Porsche Design Blender
The main task of this project was to analyse Porsche Design as a brand and identify implicit and explicit design cues. The translation of brand values into different levels (2D, 3D & 2.5D) of the graphic language was used to finalize the brand extension. The result is a sophisticated premium blender.
Responsibilities - Brand History, Brand Analysis, Multi-level application of graphic language, User survey
Innovation: Integrated Touch-Control
Physique: Luxury Lifestyle Goods
Relationship: Enhance performance and Comfort
Reflection: Status, Cool, High quality, Negative: for Showoffs
Personality: Confident, Smart, Hero, Ruler
Culture: German Engineering, Performance, Precision
Self-image: Superior, Exclusive, Prestige, High Status
The observed characteristics indicate a strong emphasis on
the superior lifestyle and prestige that is created by Porsche Design.
Young, strong and high-level performance throughout their whole brand identity.
The first approach to the 2D design of a regular immersion blender is done by experimenting with different material and colour compositions that are provided by the contemporary colour scheme and the premium materials of Porsche Design. This means main components were toned in matte black, glossy black, brushed steel and brushed aluminum. Some concepts were more literal translations of other PD’ products (speaker or
pipe). The PD’ font plays an important role in all of their designs, therefore its
orientation and size were assessed specifically.
The final 2D design is mainly made from brushed steel and matte black plastic. Making the upper body from brushed steel gives a lighter impression than a lower steel body would create. Matte black looks more qualitative than its glossy relative and works well with the darkened steel in order to create a contemporary look.
The transitions between the two main materials are indicated by a light brushed aluminium ring as seen in the PD’ pipes. This also increases structure and gives a baseline for the PD’ product code.
Two main silhouettes are defined and built from regular shapes, as validated in the DFA. These shapes have
been extended by further explicit details for the final concepts, but have been evaluated in a prior step to investigate the coherence with Porsche Design. A survey amongst other design students showed, that each concept had different strengths. The first concept has a very high rating on explicit features, while the second concept is significantly stronger in representing implicit design cues and values. Adapting features to increase the overall appreciation for the second concept lead to the final product.
The final design is a sophisticated piece of kitchenware with a matte, graphite black handle.
An inductive ring is implemented and works as the switch to power this blender. Additionally, lighting on the top indicates activity status and allows for speed adjustment. The anodized aluminium reflects top-notch manufacturing and a feel of power and stability, while not increasing the perceived weight above attractive level.