Project Type: Vehicle Design for Sci-fi Live Action Film Project.
Target Market: Global Sci-fi Action Film Audience
3 Week Design Process: For the design challenge of a vehicle for a sci-fi live-action film under a short time frame, we utilized a multifaceted and intricate process that involved a harmonious blend of creativity, storytelling and technology in the form of rapid 3D ideation and visualization techniques.
Discovery Phase - We collaborated with clients to understand their project vision in the initial concept phase, then we embarked on a collaborative exploration of ideas, drawing inspiration from a wide array of sources - including current automotive technology, next-gen computing hardware design, and the rich visual lexicon of science fiction. The goal was to create a race car that feels both believable and extraordinary, seamlessly integrating advanced AI capabilities with sleek, aerodynamic aesthetics. This research was then used to inform our creative direction.
Concept Development - As sketches and digital models began to take shape, the design team focused on the car's unique features that will set it apart in the film's universe. This included the theme metaphor of “Explosive Aero” conveying speed and excitement as aerodynamically sculpted central cockpit seems to burst though its mechanical detailed surrounding components. We also included innovative materials that enhance performance and imaginative realism, as well as a striking visual identity that resonates with the film's overall aesthetic. The car's exterior is meticulously crafted to convey speed and agility. To meet the client’s tight deadline we used a rapid exploration and iteration process with daily revisions to the working 3D model.
3D Prototyping and Evaluation - Developed a 3D Model prototype of the NANOMION N-1, incorporating mechanical details crucial to the film’s story elements - then gathered feedback from clients. Iterated on the design, addressing feedback and ensuring a polished, iconic, and visually exciting design for the audience.
Finalization and Delivery - Completed the final design CG rendering images to be presented to investors during pitch meetings and assets for the feature vehicle - Delivered the design package, including design sketches, 3D models, CG images and created a virtual marketing campaign as well as final keyframe illustrations used as promotional material.
Throughout the design process, our team maintained open communication with the client, ensuring their vision and goals were met. The result is a stunning, futuristic design that redefines autonomous racing in a future sci-fi world.
Project Type: Vehicle Design for Sci-Fi MMORPG Video Game. Target Market: Asia-Pacific Region
Design Process: Bringing the ARX-01 Hoverbike to life in the world of next gen VR.
We're passionate about designing vehicles working with video game developers to help craft immersive gaming experiences that transport players to new worlds. For the ARX-01 Hoverbike project, our team employed a rigorous design process to ensure this unique hero vehicle met the highest standards of future technology integration, functionality, and visual appeal.
Discovery Phase - Collaborated with clients to understand their vision for the ARX-01 Hoverbike and the Quantum Glitch universe - Researched futuristic design trends, quantum technology, and Asian sci-fi aesthetics targeted to their to their game’s playerbase. This research was then used to inform our creative direction.
Concept Development - Developed initial concept sketches, exploring various forms, shapes, and functionalities - Created 3D models and animations to visualize the hoverbike's design, movement, and quantum effects - Refined the design based on client feedback, ensuring alignment with their creative vision. Design Refinement - Conducted iterative design refinement, focusing on: Aerodynamics and flight dynamics - Quantum Core Engine design and visual effects - Materials, textures, and color schemes - User interface and experience (UI/UX) considerations - Created detailed design specifications, including technical drawings and asset lists.
3D Prototyping and Testing - Developed a 3D Model prototype of the ARX-01 Hoverbike, incorporating gameplay mechanics and quantum effects - and gathered feedback from clients. Iterated on the design, addressing feedback and ensuring a polished, iconic, and visually exciting design for the players.
Finalization and Delivery - Completed the final design and assets for the ARX-01 Hoverbike - Delivered the design package, including design sketches, 3D models, CG images and created a virtual marketing campaign in game as well as final keyframe illustrations used as promotional material. - Collaborated with the client's development team to ensure seamless integration into the VR gaming world.
Throughout the design process, our team maintained open communication with the client, ensuring their vision and goals were met. The result is a stunning, futuristic hoverbike that redefines transportation in the VR gaming world.
