portfolio adam graziano

Adam Graziano 515-401-7492 [email protected]

Adam GrazianoIndustrial Design Graduate Student

[email protected]

http://www.coroflot.com/idgraziano/portfolio (515) 401-7492

Portfolio 2015


Design a football receiver glove that is easier and more cost effective to manufacture, it must also stand out aesthetically in todays leading market.

Player Interviews, Market Research, Sketching, SketchPrototyping, Photoshop Tablet Rendering.

16 Week Team Project

Sponsored ProjectCutters Football Receiver Gloves


Current Product EvaluationThe first step in the process is to evaluate the current product. Identify its strengths as well as areas where there is room for improvement. To do this we interviewed players from the Iowa State Football team in order to get an overall opinion of the product as well as the brand in general. We also took advantage of internet reviews as well as personal use and interaction with the product.

Fabric Bunching

Palm Trampoline

Fabric Pinch Points

Unflexible Design Details

Bulky Seams


Glove DeconstructionIn order to understand the glove, we had to understand how it was made, and the significance of the parts. By breaking down the glove to its many parts, it allowed us to set the goal of finding a way to minimize the number of parts and details to decrease manufacturing/assembly costs.

Will Decreasing the Number of Parts Will Decrease Manufacturing/Assembly Costs?


Trend AnalysisBy examining competitors, we are able to pull different aesthetic cues from the successful products on the market. Using these cues as inspiration, we are able to design a glove that will not only function well, but also be able to compete aesthtically with larger brands.


IdeationWe approached this project with a completely open mind, thinking about what could be, not necessarily what will be made. This allowed us to potentially improve upon things that other companies were not actively looking at.


Form Development After developing a few promising concepts, we were able to move into the form development stage. It was during this step that we explored the brand semantics and aesthetics both of Cutters, as well as other market leaders.


Anchor Point ExplorationIn order to have a glove that fits the hand well, we must determine where the hand bends and provide a more stable framework in those particular areas. In other areas, the fabric must be able to stretch in order to prevent a trampoline effect from occurring. By providing rigid material only where needed, it allows the glove to have a perfect fit while open, as well as closed.

Where can Fabric Be Removed Without Affecting Performance?

What fabric is used for Coverage vs. Function?


Materials ExplorationCurrently the material used as the gloves structure are non flexible fabrics such as leather, vinyl, PU, etc. These materials prove to be too rigid for use in the gloves, the glove does not cling to the hand while in motion, something required by professional athletes. By replacing these materials with Silicone, it allows for the rigid framework of the glove to stretch slightly when needed. This material can also be applied directly to fabric without the use of adhesive and will bond to the woven fibers of the fabric.

Silicone Will Allow for a Semi-Rigid Skeleton that will Stretch Instead of Bunch


Tech. Pack


Final ImageryThe final photoshp renderings of this product were made using a tablet. The intent is for the spread to also potentially double as an advertisement.

Form Fitting Lycra

Screen Printed Logo

Silicone Bonded Graphics

Ventilated Palm

Strapless Glove Design


When purchasing knives, the consumer does not have an option in purchasing only the three or four knives that are most necessary for cooking. They instead must purchase either the entire set in a block or individual knives that do not allow for safe storage in the household. The goal of this product is to design a way of packaging the essential knives from the Calphalon Katana Series so that the consumer can use the knives from this line without the large investment.

In Store Interviews, Sketching, Sketch Prototyping, Solidworks, Fully Functional Presentation Prototype.

4 Week Individual Project

Product PackagingCalphalon Starter Knife Block


Problem IdentificationTo identify the problem with the current system, I conducted in store interviews with consumers purchasing individual knives. I was able to identify that many people buy an inexpensive knife set to display on the counter, but purchase an extra knife or two that are of a higher quality. In most cases, these extra knives make their way into a utensil drawer. These drawers are incredibly unsafe as they conceal the sharp knife edge from view. Curious children are at a high risk of sticking their hands in the drawer and cutting themselves.


Brand SemanticsBy examining the aesthetic goals of Calphalon products in conjunction with trends on the market. I am able to better design a product that will be appealing to customers while also fitting in with their current product lines.


Ideation/Form DevelopmentAfter identifying the three knives to be included in this starter knife block. I began exploring different ways that these knives could be safely stored, whether on a counter, or in a drawer


Ideation/Form DevelopmentAfter electing which of the concepts to move forward with, I was able to create sketch prototypes to test function and ease of use. In order to choose which concept is more successful, I studied my classmates interactions with both concepts.


Final FormThe form that was the most successful from testing was refined and digitally modeled in Solidworks.


Working PrototypeIn order to interact with the final form, a functioning prototype was constructed.


Throughout the history of avionics, the miracle of flight has been all about defying limitations, limitations of gravity, of time, of distances, speeds, and experiences. However, the modern passenger experience does not reflect this notion of pure freedom. Our goal is to give this feeling back to the user; we want to give each and every passenger that feeling of enjoyment and comfort. Our ambition is to expand user opportunities of exploration of their surroundings visually, spatially, and auditorily, giving them a true flight experience like no other.

Market/User Research, Sketching, Solidworks, 1:1 Scale Model12 Week Group Project

Sponsored ProjectInterdiciplinary Group Project


User InterviewsIn order to understand peoples view of the flight experience as a whole, we conducted face to face interviews with people of multiple demographics. With this data we were able to discover the issues that people have with flying as an experience.


