DESIGN LANGUAGE PROJECT
CISCO | STBU & CENTRAL ENGINEERING
Retail | N/A
Year | 2012
During my tenure at Cisco's Central Engineering Department, I had the privilege of engaging in an in-depth analysis of the existing products within Cisco's Security Technology Business Unit (STBU) from an aesthetic standpoint. Recognizing the need to unify the various product families under a cohesive design language that exuded sophistication and a futuristic aura, the Directors of the Department entrusted our team with the task of elevating the brand's visual identity.
NEW DESIGN LANGUAGE OF CISCO SYSTEMS
Design Challenge
Conduct an in-depth analysis of the history of Cisco products to gain insights into the existing design language, including the rationale behind specific shapes, details, and features.
Generate multiple conceptual product designs without any concrete project plans or directions, as the focus was on exploring internal concepts and possibilities.
Strive to enhance the brand aspects of design while preserving the heritage and identity of Cisco, ensuring that the new designs align with the established visual language and values.
Contribution
Generated a diverse range of design concepts and transformed them into a visually compelling presentation format to effectively communicate the ideas to Engineer directors and facilitate internal reviews.
Collaborated with an engineer to create CNC machined scale models, enabling team members to gain a tangible understanding of the designs and provide valuable feedback.
Successfully integrated the new design language into select STBU products, departing from the established norms to infuse a fresh and cohesive aesthetic.
Achievements
Gained accolades and recognition from Cisco's upper management for the accomplished work.
Ignited inspiration among a diverse team comprising engineers, product designers, and external members from various departments.
Crafted with a focus on simplicity and timelessness, the design departed from the conventional dark gray and teal green plastic housings typically associated with Cisco enterprise devices. Instead, it introduced an elevated user experience by incorporating nickel and chrome-plated metal housing, along with an aluminum chassis featuring soft textures, imparting a sense of durability and refinement.
CREDIT: Created with Cisco Systems Central Engineering department managers and a mechanical engineer. Product Ownership and copyrighted by Cisco Systems.