Control Table
JUNE 2023
1 YEAR PROJECT
Table To Centralize Media Studio
From 2023 to 2024 I worked at The Siebel Center for Design as a member of the Audio Visual team. We split up into three projects: this table, tiered equipment checkout, and a case for the podcasting deck; I was project lead for this table.
Industrial Design
Interviews
UI Design
The Problem
Equipment was decentralized
Barrier to entry for new visitors
Equipment checkout was a burden
The Value Provided
Streamlined work flow
Simplified user experience
Improved equipment storage
Designing for Different Visitor Archetypes
Visitors with prior experience who bring their own equipment wanted to be left alone to bring their vision to life.
First time visitors wanted you to teach them just enough so they're able to record a video or make a podcast.
Simplified User Interface
I designed a "plug-and-play" interface for the first time podcaster who just wants to get the job done, not fiddle with unfamiliar cables.
By making the most used cables easily accessible, through grouping and filtering, I sought to reduce user cognitive load.
The Design Process
1
Deciding on an L-shaped desk. One side for media studio equipment, one for personal
2
Using low-fi prototyping to test overall size, features, and potential usage
3
Validating concept with a 1:8 scale model
4
Fabrication and dry fit before assembly
Features
Cable passthroughs all throughout table the boosts centralization and streamlines workflow
Table top grommets improve organization
Built in PC storage compartment
Reflection
This was my first project that had actual users and it kicked off my love of problem solving in an organization. If I were to redo this project I would focus on designing a standardized engineering package to make this an easily repeatable process if future teams wanted to make more units.
Special Thanks
Neil Pearce
Shop Team
Hussain Badri