Concept Dev.

Concept Development for an undisclosed project including the redesign of a health project to support mental illness.
Twan Muste / Undisclosed Partner

Freelance @ NDA

2024
Concept Development / Research / Design Project / Industrial Design
PHASE ZERO

The Problem

The challenge was clear: craft a fresh design for a nearly finished prototype that’s already being tested in real-world conditions. The new design had to meet several key goals—first, it needed to align with the user’s needs, providing practical support for daily use. Second, it had to look stunning—something that didn’t just serve a function, but felt like a statement piece the user would be proud to wear every day. Balancing form, function, and pride of ownership was essential in creating a product that seamlessly integrates into the user’s life.

“What if design would allow for strict daily useage and improve overall user experience?”

PHASE ONE

Research

In the research phase, I focused on key aspects of the wearable market, concentrating on materials and functionality that enhance the user experience. I analyzed market trends, identifying the need for durable yet lightweight metals that offer both comfort and a premium feel. Wearable metals like stainless steel and titanium stood out for their balance of strength and style. Additionally, I explored different charging methods, with wireless charging emerging as the most user-friendly option. This research ensured that my design not only looks great but also meets the practical demands of daily use, making it competitive in the wearable market.

PHASE TWO

Product-design proposals

Imagine you’re designing a product based on a prototype that’s almost there but needs a little extra magic to truly shine and support a user-centric experience. You’ve got a solid foundation, but as with anything, there’s room for improvement. That’s where things get interesting.

I took a deep dive into the design, exploring a variety of new ideas that could take it from a good prototype to a great product. On the surface, it might seem like adding every cool new feature would be the way to go, but here’s where it gets tricky: not all changes are created equal. Some could elevate the user experience, making the product feel premium and polished. Others, however, might seem like a good idea at first glance but could actually chip away at the product’s long-term success and manufacturing costs.

To get a clearer picture, I laid out different design propositions side by side, weighing their pros and cons. It was like piecing together a puzzle—seeing which improvements would complement the overall vision and which ones might clutter it up.

The key takeaway? Not every idea should make the cut. The challenge is to be selective, focusing on enhancements that truly add value rather than just packing in more features for the sake of it. It’s about thinking long-term, ensuring each design decision enhances the product’s overall quality and elevates the user experience without sacrificing what makes it special.
In the end, it’s not just about fixing what’s missing—it’s about crafting something that people will love for years to come on a daily basis.

Design Concepts & Conclusion

PHASE THREE

For the design concepts, I explored two approaches:
Re-casing: This concept is based on the existing PCB design, focusing on creating a new exterior that enhances aesthetics and user comfort while keeping the internal electronics unchanged.

Full Redesign: This concept involves a complete overhaul, including a redesign of both the casing and internal electronics, allowing for more flexibility in form, function, and advanced features.

In conclusion, both design concepts offer unique advantages. The re-casing approach preserves the existing electronics while improving aesthetics, focused on improving the user experience and incorporating long-lasting high-quality materials. Meanwhile, the full redesign allows for greater innovation and flexibility, pushing the boundaries of both form and function to create a more refined product.

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