Kennedy Castelli
Climate designer focusing on industrial design to reintegrate nature into urban environments
I am passionate about work that aligns with my values. Perception of nature and wildlife has morphed since the Industrial Revolution and I design to remember the truth of nature and to reintegrate it into human life, and reintegrate human life with nature. I design products and experiences with a focus on biophilia and human connection, doing this allows enrichment and pride within the consumer. I am passionate about material research, bio based solutions and focusing on what happens to a product at the end of it's life cycle. My BFA in Industrial Design allowed me to be fully immersed in the research, conceptualization, and implementation of products. This means I am well experienced and strong in primary and secondary research, interviewing users, sketching, digital rendering, 3D modeling, physical prototyping, manufacturing. Having the knowledge of the complete design process allows my involvement beginning to end.
Projects
Solace
Solace is a scalable and sustainable solution for urban dwellers to easily grow nutrient rich microgreens. Solace uses a wick watering system with biodegradable, mess free biostrate grow mat, automatic lighting, making it easy for beginners. An intuitive app guides you through germination, growing, and harvesting phases. The app also uses location based tech to provide a buy and sell system, creating an indoor farming community! It cuts down significantly on water waste, transportation waste, pesticide use, etc. My role was lead designer as I worked on this by myself. I did all primary and secondary research, personal growing method research, interviews and surveys, concept sketching, photoshop rendering, 3D modeling, UI interface design and prototyping.
Case Study »
Lotus Composter
Lotus Composter is a non electrical composter designed to be integrated into the home. It works much like a hand powered salad spinner, when you press the button on top, the centrifugal forces makes the organic materials churn and move through the slots to the different chambers. It is compartmentalized for easy disposal. It is also designed with sustainable materials, recycled steel, ocean plastic composite, and dandelion rubber to seal and make it smell proof. I was project manager and lead designer in this project with one other team member.