THE CHALLENGE

One of the main challenges at the beginning of the project was the supplier transition. As this was a new manufacturing partner for the team, there was still limited understanding of their development process, technical capabilities, and ways of working.

At the same time, the design needed to follow the visual language already established across the company’s portfolio. The challenge was to translate this language into a product based on an existing platform, balancing design intent with the technical and manufacturing constraints inherited from the supplier.

DESIGN STRATEGY

The design approach focused on creating a strong connection with the existing portfolio while making the most of the areas where we had freedom to intervene.
The left door became one of the main opportunities to introduce the desired design language through proportions, surfaces, details, CMF, and graphics.

A key element of the solution was the water dispenser architecture. The entire dispenser housing was developed as a single piece, integrating the glass panel with the display and the lateral handle into one cohesive design solution.
This approach helped create a cleaner and more integrated appearance while working within the limitations of the existing platform.

TECHNICAL AND MANUFACTURING CHALLENGES

Because the product was based on an existing supplier platform, several technical constraints had to be considered throughout the design development.
The design process required close collaboration with the supplier and internal engineering teams to understand what could realistically be modified, while preserving the intended visual identity of the product.
This balance between an established design language, inherited geometry, and supplier capabilities was one of the key aspects of the project.

MY CONTRIBUTION

• Industrial design development for the left refrigerator door.
• CMF development and product graphics.
• Collaboration with Engineering and the supplier throughout the development process.
• Design solutions balancing visual identity, technical feasibility, and manufacturing constraints.

COLLABORATION

This project was developed through close collaboration between Design, Engineering, Product Management, and the supplier team.
Special thanks to Alexandre Neves, Fernando Vieira, Mariana Ramos, Raifer, and Carolina Andujar for their collaboration and contributions throughout the project.