Nexus

Revolutionize nostalgia with a trendy instant camera

Duration

6 Weeks

Role

Industrial Designer & Package Designer

Disciplines

Consumer Electronics
Branding
Packaging

Year

2024

"Gen Z is not even close to being done revising these old trends."

Casey Lewis (Brand consultant and founder of After School, a Gen Z consumer trends newsletter)

From Y2K trending to the rise of blurry photos, Gen Z and Alpha are not only seeking nostalgia but authenticity. They find purpose in uniqueness and having fun in the moment.

The instant camera market lacks a camera that speaks to the current trends

The current market focuses on highlighting a vintage aesthetic with the use of leather or bubbly shapes with varying technological integration. However, there's an opportunity to combine the modern, minimal technology with a trendy, bold visual that speaks to the main users of the nostalgic instant camera, Gen Z and Alpha.

Establishing a visual brand language of nostalgic fun-ness

In combining authenticity, nostalgia, and playfulness, a color palette was created through collage of items with interesting texture or color. The brand touches on the expressive y2k movement and the funky bold colors to keep it fun.

Finding touch points and areas of opportunities from user observations

Observed college students with varying instant camera experience. From observation, students noted the difficulties of an off center viewfinder, unclear shutter and power button.

Product development through sketches and low fidelity prototypes

Through multiple rounds of iterations of prototypes and sketching, the camera developed into a form that is compact, fits well in hand, and intuitive. Additionally, the instant camera is enhanced with a tearaway shareable film, similar to a photo-booth experience.

Packaging design that highlights the brand subtly

Different packaging concepts were explored to focus on highlight the camera components during unboxing. The chosen packaging displayed a subtle display of the brand visual from the cover sleeve.