Edité - Satirical Product Design
Product Design - Satirical Design - UI/UX Design - 2024
Through this project, I explored the intersection of product design and satire, creating Edité, a pair of reality-altering glasses.
My primary focus was to learn essential product design and concept development skills while using design as a medium for critical social commentary.
The project encompassed several key stages:
- concept development
- iterative user testing
- wireframing
- visual identity creation
- 3D product mockups
- high-fidelity app and website design
- the creation of a pitch deck for potential “investors,” which was later presented as part of a live performance
Edité - Concept Development:
Before finalizing the concept, I brainstormed a range of satirical product ideas aimed at making social commentary on class, gender, and society’s fixation with improving—or neglecting—the world.
I sought feedback from a diverse group of individuals to gauge the impact and relevance of each concept. Among the ideas, the Rose Tint Your World glasses emerged as the most popular.
Building on this initial concept, I refined it with a more nuanced approach, focusing on balancing recognizable satire with subtle, unsettling elements.
My goal was to create a product that felt both thought-provoking and slightly disconcerting, ensuring the satire was clear but layered enough to evoke deeper reflection.
I presented the updated sketches to 15 users and gathered valuable feedback. Overall, they appreciated the concept and satire but suggested making the satire more subtle through high-fidelity design choices.
The additional features—such as the ear and scent elements—were particularly well received.
Next, I considered the target theoretical user: a wealthy, white, cisgender, heterosexual individual—someone with financial power who might use it to worsen societal conditions.
This insight informed the visual direction, as I aimed to emulate the aesthetics of high-end, luxurious products that project exclusivity and superiority.
I conducted research on luxury branding and products within this space, which guided the development of the project’s visual identity and branding.
Based on this direction, I created wireframes for the companion app that would control the product. To capture the desired aesthetic, I researched luxury apps from brands such as Tesla, Aston Martin, Porsche, and Louis Vuitton, drawing inspiration from their sleek, high-end designs.
I then developed the 3D elements using a combination of Adobe Dimension and Blender, ensuring the visuals aligned with the luxurious feel of the concept.
With the foundational elements in place, I transitioned the app to its high-fidelity form, refining the interface to reflect the polished, exclusive experience I envisioned.
With the foundational elements in place, I transitioned the app to its high-fidelity form, refining the interface to reflect the polished, exclusive experience I envisioned.
I applied the same process to the web design, conducting additional research into luxury web experiences to ensure consistency with the app’s aesthetic.
After creating detailed wireframes, I developed a high-fidelity web shop model, integrating the digital assets and design elements from the app.
This approach maintained a cohesive visual identity across both platforms, emphasizing a seamless, high-end user experience.
Finally, I developed a pitch deck to present the project, aiming to elevate the satire by incorporating a live performance element.
This added a performative dimension to the concept while honing my presentation skills. After researching startup investor pitch decks, I crafted a final version that showcased the project’s development, concept, and design strategy.
The deck synthesized all aspects of the work, from initial ideas to high-fidelity prototypes.
You can experience the entire project here: Edité - Investor Pitch Deck.