ARX-01 Overview: In a futuristic world of multi-dimensional adventure players embark on an epic journey through a realm where quantum energy has shattered the fabric of reality. As a key component of this immersive experience, the ARX-01 Hoverbike is designed as a cutting-edge, high-performance vehicle powered by a revolutionary Quantum Core Engine (QCE). This proprietary technology harnesses the energy of quantum fluctuations to generate immense power and propulsion.
Key Features: 1. Quantum Core Engine (QCE): A compact, high-energy power source that utilizes quantum fluctuations to generate thrust. 2. Advanced Aerodynamics: Sleek, angular design optimized for speed, agility, and maneuverability. 3. Energy Shielding: Integrated shielding technology protects the rider from harm, while also amplifying the QCE's energy output. 4. Modular Design: Interchangeable components enable players to customize and upgrade their ARX-01 Hoverbike to suit their playstyle.
YAMAHA MotoREV - 2040 VR Racing Electric Sportbike. This concept bike’s goal is to answer the question, “How to promote motorsports to Generation Alpha youth?” The current digital native, screen addicted youth of Generation Alpha will become future consumers once they reach young adulthood, but their interest in seeking real world experiences is declined compared to generations past. YAMAHA MotoREV is a near future Halo Concept Bike for a VR racing series that engages Generation Alpha in their digital connected world.
Concept design for a live action film pitch of a modernized version of the iconic Vic Viper space fighter jet from KONAMI’s, “GRADIUS” video game series. The early Viper prototype is based on existing military technology, and gradually evolves into a multi role fighter capable of gravity based flight, atmospheric exit, and then orbital dynamics of space travel. Hence it’s the later advanced version that is given the V.I.C. designation for Variable Interstellar Configuration Viper.
What if Apple designed electric motorbikes for PIXAR style 3D animations? Targeted to the STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics] enthused youth market and their respective parents, the project’s goals were to design a bike that was futuristic, kid friendly, hi-tech, and just plain cool. The design process started with deep research into the lifestyle and tastes of STEM youth. From this research we came up with the idea of the “KIDGINEER” target audience profile. Visual inspiration was found in the unique objects these kids interact with as they are engaging in STEM activities, learning and teaching themselves about technology in very practical ways. The RADIUS CUBE design theme was selected as the final direction for development. This theme, conveys a sense of safe approachability and structural solidarity. The overall design ensures kids feel safe while interacting and exploring new technology. The project is currently in the process of being pitched to major animation studios internationally.
A project exploring Renault’s re-entry to the American market. Inspired by life along the historic 101 coastal highway. Full design process covering brand strategy, market research, user scenario, 2D development sketches, and 3D development in 1/5 scale clay model.
Design study applying Polestar design language to an aero time trial bicycle. To be used as part of the subscription service of Polestar customers. Subscribers would be able to pick up a bike at any Polestar dealer anywhere in the world. This enables users to train year round no matter their location, without having to ship their bike with them.
The market for plastic scale models was one of the few industries that flourished during the global pandemic as consumers looked for engaging hobbies they could experience from home. The SA-1X is a fictional automated artificial intelligence equipped mech that serves as a patrol unit, providing zone control with various sensors. Modeled in Blender as a virtual representation of a premium 1/72 scale model kit, including packaging and decal sheet, the design language is based on industrial machines applied to a sci-fi world with autonomous walking drone robots. Inspired by my own passion for plastic scale modeling, the project’s goal was to create a full pitch deck to assist sales reps in pitching to retailer’s before manufacturing.
FUSE - A technology enhanced smart premium chess set for the new age. It bridges the gap between classic over the board tournament chess and the massive popularity of the current generation digital chess phenomena. Targeted to the premium market, the forms are designed to convey elegance and sophistication. When not in use it lives as a sculptural artwork in a modern home.
Great grilling is a form of art. Designed for the nomadic adventurer, the Weber Blazer Concept Grill is a modern interpretation of a compact portable camping grill, for the high-end barbecue enthusiast. The project takes advantage of materials from the motorsports industry to deliver a lightweight, durable, minimalist design for the experienced grill master who takes his grilling seriously.
