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 current and past student projects, and for current students to develop their portfolio and documenting skills. It is also an Open Educational Resource, for anybody interested in how to make these projects, and for educators who might like to teach a course like this: all lecture notes and videos are available, as well as syllabus, schedule assignments etc..
This year’s12th post, where students present Part 2 of their final report, the How
Ski Bookends – Part 2
Once I decided on my idea for the project, it was time to begin the design and fabrication. The first step was to find a pair of skis. This was almost more important than the overall design because the type of ski I found would drive how I supported the bookends and how I painted…
LEGO Formula 1 Display – How it was done
To create this project, there was a ton of work that wen t into this. I had several different phases of the project. There was research, design, build, prototyping, reevaluation/problem solving, and the finished product. I started with some research for the project and then applied that to my design/planning. I did some prototyping with…
Portable AC Part 2: The “how”
Unfortunately while leaving the cooler outside to dry the paint it rained. I will complete the painting process again as of expo. Despite this, everything else associated with the project is complete. Upon first embarking on this project, I set myself to a standard and simple timeline. As I had to wait until spring break…
Stained Glass Terrarium Final Report Pt.2
For my final project, I am focusing loosely on the reminiscence theme. Since a lot of my childhood is surrounded by stained glass, I wanted to do something with stained glass and/or have the stained glass look. I am making a glass terrarium. I want to use mixed materials like glass, and wood to make…
RailGlow: Timeline and Fabrication Process
Design Timeline Overview The RailGlow project spanned over two months, starting in early March and wrapping up in early May. While the process was generally structured, it included plenty of loops and adjustments as I moved between design, fabrication, and documentation. Below is a breakdown of each key phase and what took place during that…
Artistic Vinyl Speaker: Part 2
For my main project, I created an artistic vinyl record display that plays music from an internal Bluetooth speaker (see the featured image [1]). Through this project, I wanted to replicate the feeling of listening to a record player, while having the freedom to choose whatever songs you’d like through a Bluetooth device. Aesthetically, I…
Almost the Look
1. Timeline: The Making of the Hexagonal Bookshelf Below is a visual timeline representing my build process, highlighting the cyclical and non-linear nature of design: Week 1–2: Exploration & Planning Brainstorming 1970s-inspired aesthetics Sketching geometries Defining functional requirements (book storage, compact corner fit, modular potential) Week 3: CAD Design & Dimensioning Modeled in SolidWorks Solved…
Eclipse Lamp – Final Post Part 2
I began this project by sketching out some ideas on what I wanted the lamp to look like as well as its scale and functionality. I chose to create a lamp for this project. I have always found beauty in simple shapes. My first project was in the space age aesthetic, a spherical lamp with…
Functional Yard Art: The “What”
Summary: In short, the goal of my project was to produce an artifact inspired by yard art and a jagged, rusted aesthetic like the “Diesel Punk” that can be found in the Mad Max movies. Counterintuitively, I planned to cast this aesthetic on the thriving ecosystem in my yard in the form of a jagged,…
The Journey from Concept to Creation: Origami Inspired Floor Chair
Fabrication Process: Bringing the Origami Chair to Life Research & Inspiration My journey began with immersing myself in the world of origami and furniture design. I spent considerable time exploring the intersection of these disciplines, studying how folding techniques could translate into functional, weight-bearing structures. I was particularly inspired by designers who had successfully merged…
Skateboard Deck Project | The How (Photos Coming Soon, Issues Uploading)
Building My Custom Cruiser: The Hands-On Process Behind the Design I want to walk through the technical process of building my custom skateboard deck from raw veneers to a fully finished cruiser. This project wasn’t just about making something that rides well; it was about learning new tools, trying new workflows, and combining both digital…
Part 2: A Watchmakers Story
