Welcome to the Aesthetics of Design Website. This site displays student work in the Aesthetics of Design class at CU Boulder. This site serves as an archive for past student projects, and for current students to develop their portfolio and documenting skills.
This year’s eighth post, the Design Preview. This post summarizes the plans for the main project, and informs a critique by 7 or 8 other students.
Post 8 – Victorian Detective Kit –
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Key-point: For a while there was a creative block preventing me from finding any aesthetic that would call to me me to use as my project’s crucible. At first the idea of a spy-gadget kit filled with gadgets one would see in 007 films or spyology books, but then I took it another step further…
Nature-core Door Art Design Preview
Abstract For my project I will be creating a dynamic art piece for my parent’s new house. In their bedroom there is currently a hole in the wall that is an entrance to an unfinished loft. My mom has requested that I create a door to cover the opening that includes an art piece. This…
Design Preview: Planter Box
Introduction For my project, I’m really excited to try and make a flower/herb planter box. I’ve always wanted a cute place to grow some of my own herbs and have flowers around the house, but it hasn’t been that doable for me because I’ve been gone during too much of the year to care for…
Design Preview Report: Scale model of long range spacecraft
https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/galleries/visions-of-the-future#grid-127451-1 To say my life revolves around space exploration is probably a bit dramatic, but I will say that a huge portion of my favorite things to discuss, think about, and even my career path involve space exploration. To me, it just seems like the natural progression of humanity’s journey: we have catalogued pretty much…
Design Preview Report: Bauhaus Desk Table
My final design is a Bauhaus table, made out an old school desk. For context I was looking to do an end table for my room as my final project, originally I was going to try a gothic style end table, but the designs I was coming up with weren’t very aesthetically pleasing. During the…
Design Preview Report – Jonathon Gruener
Here is a recap of my project idea so far. For my project, I am planning on making a lamp either for my desk or bedside table. I want it to be something that I can turn on late at night to provide me with light without keeping me awake. This would be done through…
Post 8: Design Preview Report: Van Build Bed/Couch
Embarking on the construction of a convertible couch/bed within the compact confines of a Chevy Astro van presents a unique challenge. The aim is to integrate comfortable seating and sleeping arrangements alongside a kitchenette and optimal storage solutions within this limited space. As we plan this project, the focus is not only on functionality but…
Design Preview Report: Ari Matrajt
Idea: For my project, I imagine creating a multifunctional cooking tool similar to a spatula but with an interchangeable head, allowing users to switch between different attachments, like a spoon. This creative design provides convenience and adaptability in the kitchen, accommodating diverse cooking requirements with a single, versatile utensil. Additionally, drawing inspiration from the protective…
Rocket & Moon Kinetic Sculpture
In the realm where metal meets motion, where artistry intertwines with engineering precision, lies the captivating world of kinetic sculpture. As I embark on the journey to create my own dynamic masterpiece, I find myself drawn to the mesmerizing works of Kyle Auga, the mastermind behind Kyle’s Kinetics. Inspired by the delicate balance and…
Design Preview Report – Wood Carved Electric Guitar
In this design preview report, I will embark on the ambitious journey of crafting a wooden electric guitar from scratch, adorned with intricate wooden carvings to evoke a natural aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of guitar craftsmanship and the beauty of nature, this project seeks to harmoniously blend artistry and functionality. Drawing inspiration…
Post 8: Design Preview Report
Introduction: In this report, I embark on a journey of artistic exploration, delving into the realm of Abstract Art and surrealism intertwined with the intriguing concept of pseudo perpetual machines. Drawing inspiration from a diverse tapestry of experiences, ranging from childhood visits to art exhibitions to recent encounters with mesmerizing structures at the MIT Museum…
Nanoleaf Clone
For my project, I will do my own take on Nanoleaf lines. I think these are really cool and they can bring a nice atmosphere to my room. I want to have something with fluid lights that can grab attention. I want something more than just the boring LED strips that are typically in people’s…
Midnights Booklet | Final Project Design Preview Report
Post 8: Final Project Design Preview Report Introduction Hi everyone! I’m so excited to share with you my Design Preview Report for the final project. A couple of weeks ago, as I began to brainstorm for this project, I felt very lost. Being a CTD major, I have a lot of background in terms…
Design Preview Report – Snuffle Mat
I want to begin by recapping my plan for the final design project. I plan to make at least one snuffle mat for my dogs. I am hoping to use my time wisely so that I can make three snuffle mats. One for each of my two dogs and a smaller one for my cat.…
Minimalist Outdoor Fan