Magentically detachable, portable smart stereo speakers designed for PRED Technologies under their TOKK line of premium smart speakers. I served as lead Industrial Designer collaborating with the sound engineers to create a unique form while maximizing function, specifically audio quality based on air volume within the main housing. Additionally, refined the design working with the factory for manufacturability and quality testing to bring the product to the global retail market. More info here: TOKK Reactor
Autonomous delivery droids have been developed from the advances in technology in fields such as, sensory robotics, GPS tracking, navigation, electric motors, batteries, and AI to solve the “Last Mile” service delivery problem. For the MOONCHASERZ animated series this droid serves as a mascot and sidekick to the main protagonist. Targeted to the STEM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics] enthused youth market and their respective parents, the project’s goals were to design droid that was futuristic, kid friendly, hi-tech, and just plain cool. The design process started with deep research into the lifestyle and tastes of STEM youth. From this research we came up with the idea of the “KIDGINEER” target audience profile. Visual inspiration was found in the unique objects these kids interact with as they are engaging in STEM activities, learning and teaching themselves about technology in very practical ways.
Built from WowWee’s MiP balancing robot platform, MINION’s Turbo Dave was my first foray into the toy licensing world. The team worked with Universal and Illumination Entertainment to create this interactive personal robot based on the hit “MINIONS” franchise. The final toy went on to win Universal’s “Technology Innovation” award for licensed products.
Design Director: Adam Fairless
Industrial Designer: Stephen Chu
A PORSCHE concept to return PORSCHE’s brand image in China back to racing heritage. The best sellers of the PORSCHE product line up in China are the Cayenne SUV and Panamera F-segment luxury sedan, driven by chaufers and not individuals. This vehicle is for the young entrepreneurs, the risk takers, and visionaries of China’s now established connected technology society. The concept research and idea were done while I was working as a designer in Shanghai and observed first hand the fast paced design trends and culture of the city.
A collection of Entertainment Design oriented vehicle concepts.
WowWee Untamed: As part of my time with WowWee I worked with the team on creation of a successful IP brand line from the ground up. Using numerous sensors, motors, sounds and lights, this line of affordable, robotic figures sparked the trend for interactive smart figures in the toy industry. My contributions included: overall brand strategy and development, creature design, physical prototyping, play pattern development, deco design & costing, packaging support, and supporting the sales & marketing team with visual assets during launch.
Design Director: Adam Fairless
Senior 3D Modeler/ Digital Sculptor: Jason Webb
Industrial Designer: Stephen Chu
Senior Packaging Designer: Justin Chan
A very enjoyable concept design project designing the motor bikes for the reboot of “STREETHAWK,” the 1980’s television series. I was contacted by one of the show’s original creators Robert “Bob” Wolterstorff, and his son Ian Wolterstorff who was writing the new reboot, to visualize a modern, edgy, advanced technology infused concept bike based on the 1980’s series bike. The reboot was to feature dirt bikes as a change to the original show’s sport bikes. The story also features a futuristic “prototype bike” that the characters would build in their underground garage before it evolves into the final advanced technology hero bike. My work included detailed call outs of the bike’s technology and armaments to be featured in the show.
For more info on the rebooted “STREETHAWKS” please contact: ianwolterstorff@gmail.com
A selection of digital automotive illustrations from 2005 - 2010 of a few favorite designs from automotive history.
WowWee Untamed Madlab MINIS: A miniature mystery collectible line based on the successful Untamed line from WowWee. Designed for the youth market the line delivered a unique unboxing experience with 3 levels of surprise. My primary role was as a character designer for 36 creatures with swappable heads and bodies found within 3 kid friendly compounds, slime, sand, and fizz. My secondary responsiblity was in designing the vial container as well as the play experience of unveiling. Additional contributions included: overall brand strategy and development, creature design, physical prototyping, play pattern development, deco design & costing, packaging support, and supporting the sales & marketing team with visual assets during launch.
Design Director: Adam Fairless
Senior 3D Modeler/ Digital Sculptor: Jason Webb
Industrial Designer: Stephen Chu
Senior Packaging Designer: Justin Chan