The finished product: A 118 year old pocket watch is given a new life in the post-modern era Timeline and Process Overview The idea for this project was sparked several months ago when I visited a craft fair on Boulder’s Pearl Street and spoke with the team from Vortic Watch Company, who specialize in…
Final Report Part 2: Eye of Agamotto – The Making Process
Final Report Part 2: Eye of Agamotto – The Making Process Introduction This post documents the complete fabrication and final reflection for my main project: the Eye of Agamotto. In Part 1, I outlined my aesthetic goals and conceptual direction. In this final report, I will walk through the process of building the artifact, describe…
Hitbox Final Report Part 2
For this project, my timeline has changed from the original timeline I had. (Figure 1): Updated timeline Due to the mishap with my paint discussed last week, the final assembly was delayed by a lot. Now, I am leaving the electronics work to the future, potentially before or after expo. I do intend on getting…
Final Report Part 2 – Retro 80s Ski Boot Warmer
Timeline: The timeline above outlines the five-week process behind designing and building my retro ski boot warmer. In Week 1, I purchased all necessary materials—including a 12V PTC heater/fan, plywood, PVC, and a power converter—and began preliminary sketches to size the enclosure for portability and proper boot fit. Week 2 focused on fabrication, where I…
Multifunctional Quilt: the “How”
Fabrication Process Below is an image of my fabrication timeline. Compared to my original planned timeline, this one ended up getting shifted back by a couple weeks, which was anticipated. I’m glad I budgeted for more time than expected. One of my biggest takeaways from this project is that quilting is a very time consuming…
Final Project: Classic Hollywood Clapperboard
Timeline of the Design Process Creating my final artifact—a handmade clapperboard inspired by Classic Hollywood—wasn’t a strictly linear process. It involved a lot of back-and-forth between exploration, trial, and hands-on learning. Here’s a breakdown of my design timeline: Phase Dates Key Activities Exploration Feb 20 – Mar 3 Researched vintage film equipment, gathered inspiration…
CyberCrystal Vest: Final Report Part 2 – The How
Timeline of the CyberCrystal Vest Project Week Phase Developments 1 Ideation & Aesthetic Definition Brainstormed cyberpunk-inspired designs, sketched early vest concepts, defined goal for movement-reactive wearable tech 2 Component Exploration & Research Researched Neopixel LED chains, vibration sensors, microcontrollers, and 3D-printed wearable components 3 CAD Modeling & Prototyping Designed three sizes of crystal spikes in…
Foldable Car Camping Bed – The How
For my final project for Aesthetics of Design, I built a cabincore car bed suitable for camping that can also fold to fit behind the back row of seats in my car. Through several design iterations better covered in my last post, I came up with a design that uses hinges to allow five different…
Final Sliding Bedframe – Part 2
After some shipping delays, I finally completed the assembly of my project. I was able to get the aluminum tubing I needed just in time to manufacture in slots, and my project came together just how I envisioned it. With that, this post will describe my entire process of building out my bedframe. The goal…
Low Profile Microphone Boom Arm: The “How”
For my final project, I created a minimalist, sleek, low-profile boom arm inspired by those currently available on the market. I scaled my boom arm to match the length of my table, as I happen to have a table with a shorter depth than most (I do not have the exact measurement). I used a…
Dual-Perspective 3D Sculpture: Final Report – Part 2
Project Timeline This section documents the full journey from idea to final artifact. It outlines the actual design process through a week-by-week timeline, describes how the sculptures were modeled, fabricated, and assembled, and ends with a reflection comparing the original vision with the final outcome. While function played a role, the focus remained on aesthetics,…
Magnetic Shoe Display – Fabrication and Construction
After developing the aesthetic direction and functional goals for my magnetic shoe display, the next phase of the project focused on physically building the piece. This stage was where ideas on paper were translated into tangible form through sketching, cutting, gluing, carving, wiring, and assembly. My goal was to bring together all aspects of the…
Zen Matcha Stand
