Memo

Memo is a playful reinterpretation of a personal assistant device, shaped by the emotional language of memory and attachment. Instead of optimizing for neutrality or sleekness, Memo draws inspiration from tactile childhood objects—mirroring the form of a plush toy, building block, or collectible character. The result is a device that doesn't hide in the background, but proudly lives among a user’s treasured items.

Rather than blending into furniture or becoming an invisible interface, Memo is designed to stand out—serving as both an emotional and functional anchor in the space. With its compact size and symmetrical footprint, Memo easily fits onto shelves, desks, or bedsides, while its soft, bright, and character-driven presence invites interaction.

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Process

Memo was developed over the course of multiple design assignments, each focusing on a different aspect of product development—from concept ideation and sketching to hybrid drawing, instructional design, and layout presentation.

Initial ideation began with associative sketching, exploring forms and behaviors tied to objects that users keep for sentimental reasons. The goal was to reverse the trend of tech devices that prioritize invisibility, instead designing a smart device that users want to keep visible. Research into existing home assistants, collectible design language, and emotionally resonant objects helped inform both the visual direction and user context.

Form exploration continued through sketching, modeling, and scale mockups, leading to a modular, palm-sized design that feels both personal and purposeful. The base features a radial speaker grille, while the head incorporates a multi-use dial and expressive LED interface.

Two major deliverables supported this design:

• A hybrid drawing layout that combines technical CAD exports, digital rendering (Blender and Photoshop), and hand-drawn sketch overlays. This page also included mechanical lettering, callouts for dimensions, and targeted copywriting aimed at the intended demographic.
• A line-based instructional drawing series, styled to match mid-century manuals and soft tech packaging. The sequence walks the user through setup, adjustment, and daily interaction. These drawings were created using a blend of Illustrator and hand-drawn outlines, carefully composed into a vertical layout suitable for packaging or print.

Throughout the process, Shapr3D was used for 3D modeling and exporting orthographic views. Hand drawings were scanned, edited, and layered using Photoshop, while Illustrator provided clean vector structure for all diagrammatic elements.

Memo represents a shift in how we visualize smart technology—less appliance, more artifact. It asks: what if the future of tech wasn’t invisible, but sentimental?

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