For the project, I’ve decided to spruce up a prototype I made last summer and hopefully create a nice housing. The prototype is essentially a swamp cooler with less humidity. The inspiration of it came from camping in New Mexico during the summer. When I went, it was unbearably hot and I didn’t want to…
Scandinavian Inspired Flap Clock
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and simplicity can feel like a luxury. However, amidst the chaos of daily life, there’s a timeless design philosophy that offers a sanctuary of calm and comfort: Scandinavian style. Originating from the Nordic countries of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland, Scandinavian design has captivated the world…
Design Preview – Game Boards
Throughout the brainstorming of this project, I am consistently struggling to make my artifact something that is time manageable. Continuing with the initial idea of a chess board, I thought of some game boards that are easier to complete such as peg board games. These types of games are commonly found in restaurants, bars, and…
Post 8: Design Preview Report
One of my favorite hobbies is playing guitar or bass guitar. I started picking up the bass when I was in middle school and started learning guitar when I was a freshman in college. Fast forward to my senior year of college and I now have an electric guitar and electric bass guitar as well…
Design Preview Report – Driftwood Pendant Light
The driftwood pendant light captures the essence of rustic charm, infusing any space with a delightful blend of natural allure and organic elegance. Its distinctive appeal lies in the intricate forms of the driftwood pieces, each boasting unique twists, knots, and weathered textures that narrate stories of nature’s artistry. These irregular shapes not only lend…
Design Preview: Mid-Century Modern Xylophone
I lied to all of you. In my last post, I showed a picture of a mid-century modern xylophone and said I would not be doing this project in that style. Surprise! I actually loved the look of that sketch so much that I decided to make it the aesthetic of my final project. Design…
Main Project Design Preview
Hello everyone! Here is my design preview for my final project for the Aesthetics in Design class. For this project, I am making a 3D printed performance running shoe midsole, with a reach goal of building out the whole shoe with an upper and lacing. While some companies have made shoes like this, they are…
Design Preview Report
For my final project, I’m going to make a lamp shade that rotates from the rising heat of the light bulb in the lamp. I was inspired by an old night light I had as a kid. The shade itself consisted of a colorful, cylindrical lightshade with a sort of pinwheel in top that allowed…
Design Preview Report: Custom Computer Mouse
Changes In Plan Previously I was planning on creating a barbell and plates, but felt as if the aesthetic component of that project would be a bit low-effort and lacking. I realized that there would be very little I could do to influence the form of the plates and bar, and it was simply not…
Design Preview Report: Western Camping Table
Idea For my final design I am planning on building a foldable table that I can attach to the back of my car for camping or any other outdoor event I would want a table at: tailgates, festivals, etc. When I first got my car, a Toyota Forerunner, one of the options available had a…
Minimalist Charging Station
Minimalist charging station by Oakley Wood For my final project I will be making a minimalist charging station for my desk. I was first inspired to make this project last summer at my internship. One of the other interns was planning on making a personal project and made a CAD mock-up of a charging station.…
Pinhole Camera: Design Preview
Main Project: I am planning to make a pinhole camera with a shutter mechanism that allows for different exposure times. The camera will either be in the Industrial aesthetic or 90s clear plastic electronics aesthetic. How It Works: A pinhole camera is a very simple image making device that relies on the “camera obscura” effect.…
Design Preview – Cargo Kite
In-progress CAD of my design. My final project concept, as you may have gathered from the title, is a big kite! Since I wanted a large kite for potentially lifting things in the future, I went for a rigid, box design, very similar to the inventor Lawrence Hargrave’s initial designs. After roughing out the ratios…
BIG WING
PROGRESS I started creating renders for my wing. This was done in a solidworks assembly. I will be using an e423-il airfoil with a 40 cm chord. Using a high Reynolds number and an operating speed of 120 mph I calculated about 250lbs of downforce. The uprights will be made out of 6061 aluminum and…
Minimalist Expanding Coffee Table
For my final project, I wanted to challenge myself and develop a large wooden piece that utilizes a hinge to make an innovative and conversation-provoking centerpiece in my living room. To accomplish this I have taken several steps to make this concept a reality including doing a deep dive into the aesthetic that I will…
Levitating Globe with Enhanced Steampunk Elements
Introduction In this project, I aim to create a unique levitating nature scene, blending the serene beauty of natural elements with the intricate and mechanical allure of steampunk design. This piece is intended not only as a captivating decorative item but also as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of natural and mechanical aesthetics. Inspiration…
Post 8 Design Preview Report: Leather Gauge Cluster Cover