The How Bringing my matcha stand to life from my CAD Model was a journey of learning, problem solving, and a whole lot of glue. In this post, I’ll walk through how I actually built it from skill acquisition and material prep to finishing details and reflect on what I learned and where I ended…
The Disqualifier – Pneumatic Gauntlet 2
In my sophomore year of college, I was unmistakably disqualified from a taekwondo tournament—no confusion, no gray area, just cleanly and thoroughly booted from the mat. I left the team not long after. At the time, it felt like failure. Over the years, though, that moment took on a new shape. What began as frustration…
Neon-Inspired 3D Printed LED Sign Final Report part 2
Introduction For my final project, I set out to create a neon light-inspired 3D printed sign. This idea was born from a desire to add personalized decor to my home office—something that felt both unique and reflective of my interests. As a big fan of Marvel and DC comics, I wanted to incorporate elements of…
Accent Table: Final Report Part 2
Introduction The process of bringing my accent table to life was a deep dive into woodworking, aesthetics, and hands-on problem solving. As my first woodworking project, I approached each stage with both excitement and a commitment to learning fundamental skills. This table was not only a product of planning and craftsmanship but also a reflection…
Building a Steampunk Strandbeest: Assembly and Aesthetic Focus
Timeline of the Design Process When I started this project, my goal was to bring a popular kinetic sculpture to life by blending the famous Strandbeest mechanism with the popular aesthetic of steampunk. This creation would celebrate both motion and artistry and become a sculpture where every gear and linkage wasn’t hidden, but proudly displayed.…
Mid Century Modern Bookshelf – Part 2: How
Project Timeline Timeline Overview: Ideation (Weeks 1–3): Explored inspirations, designed three separate CAD files: A spinal column shelf with movable shelves An entryway table with kerf-cut corners Final iteration: a hip-height, mid-century modern inspired bookshelf Prototyping (Weeks 3–8): Built cardboard and 3D printed prototypes to test proportions, joinery, and leg designs. Material Shopping (Week 8):…
Vertical PC Dock Final Report: How
After finalizing the concept and initial CAD model, the hands-on process really took over. While I started out with a loose plan in mind, a lot of unexpected challenges came up along the way that pushed me to adapt. The first real step was sourcing the material. I knew I wanted reclaimed wood with a…
Retro-Futuristic Robot Can Crusher: Part 1 – How
While the aesthetic direction of my retro-futuristic robot head can crusher was driven by mid-century sci-fi, the actual construction process was far more iterative, mechanical, and at times, experimental. In this second part of the report, I’ll walk through the real-world process of turning a sketch into a functional, wall-mounted robot. This post documents my…
Race Car Uprights: Report Part 2
For my primary design project, I chose to fabricate a custom set of front suspension uprights for my 1965 Ford Mustang race car. In my previous post, I outlined the design methodology I followed, which began with establishing a set of requirements that guided my decision-making throughout the development process. Key factors influencing the design…
Moon Phase Lamp Part 2: How
In my last blog post, I described in great detail what my final project is, as well as the aesthetic, Lunarpunk, which has dark, lunar related, characteristics. In this post, I will describe, in detail, my timeline for this project, how I designed this project, the different parts that I ordered, how I put them…
Light AMG GT RC Car – Final Report Part 2
Developing and finishing my vision for this project required that I plan out every step I would need to take to complete it on time. Timeline breaking down major tasks, according to completed dates. Even though I had already been thinking of making an RC car before I started making this project, I still had…
Medieval Castle Fortress Final Report Part 2
Part 1 of my final report went over some of the inspirations I took, specifications I created, aesthetics I wanted to achieve, and displayed the final product. This post will be going more in depth on how I actually created the artifact, what steps were involved, design challenges that arose, and where I want to…
Personalized GMT Watch for my dad – The How
Introduction: From Concept to Creation In Part 1, I laid out the blueprint for my custom GMT watch project – the inspirations, the design choices, and the artistic vision centered around a hand-painted Impressionist dial intended for my father. Now, we move from the drawing board to the workbench. This second part chronicles the “how”:…
