Pivot Collection
Danese Milano
Desk accessories for building better habits for healthier desktop productivity.
Desk Accessories 14 Week Project 2024 Designed in Collaboration with Naeun Choi and Nando Ramadhin.
click for process details
Breaks that drain
Work is already demanding, and turning to another device adds more screen time. With work always in sight, it can feel like we never truly step away.
Breaks need to restore not drain
A mindful pause
The clock’s hinged cover completely conceals the time, helping users take breaks without the pressure of watching the clock.
By hiding time, it encourages a slower, more mindful pause that can help reduce stress and improve focus when returning to work.
Flip to reset your space
The stationery tray keeps everyday tools and writing instruments accessible on the lid when open.
Closing the lid slides and stores everything neatly out of sight for a quick, effortless reset, helping maintain a tidy workspace.
Encouraging better habits
The organizer hides distractions and electronic devices out of view, while the closed lid doubles as a ledge for books, journals, or framed photos.
This creates a transition from a device-focused space to a more personal, inviting surface that encourages better habits.
Pivot Clock
A clock that encourages a mindful pause.
Pivot Tray
A tray that shifts gracefully between work and rest.
Pivot Rest
An organizer that promotes better habits.
Dive deeper into my process
Keep scrolling for a full process breakdown.
Design Process
We were tasked to design a set of product that reflects a company's brand identity. Below is a compilation of our research, inspiration, sketches, prototypes, and final build process.
66% of American employees are experiencing some sort of burnout.
Taking a break is easy, but it's too easy to fall into the trap of your racing mind or your smart phone. We set out to make breaks more revitilizing by keeping stressors out of sight.
Design Inspiration
Inspired by the minimalist designs of Danese Milano and their eccentric presentation style.
Early Concepts
During the early phases of the project, we were thinking of different ways we could create a more hospitable working environment for our user. Before we landed on our current lineup, we were looking into lamps, planners, and even grandfather clocks. Eventually, we decided to focus on products that live on a desktop. Which is how we landed on clock, stationary tray, and document organizer.
Early Testing
Once we started testing our early prototypes, we connected with the designs that had the hinged mechanisms because it offered a hightened sense of intentionallity with the user experience.
Build Issues
From the beginning, we had planned to build the working prototypes ourselves with the equipment we had.
Once we started making test builds using real materials, we were quickly humbled by the materials we chose. We'd scratch, dent, and foul up our materials from working with it.
Build Issues Continued
Our failure at building the model made us realize we needed to consult sheet metal specialist to help us with the redesign and build our final working model.
We were ruining the surface finish of the materials when we were attempting to make our bends. We assumed we could easily apply a nice clean finish ourselves, but soon realized we definately couldn't with our tools and skillsets.
Design Changes
The collection needed to be redesigned for manufacturing by adding relief cuts and separating parts for easier produciton.
Acrylic for Sheet Metal
Producing models made of metal were too expensive and difficult. Acrylic sheets were a great substitute that tested and conveyed our concept accurately.
Final Build
Bent sheet models are spray painted and metal parts are milled and polished.
Designed in collaboration
Ayrlron Arellano, Nando Ramadhin, and Naeun Choi.
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