illfound

functional, homemade, concrete decor

Tools

Shapr3D

Context

Industrial Product Design - Jan. 2024- Present

GOAL

create something brutalist-inspired

Create a piece of home decor that aligns with iLLFOUND’s brand identity:

  • Brutalist, functional

  • Minimalist, simple

  • Sleek, elegant

PRODUCTS

the pool tray

A burning tray/ catch-all crossover. Pool-inspired. Modern and minimalist with an elegant yet masculine personality.

the HYPERION

Charging stand. Beautifully brutalist with a refined design. Effortlessly functional.

THE PROCESS

research

Understanding iLLFOUND

  • iLLFOUND hand-crafts beautiful, functional pieces that echo the “sturdy elegance and the unyielding aesthetics” of brutalism.

  • Their existing products take inspiration from Brutalist architecture, focusing on clean lines, simple designs, and an elegant feel.

Understanding Brutalism

  • Butalism is an architectural movement characterized by the extensive use of raw concrete, exposed structural elements, and a minimalist, functional design.

  • Comprised of bold geometric patterns and a utilitarian lack of frill.

Because Brutalism is at the root of the Illfound company, we decided to start with structures and shapes, and then discuss function.

Our iterative process for both focused on improving:

  • Personality— minimalist, sleek, and clean

  • Aesthetics— brutalist and undeniably “Illfound”

  • Improving functionality

  • Manufacturing logic

collaborating

The Illfound team consists of brothers Oliver and Brandon Gorrie. We sat down to discuss their goals for new products. Their priority was to create sleek products that offer functionality.

Logical constraints:

  • Size. Illfound’s manufacturing process limits the size of products to 10x10x10 inches.

  • Shape. Because designs are made from molds, certain shapes, like hidden crevices, are off-limits.

pool tray iterations

roadblocks

  • Balancing brutalist aesthetics (sharp edges) with functionality (practical and inviting)

  • Edge geometry and considerations for material chipping

  • Crafting a floating effect without mitigating stability

hyperion iterations

roadblocks

  • Designing a functional divot with enough surface area to secure a MagSafe charger

  • Creating a thought-provoking, dynamic shape that provides enough stability and structure to hold a phone

  • Achieving a thick piece that alludes to the rawness of Brutalism while maintaining elegance

FINAL products & Features

An ashtray/ catch-all inspired by an empty pool.

  • Raised indentations give the tray personality

  • Lighter-sized compartment for functionality

  • Hidden base that creates a “floating” effect

  • Multiple color options

Charging Stand - “Architecture for your Phone”

  • Recessed slot for MagSafe charger

  • Abstract structure that embodies the essence of Brutalism

  • The perfect accent to elevate your bedside table

future steps

  • I would love to push past the size limit and create designs that require assembly.

    • Threading in projects to fit pieces together.

  • Next steps for Illfound are likely to be lamp-related— currently brainstorming the dynamics of the collaboration between light and concrete… stay tuned to see more on this.