Art Nouveau Water Filter
My initial inspiration for this project was to combine my knowledge of water filters from my Environmental Engineering undergrad with my love for quality, beauty, and design, to create a badly needed water filter for me and my housemates. Initially I was going to do a different aesthetic, but then when I was exploring aesthetic…
From Concept to Completion: Aesthetic Fabrication Journey for my Tree Frame
Figure 1. Final Outcome Introduction The creation of my final project, the layered laser cut tree wall art piece with a hidden photo frame, was more than just a build. It was a journey of aesthetic exploration, emotional connection, trial and error, and iterative design. From the earliest sketches to the final stain and screw,…
Hex – The Final Product Pt2
In part 1 of this final report, I covered: The Intention: To make a clock representative of personal identity The Aesthetic: Art Nouveau Inspiration: The human eye/iris Modeling: Modeled in Rhino to be laser cut Materials: Acrylic + MDF In this part, I will be covering the prototyping process, final fabrication process and the…
Actual Design Process, Fabrication, and Reflection
Introduction Starting this project, I was originally inspired by a longstanding argument I’ve made: “no flat tables in space.” While this might sound ridiculous at first, the point is simple—space demands a different approach to design due to its vastly different environment. Much of our current crew systems hardware simply retrofits terrestrial solutions for this…
Minimalist Spice Rack – Part 2
This project was something that I progressively worked on over the course of many weeks, starting with ideation and progressing to the creation of my final product. I am pretty happy with how this project turned out, and while it may not be the fanciest or most complex project, its something that should be functional,…
Grandma’s Piano: A Miniature Replica – Final Report Part 2
With projects like this, it’s easy to focus most on the fabrication process, given it is time-consuming and can seem to take forever. The meaning of a piece is important. It is the reason for making the thing. However, there is art, too, in the construction and creation process. I spent the most time working…
Pressure Flaker Final Report Part 2
Design and Fabrication Process For my final project, I set out to create a pressure flaker that reimagines the tool as if it were designed 2,500 years into the future. I wanted something smooth, sleek, and bright — a tool that looks like it belongs in a science fiction world but still feels solid and…
How I Built My Spice Spinner
For my final project, I made a spice spinner for my mom. It was inspired by traditional Mexican ceramics and I wanted it to have a rustic but clean feel. I made this project using common boards, clay, paint, and a lazy Susan bearing. My timeline was flexible because there were a lot of steps…
Rustic Farm Style Fountain Build
Designing and building a rustic farm-style fountain offered both a satisfying project for creative expression and an aesthetic addition to my space. The combination of copper pipes, a wooden bowl filled with rocks, and flowing water creates a calming and visually appealing feature that suits gardens, patios, or even interior décor. This essay outlines the…
Point Out: The Final How
What began as a fascination with the hypnotic movement of vector fields transformed into a physical embodiment of digital motion. My servo array project aimed to capture the mesmerizing flow of those internal visions that had captivated my imagination. Initially, I aspired to create something in the De Stijl tradition—geometric, bold, and structured. However, as…
Wöddha Finale: Part Two
As mentioned in Part One, I was inspired to create some form of user-driven product for my final project, one that combines my love for woodworking with my love for creative technology. With a special focus on aesthetics as part of this class, I also wanted the user’s contributions to add to the overall aesthetic…
Horreo Jewelry Box–Fabrication
Introduction Jewelry box’s are so lame. There are just classy wooden boxs that are timeless and beautiful, so I plan on reinventing them. But what do I plan on changing the shape of a jewelry box to you might ask…a Galician horreo!!! Now I am aware that is seemingly random. However, this is because I plan…
Optical Illusion Cutting Board: Final Report Part 2
Intro This is my final post on the optical illusion cutting board. This has been one of my favorite projects during my time at CU Boulder and I have developed a love for woodworking. The intricate process was a blend of engineering and design, which is something I love most about my major: Creative Technology…
