Secure communication for outdoor enthusiasts
Sirocco is a wall mounted
hairdryer that repurposes
traditional hardware...
...to create a universally
accessible design for a wide
range of physical abilities.
Spring 2025 - 6 weeks
Solo in-class project
Software: Solidworks, Keyshot
Focus: problem solving, product teardown, DFM, functional prototyping, user testing
Howler is a handheld outdoor radio
conceptualized for the brand YETI
and designed for manufacturability.
Spring 2025 - 5 weeks
Solo in-class project
Software: Illustrator, Solidworks, Keyshot
Focus: product teardown, design for manufacture,
design for refurbishment, functional prototyping
Rugged.
No Frills.
On the Go.
YETI was founded by two brothers who were
tired of cheap, unreliable coolers and wanted
gear that could withstand the toughest outdoor
conditions. Today the brand has evolved into a
premium name across the whole outdoor market.
Clean Silhouette
Rounded Corners
Stepped Geometry
Prominent Logo
Visible Hardware
How might we help them
regain familiarity & security
in such moments?
How might we help them
regain familiarity & security
in such moments?
How might we adapt these
hardware components and the
injection molding process for YETI?
warm / meditative / inviting
warm / meditative / inviting
warm / meditative / inviting
warm / meditative / inviting
How might we help them
regain familiarity & security
in such moments?
How might we help them
regain familiarity & security
in such moments?
More like a home companion than a medical device...
Early hand sketches to explore
functionalities and features.
Foam models to determine the
volume and surface topography.
Refined illustrator sketches to
iterate part breaks and details.
Early ideation helped
flesh out the primary
form + interaction points.
Direction 01.
typical YETI geometry
but undercuts are bad.
Direction 02.
more unorthodox for YETI
but easy to produce & use.
The radio is typically attached
to the backpack shoulder strap.
It needs 2 points to remain
fixed in place without swinging.
The button interactions must be
easy even with gloves on.
Outdoor radios need to
have secure attachment
and easy accessibility.
I started my research by considering
the specific needs of outdoor enthusiasts
like hikers, skiiers, climbers, etc.
Hairdryers require constant, extended hand-holding;
how might we make them more convenient & accessible?
graceful / domestic / curving
Initial ideations explored
various interactions
and configurations.
Later ideations
explored form and
evaluated usability.
Initial ideations explored various
interactions and configurations.
Later ideations explored
form and evaluated usability.
Initial ideations explored various
interactions and configurations.
Later ideations explored
form and evaluated usability.
I spent time understanding
the hardware required.
I conducted a teardown to learn the key
components and manufacture of a hairdryer.
My class required me to repurpose existing
hardware in my design so this stage was crucial.
And refining the design
with prototyping.
Through iterations of Solidworks CAD
models and 3D printed prototypes, I
ensured correct scale and tolerances.
And refining the design
with prototyping.
Through iterations of Solidworks CAD
models and 3D printed prototypes, I
ensured correct scale and tolerances.
I also tested for ease of use.
The interaction points were tested with peers to
anticipate the needs of real disabled users.
And refining, prototyping,
and testing the design.
Through iterations of Solidworks CAD
models and 3D printed prototypes, I ensured
correct scale and tolerances. The ease of
use was tested with the help of peers to
anticipate the needs of real disabled users.
Easy adjust.
Shoulder-height switch
is easy to reach.
Soft silicone provides a
more comfortable grip.
Simple toggle motion
for 2 levels of heat.
Easy dry.
Wall-mounted frame
at a convenient height.
Angled head allows
for easy air intake.
Curved hood channels
air directly toward you.
This is Sirocco.
Accessible, innovative design
made with standard hardware.
Standard hardware.
Innovative design.
Easy adjust.
-
shoulder-height switch is easy to reach.
-
soft silicone provides a more comfortable grip.
-
simple toggle motion for 2 levels of heat.
Easy dry.
-
wall-mounted frame at a convenient height.
-
angled head allows for easy air intake.
-
curved hood channels air toward you.
.jpg)
Comfort in your life.
Color in
your home.
