Furniture Design
SMART LOCKERS
Designed in collaboration with Thingery to create flexible, community-focused modular storage.
Year :
2025
Industry :
Industrial
Project Duration :
6 weeks
PROJECT CONTEXT :
Thingery is a modular storage system designed to support community gear libraries by making storage more flexible, organized, and repairable. Many existing solutions rely on mismatched boxes or bulky fixed cabinets that waste space and are difficult to adapt as needs change. My goal was to create a system that could be easily scaled, rearranged, and maintained, while also feeling approachable for everyday use.
Through iterative exploration, I developed a series of modular crates that can be stacked and mounted onto a shared frame, connected with simple joinery and custom 3D-printed parts. The project concluded with a scaled working model that demonstrates how the system could function in real community spaces. Thingery shows how small design interventions can bring order and accessibility to shared environments.
DESIGN PROBLEM :
Thingery is a community gear library where people borrow and return outdoor equipment As the collection grew the company struggled with storage Members returned items to mismatched boxes or shelves making spaces cluttered and hard to manage Traditional storage like lockers or cabinets didn’t solve the problem because they were rigid costly and not designed for repair
The challenge was to create a modular system that could adapt to different locations scale up as the community expanded and allow for easy repair or replacement of parts The design had to feel approachable for everyday users but also efficient and durable enough for the company to rely on over time
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS:
Since this project was done with the real company Thingery the first step was to study how their community gear libraries currently operated I observed how members borrowed and returned items and how equipment was stored in mismatched containers and ad-hoc shelving The issues were clear space was wasted organization was poor and the systems were not scalable as the community grew
I also looked at traditional storage solutions like lockers and cabinets but they felt too rigid too expensive and not designed for repairability Conversations with the client highlighted that any system we created had to be modular expandable and easy to repair while still approachable for everyday users
These insights became the foundation of the design direction A system that could adapt evolve and be fixed locally was more valuable than something static The research confirmed that flexibility and simplicity were not just design choices they were essential for the client’s mission
Ergonomic & Dimensional Research
To ground the project in real use conditions, I studied the dimensions and ergonomics of existing locker systems. This analysis provided a baseline for understanding reachability, capacity, and the balance between volume and accessibility. By mapping out how standard lockers are proportioned, I was able to define crate sizes that maximize storage while remaining comfortable to handle.
This dimensional research became a critical reference point, ensuring that Thingery’s modular units were not only flexible in arrangement but also ergonomically intuitive for diverse users. The result is a system that feels approachable in scale, while still delivering the efficiency expected of structured storage.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT:
Working with a real client meant that my sketches and ideas had to respond to actual needs not just abstract concepts Thingery operates community gear libraries where people borrow and return outdoor equipment so the storage system had to be clear durable and easy to scale I started by exploring forms that could stack efficiently while still feeling approachable for everyday users
The challenge was to design crates and connectors that could be repeated across different locations without requiring complex tools or expensive materials My sketches focused on creating a simple modular language that anyone could understand and maintain I explored joinery methods that would allow the crates to be removed or replaced easily while keeping the frame stable and safe for repeated use
Through this process I realized that the design wasn’t only about making boxes It was about building trust for the client by showing that the system could be flexible enough for their spaces but also reliable enough for the community members who would interact with it daily
FINAL OUTCOME:
The final outcome of Thingery was a scaled working model that demonstrated how modular crates, a shared frame, and custom connectors could form a flexible storage system. Even at a smaller scale, the prototypes showed how crates could be stacked, removed, and rearranged, making the system adaptable to different needs.
The 3D-printed connectors played a key role in holding the frame and crates together while still allowing for easy disassembly and repair. The wooden crates added weight and realism, helping me test proportions and joinery more effectively than cardboard alone.
Although this project concluded with a scaled model rather than a full-size installation, it clearly communicated the system’s potential: a storage solution that is organized, repairable, and scalable, designed to grow with community use.
REFLECTION:
Thingery was the first time I worked with a real client and that shifted how I approached design It wasn’t just about building something for myself but about imagining how it could work in an actual community gear library The project taught me that designing for systems is different from designing for single products Every decision about crate size connector detail or frame construction had to make sense in a larger context
Working through cardboard models wooden prototypes and 3D printed connectors gave me a real sense of how iteration changes a project Each stage came with its own failures but those challenges taught me about scale precision and durability More than anything I realized that when you design for shared community spaces the values of flexibility repairability and approachability are not optional they are essential
NEXT STEPS:
Since this project was done for the real company Thingery the next step would be to test the system directly in one of their community spaces Building a full scale prototype and observing how people use it would validate whether the modular approach really works in practice Based on that feedback I could refine the connectors improve durability and explore materials that make the system easier to replicate across different sites
Another important step would be to design clear labeling and wayfinding features so members of the community can find and return items quickly and confidently Long term the outcome could evolve into a tested system that Thingery could scale and adapt across all of their gear libraries
More Projects
Furniture Design
SMART LOCKERS
Designed in collaboration with Thingery to create flexible, community-focused modular storage.
