Elio Icaza designs objects, publications, and experiences.
Clear Canvas, 2014Toys
Various projects, 2014-2018
Below is a selection of functional models, sketches, and process of some of my favorite designs from before and after college. My main inspiration in industrial design has been play & toy design.
Final physical model of Clear Canvas
Clear Canvas
Transparent drawing surfaceA transparent drawing surface that students can draw on simultaneously. Designed to inspire mindfulness in middle school through art curriculum. I worked with students from Providence Country Day School & Community Preparatory School in Providence, RI, USA.
Updated design, digital render
Portable and easy to wash
Sleek accessory markers
Redesigns of the original Clear Canvas
Exploring the materiality of musicStamped Synth
Handmade synthesizerAn open-circuit synthesizer you can play with bare hands, on-the-go, with zero learning gap. A manufacturable design of a classic experimental synthesizer: the cracklebox circuit.
Plug + play with a regular, 1/8” audio jack
Form exploration and manufacturing process
With the generous help of Eagle Tool, Inc. in Providence, I used an industrial hydraulic press to make refined prototypes.
Press
Stamped Synth was conceived during the Music Tech Fest Boston hackathon. My research was featured on BBC Click︎︎︎
Research with Music Tech Fest︎︎︎
Future
These projects have continued to inform my ideas. Curious for more? See my designs for Stationery →