a balancing act
Balance is finding an optimal solution based on variables of varying importance. How might your idea be implemented with the technology you choose? How does the implementation method affect the design? How might form inform the formless?
My approach to design is to understand something from several different angles. This has led me on a journey of continuous learning across different topics ranging from design, computing science, psychology, philosophy, and embodied communication.
projectwhat is itThe client was looking for a website redesign as well as business process improvements such as the ability for customers to book service requests through their website. I suggested a rebrand as well to stand out in the market of HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) providers.
My roles: UX/UI, brand, illustration, web design + development, web service integration + customization, web hooks, service design
design challengesWhere to find inspiration when typical HVAC websites are templates plastered with manufacturer logos? The client wasn’t sure either.. which meant I had a somewhat open canvas. (The frightening potential!)
incidentally, when working on this project, I was staying in an old apartment in Toronto with no AC when a 3 week long heatwave hit the city 🥵
design processSychem had an existing logo from which I derived colours and matching typography.
HVAC systems are structurally embedded in multi-story buildings and comprise many standards and protocols. This led me to start drawing buildings on an isometric grid. These illustrations provided foundation for look and feel, later breaking them down for banners and icons.
aside: my pandemic side hobby when going for walks is to look for construction sites and observe how buildings are designed and constructed 🏗
When drawing iconography for products, I researched how each one functions and expressed it in a similar illustration style. For example, to move thermal energy, a heat pump circulates coolant to a radiator.
heat pumps, thermostats, filters, fan motors
all assembled: client’s primary focus was on property mangers and heat pumps
Back to what matters: buildings don’t need HVAC, it’s the humans and creatures inhabiting these buildings who rely on these systems. I sourced some images of furry friends to engage the heart.
as much as we like to think we are rational beings, our emotions generally rule our lives
operationsTo improve operations flow, the client wanted a service request form on the website that would connect to their service response software. I also wrote a few webhooks to automate classification of specific service requests.