Year :
2025
Industry :
Industrial
Project Duration :
6 weeks
PROJECT CONTEXT :
Thingery is a modular storage system designed to support community gear libraries by making storage more flexible, organized, and repairable. Many existing solutions rely on mismatched boxes or bulky fixed cabinets that waste space and are difficult to adapt as needs change. My goal was to create a system that could be easily scaled, rearranged, and maintained, while also feeling approachable for everyday use.
Through iterative exploration, I developed a series of modular crates that can be stacked and mounted onto a shared frame, connected with simple joinery and custom 3D-printed parts. The project concluded with a scaled working model that demonstrates how the system could function in real community spaces. Thingery shows how small design interventions can bring order and accessibility to shared environments.
DESIGN PROBLEM :
Thingery is a community gear library where people borrow and return outdoor equipment As the collection grew the company struggled with storage Members returned items to mismatched boxes or shelves making spaces cluttered and hard to manage Traditional storage like lockers or cabinets didn’t solve the problem because they were rigid costly and not designed for repair
The challenge was to create a modular system that could adapt to different locations scale up as the community expanded and allow for easy repair or replacement of parts The design had to feel approachable for everyday users but also efficient and durable enough for the company to rely on over time
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS:
Since this project was done with the real company Thingery the first step was to study how their community gear libraries currently operated I observed how members borrowed and returned items and how equipment was stored in mismatched containers and ad-hoc shelving The issues were clear space was wasted organization was poor and the systems were not scalable as the community grew
I also looked at traditional storage solutions like lockers and cabinets but they felt too rigid too expensive and not designed for repairability Conversations with the client highlighted that any system we created had to be modular expandable and easy to repair while still approachable for everyday users
These insights became the foundation of the design direction A system that could adapt evolve and be fixed locally was more valuable than something static The research confirmed that flexibility and simplicity were not just design choices they were essential for the client’s mission
Ergonomic & Dimensional Research
To ground the project in real use conditions, I studied the dimensions and ergonomics of existing locker systems. This analysis provided a baseline for understanding reachability, capacity, and the balance between volume and accessibility. By mapping out how standard lockers are proportioned, I was able to define crate sizes that maximize storage while remaining comfortable to handle.
This dimensional research became a critical reference point, ensuring that Thingery’s modular units were not only flexible in arrangement but also ergonomically intuitive for diverse users. The result is a system that feels approachable in scale, while still delivering the efficiency expected of structured storage.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT:
Working with a real client meant that my sketches and ideas had to respond to actual needs not just abstract concepts Thingery operates community gear libraries where people borrow and return outdoor equipment so the storage system had to be clear durable and easy to scale I started by exploring forms that could stack efficiently while still feeling approachable for everyday users
The challenge was to design crates and connectors that could be repeated across different locations without requiring complex tools or expensive materials My sketches focused on creating a simple modular language that anyone could understand and maintain I explored joinery methods that would allow the crates to be removed or replaced easily while keeping the frame stable and safe for repeated use
Through this process I realized that the design wasn’t only about making boxes It was about building trust for the client by showing that the system could be flexible enough for their spaces but also reliable enough for the community members who would interact with it daily
FINAL OUTCOME:
The final outcome of Thingery was a scaled working model that demonstrated how modular crates, a shared frame, and custom connectors could form a flexible storage system. Even at a smaller scale, the prototypes showed how crates could be stacked, removed, and rearranged, making the system adaptable to different needs.
The 3D-printed connectors played a key role in holding the frame and crates together while still allowing for easy disassembly and repair. The wooden crates added weight and realism, helping me test proportions and joinery more effectively than cardboard alone.
Although this project concluded with a scaled model rather than a full-size installation, it clearly communicated the system’s potential: a storage solution that is organized, repairable, and scalable, designed to grow with community use.
REFLECTION:
Thingery was the first time I worked with a real client and that shifted how I approached design It wasn’t just about building something for myself but about imagining how it could work in an actual community gear library The project taught me that designing for systems is different from designing for single products Every decision about crate size connector detail or frame construction had to make sense in a larger context
Working through cardboard models wooden prototypes and 3D printed connectors gave me a real sense of how iteration changes a project Each stage came with its own failures but those challenges taught me about scale precision and durability More than anything I realized that when you design for shared community spaces the values of flexibility repairability and approachability are not optional they are essential
NEXT STEPS:
Since this project was done for the real company Thingery the next step would be to test the system directly in one of their community spaces Building a full scale prototype and observing how people use it would validate whether the modular approach really works in practice Based on that feedback I could refine the connectors improve durability and explore materials that make the system easier to replicate across different sites
Another important step would be to design clear labeling and wayfinding features so members of the community can find and return items quickly and confidently Long term the outcome could evolve into a tested system that Thingery could scale and adapt across all of their gear libraries
More Projects
Furniture Design
SMART LOCKERS
Designed in collaboration with Thingery to create flexible, community-focused modular storage.
