Design Mission
Design a Discreet and Informative Robot Arm Base
The LED base is the only visible component on the user's desk, unlike the back of the robot arm. Its design should be concise to maintain a spacious workspace while still providing intuitive feedback when the monitor is moved or when users need to adjust their sitting ergonomics.
01. Project Planning
Starting the Design
My role was to review and enhance the base housing of the initial prototype, which was created to test mechanical designs and showcase the project's vision. Throughout the process, I collaborated closely with mechanical engineers to establish a list of design specifications, thereby enabling us to achieve a clear vision and complete the task within a limited timeframe.
02. Form Factor Design
Crafting Compact Housing
for Efficient Desktop Use
After understanding the specific feature criteria, my first step was to create quick paper mockups to get an intuitive sense of the dimensions on desktop. We decided to keep the dimensions simple and compact so that it takes up less desk space but is still able to hold the weight of a monitor and maintain balance.
03. Design Development
Continuous Design Iterations
Exploring Design Themes
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I created initial design concepts and gathered feedback from the team to refine our direction. Our design goal was to create a sleek, minimalist top surface with two distinct themes: angular and pill-shaped forms. While designing the product, I kept in mind that users should not be invited to directly interact with the base, to avoid hitting the moving monitor. Therefore, I made the length of the monitor long enough for the wireless charger to be approached easily, and positioned the power button on the side surface.
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The engraved graphic enhances the overall seamlessness of the design
Keep fixed LED diffuser on top
Place button on side aligning with usbc
Base should rest firmly on the desktop surface to support their weight through clamping, making the base heavier at the bottom.
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Exploring Design Details
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Based on the main lessons learned from phase 1, I improved the design directions and adjusted the design elements. We maintained the angular and pill-shaped form, but with simpler design features such as a fixed LED on the edge and a seamless wireless charging indicator.
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Angular base with a simple wireless charger graphic application ↓
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Narrowing Down Design Direction
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I made final design iterations, quickly generated design details through sketches, and validated the accuracy and feasibility using 3D printed models. We chose an angular theme that harmonized with the overall design mood and complemented the monitor's angular form.
04. Design Graphic Detail
Graphic Details to
Complete the Design
While the overall design form remains straightforward and simple, I endeavored to add more details for a comprehensive look. This includes the incorporation of seamless graphic details and a discreet milky LED diffuser mount. The diffuser provides toned-down color and subtle information to users, ensuring they only notice the details when they intentionally pay attention.
05. Product Order
Effective Communication
with Vendors
I took charge of deciding on the overall housing CMF and worked back and forth with the vendor to order and update model for the cosmetic model. The key to successful conversation was to keep requirements and files concise and intuitive.
