Pixel Sunglasses →

The RMIT Pixel Sunglasses, which I developed three years ago, marked my first foray into the world of Product Design, and what a memorable experience it was. From the initial concept to the final product hitting the shelves, every step of the journey felt like a dream come true. I couldn’t have been happier to see my vision materialise into a tangible product that resonated with so many people.

Winning the tender for this project not only validated my creative ideas but also opened doors to real-world design challenges. I had to balance aesthetics with practicality, ensuring that the sunglasses were not only visually appealing but also functional and comfortable to wear. Working closely with manufacturers to perfect the design for mass production was an invaluable learning curve. It taught me the importance of precise measurements, material selection, and effective communication with suppliers to achieve a high-quality end product.

Seeing the sunglasses sell so quickly at the RMIT Campus Store was a rewarding moment, as it confirmed that there was real demand for my design. This experience set the foundation for my career in product design, reinforcing my passion for creating products that are both innovative and user-friendly. It remains a milestone in my journey, reminding me of why I ventured into this industry in the first place—to bring creative ideas to life and make a meaningful impact through design. I think good design elevates us a little. and i hope this product achieved just that.

I will be forever grateful to RMIT for supporting their students as much as they did.

Available at RMIT website -https://store.rmit.edu.au/products/pixel-sunglasses?srsltid=AfmBOooUwZbx56KRfKPIr71l7lN0ZfmSgQ9VO1dTvTGhDKdF8T-eHtSI

Culture & Influence

Where does inspiration come from? Is it truly possible to conceive a completely original idea? I believe the answer lies in standing on the shoulders of giants—building upon existing ideas and refining them as far as our human capabilities allow. Innovation is rarely about creating from scratch; it’s about reimagining and improving what’s already there.

Consider the 1960s in the United States, when some of the brightest minds in science and physics, backed by billions of dollars, successfully sent humans to the Moon. Yet during the same era, people were still lugging around heavy suitcases, simply because nobody had thought to add wheels. It’s a humbling reminder that even the most brilliant advancements can overlook the simplest solutions. As a product designer, I see it as my duty to closely observe our home and lifestyle environments, identifying overlooked elements that could make life easier, especially in today’s digital era where we’ve uploaded much of our consciousness online.

Author Chuck Palahniuk once said, 'I am the combined effort of everyone I’ve ever known.' This quote resonates with me deeply. I believe that to create meaningful design, I must absorb as much as I can from the world around me, then distil what’s relevant to the present moment. It’s this constant process of learning, refining, and building upon foundational ideas that drives innovation. In a world where we are increasingly connected and influenced by each other, I see my role as a designer not just to invent, but to curate, refine, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of ideas that make a tangible difference in our daily lives.

Bioplastics

With increasing pressure on creatives across all fields to address environmental challenges, I’ve chosen to listen and take action through my work. As designers, we have a responsibility not only to innovate but also to ensure that our creations contribute positively to the world around us.

The fossil fuel industry is the largest in the world, driven by powerful stakeholders invested in the continued use of petroleum-based plastics. While these plastics excel in their functionality—enabling us to produce high-turnover products efficiently—their long-term impact is devastating, as they persist in the environment long after we’re done with them. The shift towards sustainable alternatives will likely gain momentum once the cost of bio-plastics becomes comparable to traditional plastics.

Bio-plastics offer a crucial solution, as they are designed to degrade safely after use without releasing harmful chemicals into the earth. They hold the potential to revolutionise how we design, produce, and consume everyday products. As a product designer, I am committed to integrating sustainable materials and practices into my work. It’s not just about creating functional or aesthetically pleasing products; it’s about ensuring that my designs contribute to a healthier planet and a viable future for humankind.

This journey is a challenging one, but it’s also an opportunity to rethink design and manufacturing in ways that are aligned with the needs of our environment. True innovation is not only about solving problems in the present—it’s about anticipating the needs of the future and acting responsibly to meet them.

Haptic

Integrating haptic design technology marked a pivotal shift in my approach to design thinking. As a product designer, I’ve come to understand that haptic feedback is crucial to how we interact with the world around us. When developing new and innovative products, it’s essential to break down traditional perceptions and challenge the notion that ‘this is how it’s always been done.’

I’ve often viewed phone notifications as intrusive—blinking lights that demand attention, designed to benefit corporations rather than users. So when I discovered that technology could deliver a more tactile, meaningful form of feedback with users’ best interests in mind, I was immediately drawn in. Imagine a sensory feedback system that doesn’t rely on screens or flashing lights, but instead communicates through touch, reminding users to stay calm or even offering a gentle nudge of reassurance. This was one of many concepts I explored, embracing haptics as a tool for fostering more mindful interactions.

The possibilities for haptics are truly boundless. Consider innovations like the Levi’s x Google denim jacket, where users can adjust volume or navigate through Google Maps simply by touching the fabric. This is just one example of how haptics can redefine everyday interactions and bring technology closer to our natural senses.

It’s advancements like these that fuel my optimism about the future of design. As we continue to innovate, we have the opportunity to create products that not only improve functionality but also enhance the quality of life in more intuitive and human-centered ways. Haptic technology, when used thoughtfully, is more than just a technical feature—it’s a step toward designing a more connected and considerate world.