Coffee Table, Final 2
After figuring out the table to build, I began mapping out the timeline to construct the project. It was planned to be completed in 4 weeks. The wood was to be bought the week 4/5, the board assembled and cut 4/5-4/9, the board sanded 4/14-4/18, edging and staining, 4/28-5/2, and the legs fully cut/assembled/sanded/stained 4/29-5/6.…
Making Extol: Custom Electric Guitar – Part 2
How does a luthier make an electric guitar? At the outset, my guess was as good as the next guy’s. Building isn’t terribly complicated, like putting parts together into a Franken-Strat, but what about cutting an original shape yourself? The Extol electric guitar is my own custom design that seeks to embody the characteristics of…
Final Report – Part 2: Stitching Stories and Sparkle
Design Timeline: From Spark to Stitch Before Spring Break – Decided to create a modern take on Rajasthani mirror work for my final project 
– Sketched out multiple ideas and finalized one with clean lines and room for embellishment – Asked my mom in India to send me mirror work materials…
– Sketched out multiple ideas and finalized one with clean lines and room for embellishment – Asked my mom in India to send me mirror work materials…
Magic Crystal Bedside Lamp
For my final project, I wanted to try and create a special bedside lamp that contains a variety of useful features making it not only aesthetically interesting but uniquely functional as well. The Problem: I currently have a small electric candle by my bedside that I use as a low level light while I”m getting…
Final Report Part 2 – How – Vinyl Lamp
For my final project I built a vinyl lamp in the retro futurism aesthetic. I picked a vinyl lamp because I wanted to build something functional I could use long after this class is over and I picked the retro futurism aesthetic because I felt it fit well with the lamp design and vision. Retro…
Glass Block Lamp Final Report: The How
Introduction: For my main project, I made a mid-century modern furniture inspired floor lamp. I used glass blocks and diffused LED strips as the primary lighting element, and the frame is manufactured using pine hardwood. The overall height of the lamp is ~3.5 feet tall, and is powered by a wall plug. The LED strip…
Final Report Part 2: Mountain Shelf
For my final project, I wanted to revisit and refine a past creation—a mountain shelf I originally made a few years ago. The inspiration came from my appreciation of clean yet warm design styles and a desire to bring functionality into a decorative piece. I aimed to modernize and elevate the original shelf by making…
Organic Minimalist Puzzle Holder – Answering the “How”?
Timeline When I was first beginning this project, I had created a Gantt Chart that outlined all of my tasks and was supposed to help me follow a certain process to ensure I stay on schedule. However, not too surprisingly- my plans were altered as I started in the woodshop and received advice/guidance that impacted…
Abby Rindfuss
Adam Hosburgh
Airyl Dayrit
Alex Jessop
Xander Johnson
Allister James Sequeira
Annie Cai
Andrew Chamberlain
Anjali Shadija
Anthony Makuch
Andrea Marks
Anthony Papaianache
Andrew Perper
Andrew Widner
Ariana Ramirez
Arjun Ramachandran
Arden Villanueva
Ayesha Rawal
Ben Erickson
Ben Harming
Ben Haley
Brian Ahn
Bryce Johnson
Bryan Moreno Najera
Brenton Yu
Cason Lane
Cecelia Shoenfeld
Chris Adami-Sampson
Chrisanna Bertuccio
Witt Young
Claire Markus
Clemens Pacher-Theinburg
Cooper Kramis
Cole Romig
Cole Sites
Cort Sommer
Daniel Carranza Valenzuela
DawnMonique Cantu
Seth Strayer
Danny Vesselovskii
David Whisnant
Delos Ashcraft
Dev Mahajan
Ellyse Jensen
Elise Johnson
Eli Skelly
Eric Fiechtner
Evan McCleary
Francine Palmos
Garrett Jimenez
Garrison Nazare
Rauba, Grady
Reilly, Greg
Grant Thompson
Isaiah Straubel
Jamie Blanco
Jacob Foley
Jack Franz
Jacob Krajnik
James Overberg
Jaks Praeger
Jax Whitham
Jessica Vo
Joe Yoder
Jules Fischer-White
Kalin Myers
Keith Hemenway
Kyle Chinn
Lia Cucuzzella
Lindsey Trussell
Luke Gordon
Matt Bloomfield
Matthew Cumpton
Mateo Esteve
Matt Sherman
Max Van Cleave
Max Williams
Mila Bergmann-Ruzicka
Min Than
Mia Winstead
Nile Brown
Nita Byati
Nick Rios
Pisay Suzuki
Robert Forstbauer
Rystan Qualls
Sam Nicastro
Scott Ehrlich
Seth Dry
Sean Ostrander
Senayt Wolde
Shreya Pradeep Sekar
Sofia Fernandez
Sylvia Robles
Tay Cummins
Tanmay Mhatre
Taylor Wittwer
Thomas Brentano
Tyler L'hotta
Tyler Lloyd
Zoe Cooper
Sammie Duran
Jean Hertzberg
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