Bezel empowers adult video game lovers to overcome gamer stereotypes.
Bezel products are aesthetically pleasing, functionally superior, and provide a premium gaming experience that allows gamers to grow up gracefully without abandoning their passion for video games.
|| Overview
This project is based in the exploration of market opportunities. In researching the video game industry, I discovered the existence of an interesting misconception. Although the common perception of a video game player was a 18 year-old kid playing games late into the night in his parents' basement, in reality the majority of game players are over 36 years old. And every year, the average age of a video gamer goes up by nearly a year, showing that many of the people who fell in love with the first home consoles in the 80s have grown up and are continuing to play video games and purchase new consoles, equipment, and games.
Despite this insight, most accessory manufacturers and many software developers ignore this older market in favor for the younger generation of gamers.
Bezel is the gaming brand for the mature gamer. Bezel products are the ones that the wife doesn't mind when the husband leaves them out. Bezel is a luxury brand, so owning Bezel is a gamer's proof to the world that they can love video games as a hobby and still lead a successful and productive life.
One revolution changes everything.
|| Opportunity
Contrary to public perception, the majority of people self-identifying as "gamers" are 36 years old or older. Through a generative research process targeting adult video game players, I identified a significant gap in the market. Though there was an older gaming demographic, there are no companies serving their needs above what the OEMs offer, meaning that hardware manufactures are marketing their products to 18 year olds and 50 year olds in the same way.
“Chairs are left unclaimed and unusable during peak hours”
|| Solution
A Revo chair will never be seen as unusable to a Starbucks customer, because it works equally well as a standard chair pulled up to a table as it does a solo workspace. This allows Starbucks to effectively extend its seating capacity by allowing customers versatile seating options. Customers wishing to socialize will face each other and enjoy Revo's comfortable leather seat and backrest. Customers wishing to work individually will rotate in the seat and access a personal work surface large enough for a laptop and food. In reverse, the backrest works as a wrist rest providing an efficient but comfortable private work area.
“A Revo chair will never be seen as unusable to a Starbucks customer”
|| Process
Sketching
A portion of the sketching process, starting with broad furniture concepts, and narrowing towards the Revo's final functionality and design
Rapid Prototyping
From left: Laser-cut 1/8 scale model (1), Laser-cut 1/8 scale model (2), Functional prototype, Swivel testing, Testing prototype (1), Testing prototype (2)
3D Modeling
A selection of CAD modeling produced in SolidWorks and rendered in Keyshot - used to explore possible methods of manufacturing as well as colors, materials, and finishes
Product Development
From left: Presenting Revo concept to legendary designer Don Chadwick, Building forms for upholstery, Sourcing leathers/textiles, Shaping Revo's steel form
