This project was a university assignment, and the brief was to create a remote control based on the design language of an assigned brand, which in my case was Leica, a premium camera brand with a long history of innovations in the field of camera lenses and design.
Brand + Visual Analysis
These are my brand analysis, style, and function guides, where I identified visual features of Leica cameras, common materials, finishes, etc. This information would all go on to inform my own process, and serve to cement my design as a Leica product.
Brand Analysis of Leica + Identifying Colours, Materials and Details
5 functional Ws of the Leica Brand
Visual + Brand analysis: Drawing inspiration
Sketching + Iterative Models
Throughout the iterative process of figuring out how my models would look, feel, and function; I made a lot of sketches and regularly made models from sparse blue foam to test the ergonomics and aesthetics of my ideas in person. I maintained key Leica features such as the rounded handgrip, shutter button, and recessed dials to keep the brand identity alive.
Final Prototype
My next step was to start making my final model out of a more dense beige foam. This material is much more workable and this made crafting details a lot easier than in the blue foam.
I designed a mechanism to make the shutter button properly actuate using only a nail, a spring, and 2 diameters of holes made with a drill. It works perfectly and gives the impression that the model is fully functional. The dials also turn around their axis as a result of a set of tacks mounted inside them.
I finally painted the model using 5 coats of gloss black spray paint creating a smooth and shiny finish, imitating the anodized aluminium that many modern Leicas are made from.
Product Function Diagram + Final Render
The bottom left image illustrates how the remote is meant to be held and used, and the one on the right shows how the remote would look if the intended materials were used. Looking back at my Brand Analysis Board, the remote suits the brand well in my opinion!