Experience MapAs a group, we took the time to map every step in the flight experience in order to fully understand the process. From that are able to map the popular complaints with the step in the experience that they relate to.


Seating ConceptsThe largest complaint among people are mainly related to seating and storage. There is an opportunity for an economy class seating design that will maximize the amount of personal space without sacrificing the number of seats per plane.


Tiered SeatingIn this concept, each row of seats is either raised or lowered 8 inches with the aisle splitting the difference. By raising every other row of seats, it allows for the lower row to have almost twice the amount of leg room as well as recline almost twice as far as conventional seats. This concept allows for an even narrower seat pitch allowing up to an extra 3 rows of seats on the plane, while at the same time increasing the comfort of the passenger. By using folding seats, it makes letting people in and out of their seats much easier.

Floor Raised 8 inches

Storage for Upper Tier

Folding Seat BottomAdjustable Peripheral screen

Floor Lowered 8 inches

Storage for Lower Tier


Full Scale ModelIn order to prove the validity of our concept, we constructed a functional model and allowed our classmates to interact with it so that we were able to gather their opinions of the concept. Using this model, we are able to determine the ideal seat pitch in order to maximize the number of seats on the plane without sacrificing comfort.


Final RenderingsBy placing this seating concept in rows and inserting them into the airplane context, it gives the viewer a better sense of scale. All final models were created in Solidworks.


Develop a promotional radio for a local radio station that appeals to the target demographic of the radio station. This radio must be simple, expressive, as well as inexpensive so that it may be easily handed out as a promotional product.

Radio Station Interviews, Market/User Research, Sketching, Solidworks, 1:1 Scale Model

3 Week Individual Project

Local Studio ProjectPromotional Radio Design


IdeationIn order to best identify the most successful form, I was able to host interviews with the target demographic and use my sketches to determine the optimal form.


Form DevelopmentAfter stating the more specific design goals of this product, I am able to begin to determine the function and form of this radio

Removable ClipUse During Exercise

Demographic:Women ages 18-35

Semi Rigid Plastic

Tactile Buttons

Battery Door


FunctionThe function of this radio must be limited, as well as intuitive as there will not always be an instruction manual provided with this product


Physical ModelIn order to interact with the final form, a prototype was constructed.


Design a consumer product that performs an exercise developed by a local professional. Work with manufacturing partners as well as patent attorneys to take this product to market.

Professional Interviews, Form Development, Focus Groups, Patent Filing, Manufacturing, Solidworks, Prototyping.

Ongoing Project

Freelance DesignDynacore Fit System


Current ExerciseThis calisthenic core exercise is one developed by a local gym owner. It was developed as a low impact core strength exercise. Currently the exercise allows for a natural progression as the user’s strength progresses.

Not Easy to Store

Hard To Patent

Must Use Against a Wall

Could Damage Wall


Collapsiblility In order for this product to be successful in the average household, it must have the ability to be easily broken down and stored. The pole is divided into 4 sections, a base and three upright segments. These can be disassembled and rolled up in the flexible rubber mat and it all is able to be stored in the base as one unit.


This exercise targets more muscle groups than traditional core workouts. It allows for a range of movement that has a lower overall impact on the body while still activating a large number of muscle groups.

Affected Muscle Groups


I had the opportunity to work with Shock Doctor as a part of a sponsored studio in the Fall semester of my second year of graduate school. As a result of my work in the class, Shock Doctor chose to further develop concept by sponsoring a second semester as an independent study to allow me time to finalize concepts. As my work progressed, the validity of my concept proved to show large market value. In order to bring my project to the point of manufacturing, I signed a 10 week consultancy contract in order to make professional prototypes, conduct focus groups, and work with engineers on final CAD files and tech packs.

Market/User Research, Industry Professional Interviews, Soft & Hard Goods Prototyping, Fluid Mechanics Models, User

Testing, Sketching, CAD Files & Tech Packs for Manufacturing, Solidworks, 1:1 Scale Model

32 Week Project & Ongoing Consultancy Contract

Sponsored ProjectSports Therapy System


Non-Disclosure Agreement In ProductionComing Soon to Stores


Work SamplesDue to a Non-Disclosure Agreement, I am unable to share work directly related to the concept in development. These are Shock Doctor approved work samples showing some of my initial research and ideation.


ADAM GRAZIANOEDUCATION & HONORS Iowa State University (Currently Enrolled)

Earned: Masters Of Industrial Design Focus: Fabrication & Manufacturing ProcessesExpected Graduation: May, 2016Current GPA: 3.82

Iowa State UniversityEarned: Bachelors of DesignFocus: Industrial DesignGraduation: May, 2013

WORK EXPERIENCE

Iowa State UniversityPosition: Graduate Assistant Duration: June 2014 - PresentOversee Model Shop and educate students on proper methods of fabrication. Maintain equipment and provide advice to students and faculty.

Freelance Industrial Design Work Position: Industrial DesignerDuration: November 2014 - PresentDesign a piece of exercise equipment based on an exercise developed by a local professional. Work with manufacturing and patent attorneys to bring the product to market.

Shock Doctor Sports Position: Intern & Independent Contractor (Design Consultant)Duration: August 2014 - PresentDesign a Sports Therapy Product and see idea through from coneption to market. Work with engineers to develop a high quality product capable of mass production.

Flemings Prime SteakhousePosition: Line Cook/Prep CookDuration: March 2013 - PresentInterchangeable and flexible asset through all positions in the kitchen.

[email protected](515) 401-7492

portfolio adam graziano

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