Main Project Plans and Alternatives: Rustic Minimalist Vertical PC Dock

For my final project, my aesthetic will be rustic minimalism and Wabi-Sabi. I admire the minimalism and simplicity this aesthetic embraces, seeking to convey depth and complexity through texture, materiality, and imperfection rather than ornamentation. The combination of natural materials, muted tones, and an appreciation for time-worn surfaces creates a sense of quiet refinement. My goal is to capture this balance, something that feels intentional yet organic, simple yet rich in character.

For my final project, I’ve decided to create something small and functional, an object I interact with daily. Since I’m graduating in May, the size of the object I make is a key factor; I want to design something that I can easily bring back home and pack into a suitcase. After exploring countless desk accessories, I realized that a vertical PC stand aligns best with my needs and aesthetic vision. I currently use a basic, mass-produced stand, but it’s a prominent element on my desk that has the potential to enhance my workspace rather than just serve a function. By reimagining it through the lens of rustic minimalism and Wabi-Sabi, I aim to create a piece that blends natural materials, subtle textures, and thoughtful craftsmanship, making it not just practical but a visually grounding presence in my environment.

The first alternative to my aesthetic would be industrial minimalism. The PC stand could be made from untreated steel, allowing it to oxidize and develop a natural patina over time. This slow transformation aligns with Wabi-Sabi’s appreciation for aging but takes on a colder, more mechanical character. The design would be sharp, geometric, and unpolished, with visible weld marks and bending corners. This version would feel heavy and cold to the touch, prioritizing simplicity and durability over warmth. It would be well suited in a workspace with concrete, glass, and dark metal, creating a high-contrast, aesthetic. While rustic minimalism seeks balance through organic textures, industrial minimalism embraces rawness, making beauty out of material resilience and engineered simplicity.

My second alternative takes a more organic approach, closer to my final vision but leaning toward Scandinavian modernism. This version would incorporate a light colored wood with softer, warmer textures, featuring rounded corners and a smooth, polished finish. The clean lines and simplicity would give it a refined yet inviting feel, emphasizing function without sacrificing warmth. While this design aligns with my aesthetic preferences, it lacks the raw, time-worn character that defines rustic minimalism and Wabi-Sabi. To bring it closer to my final vision, I would opt for a more rugged, barn-like wood. Something with visible grain, knots, and imperfections that add depth and authenticity.

For my final project, I plan to blend elements from both design alternatives. I will likely incorporate the front face of the industrial design, as it will highlight and enhance the worn-in characteristics of the wood, adding depth and authenticity. Additionally, I am considering a more geometric structure, similar to the featured image in this post, to create a refined yet balanced form. The incorporated moving parts in this project will be the side pieces. Figure 3 shows a CAD model of the base plate to which I will attach the wooden faces. The slots allow for adjustment so that it can hold devices of different thicknesses as shown in Figure 5. Given the precision required, I will likely have this part manufactured externally, as it is an inexpensive component and machining it myself would be too time-consuming.

Works Cited:

• 1. https://www.humancentric.com/products/wood-vertical-laptop-stand
• 2. https://oakywood.shop/products/dual-vertical-laptop-stand
• ChatGPT. (2025). Writing aid and content refinement. OpenAI