Introduction and Aesthetic I’m inspired to make my new gauge cluster as aesthetic as possible for my main project, while serving a couple additional functions. Currently, there are three gauges mounted to a stainless-steel fascia that has been laser cut, giving a nice frontal view in my opinion. Prior to this project, the wires that…
Bike Bags – Design Preview Report
In the last two years I have started going on long distance bike trips as a way to get deeper into the wilderness. I have always loved mountain biking and thought combining it with camping was the next logical step. The first couple trips I went on I tried using backpacks and straps to carry…
Design Preview Report – Whimsical Storybook Castle for Guinea Pigs
Motivation A big aspect of my life is that I love animals, and so does my family. In total, we have three dogs, three cats, and two guinea pigs. While my guinea pigs, Mochi and Boba, are the smallest of the bunch, they are the most expensive to take care of. Boba (brown) and Mochi…
Steering Wheel Design Preview
For my main Aesthetics project I plan on building an Xbox controller steering wheel adapter. The aesthetic I have chosen for this project is the street racing aesthetic. In my last post, I talked about this aesthetic along with some alternative options, but I will quickly review them here. This street racing aesthetic has a…
Design Preview: Infinity Portal
Abstract Tech My main project will be of the Abstract Tech aesthetic. Abstract Tech includes digital holograms, lights, geometric patterns, and conceptual “technology” to paint a futuristic picture. This aesthetic draws on the technology movement of the 20th century. There is often digital circuitry involved in this aesthetic, and an overall futuristic feel. Below is…
Design Preview Report: Airfoil Aluminum Can Crusher
Background and Purpose My family is originally from Germany and, therefore, I love to drink sparkling water. I prefer sparkling water over regular water because I find it more refreshing. As a result, I go through many aluminum cans which all end up in the recycling bin. Each aluminum can takes up a substantial amount…
Time’s Gamble: Making a Miniature Roulette Table Wristwatch
Choosing My Aesthetic In my previous post, I dived into the vast and intriguing world of wristwatches and the many possible aesthetics that they could fall into. Ranging from minimalistic to luxurious to an open-concept skeleton watch. After much contemplation, brainstorming, and ideation, I have decided to mend the mechanics of timekeeping with the thrill…
Post 8: Design Preview Report, Wooden Minimalist Light Fixture
Initial Sketch Description: My final project will be a simplistic, low profile wooden light fixture taking inspiration from the minimalist aesthetic. It will be constructed from a hallowed out 2×4 plank of wood, a 3/8th acrylic sheet and warm LED strip lights. The dynamic component of this project will be from the LED’s ability to…
Design Preview Report
Joshua Beijer Design Preview Report I have been thinking of what I want my final artifact to be since the middle of our last project. I wanted something small and elegant that I could put on my desk throughout my career. I knew I wanted it to look very professional and sleek and have a…
Design Preview: Retro Ski Bench
For my final project I am creating a bench made out of skis, in the aesthetic of Retro Skiing. I chose this aesthetic based off of my childhood experiences growing up skiing with my dad. The bench takes inspiration from the 80s era of skiing when my dad learned how to ski. Below are some…
Design Preview Report – Brutalist Lamp
When exploring my aesthetic for the upcoming project I hit a few roadblocks. However, after exploring the idea of a mind map I was able to determine my desired aesthetic, Brutalism. This certain aesthetic was a major design movement stemming all over the world but especially in Eastern Europe and Russia after World War Two.…
Design Preview Report: Mid-century Modern Newton’s Cradle
I am planning on making a mid-century modern Newton’s cradle for my final project. I was initially inspired to work on this project while fiddling with some toys I have on my desk in my room. I was fidgeting with these toys while thinking of what I could make for my final project, and it…
Design Preview Report: Apartment Bike Storage
I am an avid cyclist and as a result of this, I have a lot of bikes. I enjoy having the opportunity to have different types of bikes for different styles of riding which means that I have accumulated quite a few bikes. Unfortunately, I live in a small apartment in Boulder, and storing multiple…
Design Preview Report – Fountain Birdbath
For my project, I will be creating a fountain birdbath. My goal is to emulate the cottagecore aesthetic for an outdoor/backyard space. I am trying to make this piece be a meaningful addition to my grandparent’s mountain cabin. For half of the year, during the summer months, my grandparents stay at a small, quaint cabin…
Design Preview Report – Organic Modern Furniture Piece
Design Preview Report Organic Modern Furniture Piece ATLS 4279 – Aesthetics in Design AJ Terio 3/13/2024 Main Project As previously discussed in some of my earlier posts, my main project will focus on constructing a full-scale version of an upcycled prototype piece of furniture. This piece will integrate various functionalities, including a shoe rack,…
Post for the Design Preview Presentation – Sophie Berry
Post 8: Design Preview Presentation – (before the finished design before spring break) Aesthetics: Modern antiquity I was still deciding on my aesthetic while also deciding on what I would like to make. I had thought of trying to combine the functionality and detailed intricacy of my preferred aesthetic with something more antique. Something along…
