Beginning in the fall of 2023, I worked with Micron to develop a new industrial design for their next generation of performance desktop memory. As a PC component, the product consists of an existing DDR5 memory module as well as an aesthetic and functional heat spreader.
Made from sheet metal, the industrial design – Kitsune – derives it’s form in part from paper folding/origami to create an expression that appeals to a variety of users including creative professionals, gamers and hobbyist builders. The faceted design references both fashion and sci-fi/tactical elements, and as a nod to play, the design’s fox ears giving it a subversively playful undertone.
The memory modules are compatible with both Intel and AMD architectures; the low profile form is easy to install and more compact than competitors.
Although this was an expedited program I defined key aspects of the category experience and user groups and communicated potential positions through a framework that contrasted a premium technology expression against a gaming oriented one. In addition, other foundational work included competitive and analogous benchmarking as well as trend/material and process scouting.
Ultimately seven concepts were presented to the Micron team – three of these were advanced further including through a limited DFM process.
The Kitsune ID itself went through several rounds of iteration, including evaluation of different potential part and material splits. I worked closely with the contract manufacture to help evaluate varying design trade-offs.
The production design features a three piece construction with a shared stamped part for the front and back and a plastic spine to hold the design together.
I worked onsite with suppliers to rapidly bring the new design to mass production, including final tool debugging and the evaluation of potential production tradeoffs, as well as to establish cosmetic and color limits.
I worked onsite with suppliers to rapidly bring the new design to mass production, including final tool debugging and the evaluation of potential production tradeoffs, as well as to establish cosmetic and color limits.
Beginning in the fall of 2023, I worked with Micron to develop a new industrial design for their next generation of performance desktop memory. As a PC component, the product consists of an existing DDR5 memory module as well as an aesthetic and functional heat spreader.