Dell Desktop Bamboo Sleeve
*Before founding Materializd, Patrick Gaule led the following case study in material-led design strategies in collaboration with a wide range of companies.
DESIGN BRIEF
At Dell, Design and CMF worked to create a uniquely oval shaped desktop sleeve. We collectively wanted to use wood for its authenticity, finish, and sustainability. We were challenged to find the most reliable material and quality sourcing manufacturer in Asia to take on the complex oval form.
01 DISCOVER
After researching and testing various wood materials, bamboo emerged as the ideal material due to its rapid growth and renewability. The bamboo also reflected flexibility, resilience and sustainability.
02 DESIGN
Leveraging prior experiences and connections, we reached out to Midwest U.S. supplier that specializes in high-quality interior automotive wood trim. Collaboratively we tested different sourced bamboo and developed several tool designs in order to create a successful prototype.
03 DEFINE
Working with the suppliers we created cosmetic and manufacturing inspection specifications, while evaluating aesthetics, form factor and cost.
04 DELIVER
This project was the beginning of a U.S.-sourced and manufacturing bamboo material program. This program was shipped to our contract manufacturers in Asia for assembly, delivering both design vision and sustainability goals.
