outdoor-ready, wireless keyboard. Our customer split their time between their office and on-site. The keyboard needed to reflect that versatility. It should feel at home on your…
Atlas wallpaper, Education theme It was 2 weeks before we were going to begin shipping our new Atlas laptop line. Our VP illuminated a glaring mistake, we didn’t have a branded wallpaper. We were a small ODM carving out our place. And we wanted something fun and unique. So, a few of us put our heads together and scribbled on…
Anaerobic digester facility illustration How do you explain Anaerobic Digestion? Illustrations definitely help! A couple of writers were working on a piece about zero-waste. Specifically how anaerobic digesters (labeled 4 in the image above) convert food waste into electricity and fertilizer. The above illustration captures this process from a systems perspective. Below is a microscopic look inside the digester, this…
My Cancer Coach Postcards, Art Direction by Spectrum Science Communications Genomic Health wanted to promote the use of the “My Cancer Coach” App. One piece of this initiative was delivering postcards to help drive engagement. Working with the Creative Director at Spectrum Science, I designed these graphics aimed at specific types of cancer. The postcard was made to look like…
Brand Items, the Foundry and Buffalo Lab Makerspace In only several years the Foundry, a Buffalo business incubator, had grown from a few residents to 30 businesses. They needed a brand that reflected this growth and their mission: Empowering individuals through education and entrepreneurship The Foundry’s name is a combination of “found” and “ry”. The idea being that this is…
Smart Case for iPad, in red leather Viaggi, a Cincinnati-based internet provider, was developing a suite of products capable of generating Wifi hotspots. Viaggi's goals were two-fold. One, to promote these products to investors. Two, to test them within their consumer market. Photo-realistic renders quickly became the best answer to communicating and promoting these products. Smart Case for iPad, Leather…
Terra family product photo, Photo credit Frameri Eyewear Frameri Eyewear had a bold idea that needed to be visualized, designed, and manufactured. This Cincinnati-based startup wanted to shake up the eyewear industry with an interchangeable lens and frame system. Noel Gauthier, a brilliant designer, and I tackled real needs from figuring out the mechanism to designing frames, packaging, and more.…
