Google Home Device Exploration
Home Device Prototyping Using Digital Tools
When a team of engineers and designers at an internal Google think tank set out to develop a home device that would captivate and engage children, they faced a key challenge: how to prototype and refine their ideas without the prohibitive costs of physical production. That’s where I came in.
Designing for Innovation and Imagination
As a motion designer with a background in 3D visualization, I was brought on to bridge the gap between conceptual ideas and tangible designs. The process began with collaborative conversations with engineers about the device’s intended personality, usability, and aesthetic appeal. Together, we explored how shape language, inspired by references from character design and product design, could evoke the desired emotions in children.
I was brought on to visualize the device and bring life to it. At first, I sketched out ideas from conversations with the engineers about how the device should feel (taking the shape language from reference).
Bringing Ideas to Life in 3D
Using 3D modeling and animation, I created digital prototypes that allowed us to:
- Mimic Real-World Materials: From glossy plastics to soft textiles, I simulated materials to help the team envision the device’s tactile qualities and visual appeal.
- Explore Form and Silhouette: Iterating quickly, I developed forms that balanced functionality with the playful and approachable character required for a child-friendly device.
- Simulate Motion and Emotion: By rigging the prototypes with bones, I was able to animate movement, demonstrating how the device could express emotion and interact with users.
And then we worked with an industrial designer to define how the device could move, prototyping and rendering as 3D objects which keeping real-world limitations and materials in mind.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
This project was a true collaboration, working alongside engineers, product designers, and industrial designers. Each iteration involved feedback loops, integrating insights from different disciplines to refine the design. My role was not just to execute but to act as a bridge—translating technical requirements into visual possibilities and leveraging motion design in ways that pushed the boundaries of traditional prototyping.
Why Motion Design Was Key
Motion design wasn’t just a tool for visualization; it was a means of storytelling. By animating the device’s movements and interactions, I helped the team explore how it might come to life in a child’s world—how it might wave hello, express surprise, or nod in understanding. This dynamic approach allowed the team to evaluate and refine both form and function before committing to physical prototypes.
Outcome
The digital prototypes played a pivotal role in the early stages of the project, enabling quick iteration and fostering creative alignment across disciplines. The result was a more focused and informed path toward developing a product that could truly connect with its intended audience.
For a more comprehensive dive into this project (and many more), please reach out!