Post 8: Design Preview
INTRODUCTION In this post I will describe my process in creating an Organic Modern aesthetic style mirror inspired by natural and sustainable structures. This project aims to bring a functional furniture element into a space while also acting as an interior design piece blending minimalistic styles, functionality of a mirror, and a dynamic lighting design.…
Design Preview Report
What I will be making for my final project is a dynamic alcohol display. This will be a flat wooden plate with three different spots for three respective bottles. The bottles will be lighted from the bottom with LED’s with a dynamic aspect coming from the light refraction due to the changing levels of liquid…
Design Preview Report – Vintage Photography Equipment Cabinet
For my final design project I have decided to go with a photography cabinet that will hold all of my photography equipment. I have chosen this as it will not only offer me a challenge as I have not done woodwork in many years, but will offer me something I will be able to use…
Design Preview Report: Spotify Jukebox
Background Hypothetical Spotify-branded jukebox: https://www.yankodesign.com/2022/05/03/spotify-jukebox-boasting-a-curved-display-brings-house-parties-to-your-desk/ For some background, I intend to create a desktop music-control device that interfaces with my Spotify library. This device will be comprised of an old TV and a Raspberry Pi and use Bluetooth/WiFi to connect to some existing speakers. Initially, I hoped to use the Space Age aesthetic due to…
Design Preview Report: Industrial Lamp
Introduction This report outlines the development of an industrial aesthetic style lamp inspired by the organic structures of plants. This fusion aims to bring a piece of the natural world into the industrial context, blending the robust, metallic characteristics of industrial design with the asymmetric, curving forms of flora. Project Vision and Inspiration Conceptualization The…
Post 8: Design Preview
Introduction In this post, I will describe my plans for creating a wooden mechanical carousel. The purpose of this project is to create a fun and whimsical laser cut puzzle that also aims to be able to move through the use of cranks and gears. My Vision I plan to design and create a mechanical…
Post 8: Design Preview Report
Post 8: Design Preview Report Brief History of Cheese making Cheese is one of the most varied types of foods with many different types. It is enjoyed on its own, paired with meats/ fruits/ beverages, and cooked with. Some form of cheese has been part of human existence for around 5,000 years (McGee, 52). Although cheese types…
Post 8 – Gear Wall Art Design Preview
[1] 3D Printed Gears – Jakk, Additive X My initial idea for the final project in this course was to 3D print a series of gears and mount them to a board or series of arms that would then attach to a wall for a piece of interactive art. I wanted to incorporate some activated…
Brutalist OR Space Age Desk Lamp
Project Motivation Just like my upcycling project (a shoe rack made from old skateboards), I would like my main project to be a functional item that I will use in my day to day life. I have been looking to get a desk lamp for my room ever since I moved in August, but I…
Thin Ice Gameboy
Throughout my engineering career, I had always thought I hated circuits. It wasn’t until my senior design project that I realized I just didn’t like it because I was bad at it! This led to to want to try to do something with circuits for this project. The inspiration for this project came from walking…
Post 8: Design Preview
Kinetic Wind Sculpture Outside ITLL Building For my upcycling project I took inspiration from the kinetic wind sculpture that hangs outside of the ITLL Building on the CU Boulder campus. For the upcycling project I mostly took inspiration from its overall aesthetic and meaning. For my final project I am planning on creating an artifact…
Design Preview 1 – Stop Motion Dinosaur
To recap: for my final project, I’m going to be making a stop motion dinosaur puppet in the style of classic special effects films, as popularized by filmmakers like Willis O’Brien and Ray Harryhausen. By extension, this project will channel the aesthetic of vintage 1900s paleoart, which is defined by reptilian depictions of dinosaurs no…
Post 8: Utilitarian Modular Container
The current vision of the project is to encapsulate the utilitarian aesthetic — the form being dictated by the function. This will be conducted entirely within Blender and entail modeling and detailing a modular hexagonal container that could be feasibly seen in the foreseeable future or simply in a sci-fi or military video game. Given…
Design Preview Plans: Modern Art Kinetic Sculpture
For my final project, I’ve drawn significant inspiration from the work of Alexander Calder, one of the most prolific mobile makers of all time. His creations fall into the category of impressionist modern art, with his sculptures embodying quintessential modernism. Throughout his lifetime, he crafted thousands of kinetic sculptures and received astounding critical acclaim, with…
Design Preview Report–Coaster
Initial Thoughts My initial inspiration for this project came from a desire to have a coaster that fits cups of different dimensions. I have many various mugs and glasses, but have never had a single coaster that was able to hold them all. I’ve definitely had coasters in the past that are able to hold…