Year :
2025
Industry :
Industrial
Project Duration :
6 weeks
PROJECT CONTEXT :
Thingery is a modular storage system designed to support community gear libraries by making storage more flexible, organized, and repairable. Many existing solutions rely on mismatched boxes or bulky fixed cabinets that waste space and are difficult to adapt as needs change. My goal was to create a system that could be easily scaled, rearranged, and maintained, while also feeling approachable for everyday use.
Through iterative exploration, I developed a series of modular crates that can be stacked and mounted onto a shared frame, connected with simple joinery and custom 3D-printed parts. The project concluded with a scaled working model that demonstrates how the system could function in real community spaces. Thingery shows how small design interventions can bring order and accessibility to shared environments.
DESIGN PROBLEM :
Thingery is a community gear library where people borrow and return outdoor equipment As the collection grew the company struggled with storage Members returned items to mismatched boxes or shelves making spaces cluttered and hard to manage Traditional storage like lockers or cabinets didn’t solve the problem because they were rigid costly and not designed for repair
The challenge was to create a modular system that could adapt to different locations scale up as the community expanded and allow for easy repair or replacement of parts The design had to feel approachable for everyday users but also efficient and durable enough for the company to rely on over time
RESEARCH & INSIGHTS:
Since this project was done with the real company Thingery the first step was to study how their community gear libraries currently operated I observed how members borrowed and returned items and how equipment was stored in mismatched containers and ad-hoc shelving The issues were clear space was wasted organization was poor and the systems were not scalable as the community grew
I also looked at traditional storage solutions like lockers and cabinets but they felt too rigid too expensive and not designed for repairability Conversations with the client highlighted that any system we created had to be modular expandable and easy to repair while still approachable for everyday users
These insights became the foundation of the design direction A system that could adapt evolve and be fixed locally was more valuable than something static The research confirmed that flexibility and simplicity were not just design choices they were essential for the client’s mission
Ergonomic & Dimensional Research
To ground the project in real use conditions, I studied the dimensions and ergonomics of existing locker systems. This analysis provided a baseline for understanding reachability, capacity, and the balance between volume and accessibility. By mapping out how standard lockers are proportioned, I was able to define crate sizes that maximize storage while remaining comfortable to handle.
This dimensional research became a critical reference point, ensuring that Thingery’s modular units were not only flexible in arrangement but also ergonomically intuitive for diverse users. The result is a system that feels approachable in scale, while still delivering the efficiency expected of structured storage.
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT:
Working with a real client meant that my sketches and ideas had to respond to actual needs not just abstract concepts Thingery operates community gear libraries where people borrow and return outdoor equipment so the storage system had to be clear durable and easy to scale I started by exploring forms that could stack efficiently while still feeling approachable for everyday users
The challenge was to design crates and connectors that could be repeated across different locations without requiring complex tools or expensive materials My sketches focused on creating a simple modular language that anyone could understand and maintain I explored joinery methods that would allow the crates to be removed or replaced easily while keeping the frame stable and safe for repeated use
Through this process I realized that the design wasn’t only about making boxes It was about building trust for the client by showing that the system could be flexible enough for their spaces but also reliable enough for the community members who would interact with it daily
FINAL OUTCOME:
The final outcome of Thingery was a scaled working model that demonstrated how modular crates, a shared frame, and custom connectors could form a flexible storage system. Even at a smaller scale, the prototypes showed how crates could be stacked, removed, and rearranged, making the system adaptable to different needs.
The 3D-printed connectors played a key role in holding the frame and crates together while still allowing for easy disassembly and repair. The wooden crates added weight and realism, helping me test proportions and joinery more effectively than cardboard alone.
Although this project concluded with a scaled model rather than a full-size installation, it clearly communicated the system’s potential: a storage solution that is organized, repairable, and scalable, designed to grow with community use.
REFLECTION:
Thingery was the first time I worked with a real client and that shifted how I approached design It wasn’t just about building something for myself but about imagining how it could work in an actual community gear library The project taught me that designing for systems is different from designing for single products Every decision about crate size connector detail or frame construction had to make sense in a larger context
Working through cardboard models wooden prototypes and 3D printed connectors gave me a real sense of how iteration changes a project Each stage came with its own failures but those challenges taught me about scale precision and durability More than anything I realized that when you design for shared community spaces the values of flexibility repairability and approachability are not optional they are essential
NEXT STEPS:
Since this project was done for the real company Thingery the next step would be to test the system directly in one of their community spaces Building a full scale prototype and observing how people use it would validate whether the modular approach really works in practice Based on that feedback I could refine the connectors improve durability and explore materials that make the system easier to replicate across different sites
Another important step would be to design clear labeling and wayfinding features so members of the community can find and return items quickly and confidently Long term the outcome could evolve into a tested system that Thingery could scale and adapt across all of their gear libraries