2024
XGIMI
XGIMI is a pioneering technology company specializing in advanced projection systems, revolutionizing home entertainment worldwide. Committed to innovation, XGIMI offers a diverse portfolio of sleek, high-performance projectors ranging from portable models to home theater solutions, all designed to deliver unparalleled image quality and versatility. With a global presence and a dedication to quality, XGIMI ensures that customers everywhere can enjoy immersive cinematic experiences in the comfort of their own homes.
Background.
XGIMI approached me wanting to design an April’s Fool product to boost brand awareness, social media engagement, and fostering a positive brand image. It's an opportunity to showcase creativity, generate buzz, indirectly promoting products while entertaining audiences.
Current family range, (image source: XGIMI)
Client: XGIMI
Duration: 3 weeks
Role: Industrial Designer / 3D Visualizer
Challenges:
Create a versatile portable projector concept featuring an integrated liquid bottle/Coffee tumbler, catering to outdoor adventures and professional business needs. This innovative design ensures users stay hydrated while enjoying entertainment or delivering presentations in any environment. Seamlessly combining practicality with performance, it enhances convenience and functionality on the go.
Ideation.
Despite being a fictitious product, I approached it with authenticity, mirroring a genuine design process. Beginning with an in-depth analysis of XGIMI's existing design language, I pinpointed the distinctive elements that set them apart from competitors in the market. This comprehensive approach ensured the creation of a believable concept by adhering closely to XGIMI's unique identity and brand positioning.
Design directions.
Following initial sketching and rapid brainstorming sessions, I observed recurring patterns, prompting me to categorize them into five distinct directions. Each direction featured unique form and material compositions, facilitating a structured approach to organizing my ideas and enabling thorough exploration of each concept.
Illuminate
Hypothesis: light beam travels through liquid and illuminate to create an interesting experience
Projector lens at the bottom with full diameter
Flip-open legs acting as pivoting tripod to raise the projector
Horizontal Split
50-50 split. Half transparent liquid container, half metal cylinder form housing projector
The famous “Stanley” cup drinking mouth, along with a silicon hand band to better grip the product
Flip-open legs acting as pivoting tripod to raise the projector
Fading Frost
Fading transparency, going from frosted opaque bottom to transparent top. Creating the illusion of liquid fading into the projector
Fading speaker pattern as well, from embossed dashes to plain smooth surface
Flip-open legs acting as pivoting tripod to raise the projector
Vertical Split
Splitting the form vertically with a 1:3 ratio creating an interesting mix
A sports spout drinking cap to match the outdoors scenario and increase it’s durability
Separating bottle from projector, for cleaning and refilling purposes
XGIMI Identity
Mimicking the XGIMI identity, placing projector lens infront
Create sophistication in the form by designing 2 layers with different CMF to differentiate between the outer speaker layer and main projector body
Traditional coffee tumbler drinking lid to match with the over all feeling
Chosen direction.
Following internal discussions within the XGIMI team, we collectively chose the Vertical Split concept as the most promising direction. Subsequently, we engaged in further concept development and refinement, undergoing iterative cycles to achieve the optimal outcome.
Polished buttons UI and logo to add a luxurious look and feel to the over all product aesthetics
Adequate space and sloped edges around the legs to enhance usability and functionality to activate Tripod mode
Speakers pattern intensity variation:
100% / 50% / 25%
Final outcome and visualization.
For the final deliverable, the XGIMI team requested three rendered posters: one portraying a studio hero shot, another set in an outdoor scenario, and the third featuring an indoor environment with a coffee focus to complement the "Coffee Brewing Set" giveaway planned for April Fool's Day.
Social media post and giveaway.
