Aura (5) Design Process

The project aimed to reposition the brand NOTHING into a new market over the next 10-15 years by designing products that address urban commuting challenges linked to the United Nations Sustainability Goals. Rapid urbanisation has increased hazards like air pollution, noise, and harmful lighting, affecting commuters’ health and well-being. NOTHING, a transparent and environmentally conscious brand, seeks to create innovative, sustainable solutions that help commuters navigate these urban dangers safely and effortlessly. By doing so, NOTHING can lead change through its expertise in minimalist design and sustainability while improving the lives of individuals and communities.

Research and Brand Selection

We selected sustainable cities, specifically focusing on urban commuting and the hazards commuters face, as our core problem area. I decided to focus on the issues related to light pollution and the adverse effects that can be brought upon by it, including seasonal affective disorder. After exploring and analysing various brands, we chose NOTHING due to their strong commitment to sustainability goals, which closely align with our project’s focus. We conducted an in-depth analysis of NOTHING’s design language and values, which provided valuable insights to guide our own design decisions.

Perceptual map comparing high or low innovation and high or low price of various brands, including Red Bull, Starbucks, Lego, Pepsico, Monster, Pret, Dunkin Donuts, AirUp, Sprite, Uniqlo, Patagonia, Sketchers, Shell, BP, Dyson, Harley Davidson, Swatch, Arial, Lime, Fairy, Costa, TFL, Conserve, Vans, Cafe Nero, and Nothing.
Diagram of a wireless earbud and a smartphone, highlighting various features. The earbud has sound engineering details, product name, transparent casing, textured details, and a red indicator for function and aesthetics. The smartphone displays glyph interface/LED lights, visible components, curves, texture details, transparent back panel, and use of red color accent.
Text-based infographic with statistics about pollution and health. It includes four facts: 1. Long commutes in polluted environments increase depression risk by 33%. 2. 40% of the UK population is exposed to unhealthy noise pollution levels. 3. 16,000 E.coli colonies found on Victoria Line train seats. 4. 20 minutes underground equals smoking a cigarette.

Design Development

Diagram of a therapeutic device with labeled parts including a remote with therapy light and power buttons, a spherical therapy pod, a cylindrical calming lights device with aroma emission and power buttons, and a larger therapy machine featuring aroma emission, detaches, calming lights, a mascot design, induction charger, and USB-C cable.
Hand-drawn sketches of a drone with labeled parts, including propellers, switches, LED lights, and a remote control, as well as an antenna, a butterfly-shaped light, and a toy resembling a flying animal, with notes in English.
A collection of hand-drawn cartoon-like faces and shapes, each with various eyes, mouths, and facial expressions, arranged in rows on paper.

Foam Model Development

Six photos of a small, white, foam craft object resembling a boat with a stick and whale head, shown from different angles and partially assembled.
Collection of 3D-printed white toy parts on a wooden surface, including curved and flat pieces, some with black accents, and six snake-like pieces in the bottom right corner.
A small white figurine of a dog with a black nose, themed to look like Mickey Mouse, on a wooden surface.

Final Model Production

A side-by-side comparison of a white, curved object with two holes on top and a small rectangular piece, and a person holding a similar white object with a handle, likely a tool, in a workshop or woodworking setting.
Pair of black hair clips on the left and a pair of black spatulas on a worktable on the right.
Close-up of black rubber weatherstripping on a white surface on the left, and a white plastic object with three holes and a metallic component on the right.

Final Model and Renders

A white and black remote control with a camera at the top, resembling a drone controller, placed on a plain white surface.
Close-up of a white robotic hand with a small camera in place of a fingertip, set against a plain light gray background.
An exploded view of a bicycle computer mount with various small parts and screws.
A compact, modern device with a white base and black accents, featuring a vertical screen, textured textured grip, and a dial control, likely a health or fitness gadget.