Matt Ravenelle
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Syma Helicopters

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Syma | Carbon fiber Mini

Date: Spring 2016 | ID Freelance | Syma Helicopters

The objective was to create an entry level FPV racing drone for beginners, that had aspirational design elements of advanced racing drones.

 

My job was on realizing a new drone, differentiating it from competitors through a distinct form language, and seeing it through from ideation to semi-final prototyping.

 
 
 

Research

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Market Form Analysis

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Design Keywords

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Mood Board

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Ideation

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Drone Orientation Explorations

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Concept Development

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Propeller & Frame Development

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Replicating Internals

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Mockups

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Shell Refinement

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Shell & Prop Refinement

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** The refined design was sent to a third party company that produced the final sample. The final model was slightly altered from my design.

 

Lessons Learned in retrospect:

  • Aim for clearer storytelling through design language.

  • Emphasis more “aspirational elements” of Carbon Fiber to be the main feature, allure, and differentiator, to evoke a more advanced feel.