top of page

FER RUGAMA | ART & DESIGN

ROLE

Conceptualizer and product designer

BRIEF

This course was focused on topological analysis and its implementation in the conceptualization of a perfume bottle based on the deadly sin of "Envy".

NVIDIA PERFUME

2016 | COLLEGE PROJECT

COURSE

Design Theory III,
Costa Rica Institute of Technology

COLLAB

Individual

project

TECH

Solid Works
3D Printing

ATOMIZER
The use of a pump atomizer with a hose was decided because a rigid horizontal tube would occupy unnecessary space in its packaging. It also evoked vintage expensive perfumes, enhancing its elegant perception.

GOALS

• Analyze the possible semiotics of the concept 'Envy' and the role that it could consequently play in the final product.

• Apply the semiotics analysis and the basic design principles learned to define the project’s final three-dimensional topology.

CHALLENGES

The process in general felt very easygoing, but some challenges did arise: being able to portray the concept in every single detail of the product, and on the other hand, in the elaboration of the first sketches and the first 3D models (the truly biggest challenge was achieving a sufficiently elegant and beautiful lid that matched the rest of the product).





 

PHASE 3: SKETCHES

At this stage, the focus was on defining the bottle to develop the topology and image of the perfume. In these initial sketches, you can see the attempt to depict "envious hands" and a "protected elixir" that would be "envied and desired by all." Additionally, there's an inclusion of a pump atomizer, reminiscent of old elegant perfumes, which conveys a perception of fanciness and uniqueness.

PHASE 2: IMPLEMENTATION AND DEVELOPMENT

The implementation of this theoretical research considered the use of curved and organic shapes not only in the perfume image proposals but also in the proposals for the bottle shape itself.

This decision was made because sensual and seductive concepts are often associated with these types of shapes, which naturally evoke the curvy human form. This principle was also applied to the font used for the perfume's brand—a cursive typeface that exudes elegance and seriousness through its curvy silhouettes. Additionally, integrating the phrase "Eager hands that desire what they do not have" seemed particularly relevant to the project.

PROCESS

PHASE 1: INVESTIGATION AND ANALYSIS

The theoretical research revealed several noteworthy definitions:

  • "Desire for something that you don't have."

  • The concept of sin as something that easily entices and seduces us.

  • Prominent colors associated with envy: green; with sin, the forbidden, and darkness: black; and with richness and desire: gold.

  • The theoretical consideration of aphrodisiac ingredients (such as jasmine, vanilla, or musk) in the perfume formula to evoke envy through its scent.

USERS & NEEDS

The target users for the project were adult females with a taste for luxury. This description was deliberately chosen to align and go in hand with the main theme of 'Envy'.

OVERVIEW

The course "Design Theory" was structured into three modules: Topology, Semiotics, and Design Principles. The conceptualization of the perfume bottle was developed across these three modules with the purpose of integrating the necessary interdisciplinary knowledge and teaching us how to apply that knowledge in the process of analysis and conceptualization.

The overarching theme of the course was "The 7 Deadly Sins", with each student assigned a specific sin as a concept to develop. In my case, it was envy.

Skip process, jump to final solution →

SOLUTION

The general goal was to create a product based on the idea of a protected forbidden elixir that everyone wants but cannot have. Some of the changes and additions made to the proposals were:

I

THE BOTTLE'S TOPOLOGY
The shape of the bottle consists entirely of curves, circles, and semicircles to impart the desired organic and seductive air, thus contributing to consistency in its visual image and morphological elements.

Theoretical concept research > Visual definition > Sketching > Revision >  Adjustments > Prototyping > Final design

PHASE 4: PROPOSALS AND FIRST 3D MODELS

At this point in the project, several bottle ideas were attempted with Solidworks 3D models until reaching the main idea, which became more defined and, eventually, underwent further refinement to get the final design.

THE SIDE ARMS
The idea of envious arms trying to take what they do not possess (the green elixir) was implemented with minimalist arms positioned at the sides of the bottle. They were placed to appear as though they are reaching for the protected elixir. Additionally, gold was incorporated into the arms to emphasize them and make them stand out, as objects of great value and elegance typically utilize this color.

THE FORBIDDEN ELIXIR
The implementation of the "forbidden" elixir that everyone wants but cannot have, and which is protected by the black casing, was carried out. The elixir represents the perfume with aphrodisiac ingredients designed to seduce those around it, evoking feelings of envy for its captivating scent.

FINAL PROTOTYPE

The physical prototype was delivered solely as a topology model (without it's defined real colors or materials), since the main point of the course was it's topology. The model was made with Solid Works, a 3D printer, and with manual finishing touches (sanding, painting and varnishing).

bottom of page