Leonard.hinz

Concept

Product

Concept Tech Device

14. August 2025

A self-initiated design challenge created within a few days. The goal was to develop a fictional tech device from scratch, including concept, modeling, materials, and final product renders.

Overview

This project was created as part of a casual challenge among friends: within just a few days, the goal was to design and visualize a completely fictional tech device. There were no rules or constraints, only the task of developing a compact, functional object that could plausibly exist in the real world. The focus of the challenge was on a fast concept workflow, clean hard-surface modeling, high-quality materials and shaders, and a clear, elegant product-visualization style. The final result is a small interface device featuring a display, tactile buttons, sharp geometric edges, and a semi-transparent lower module that adds a technical and futuristic character to the design.

Concept & Design Approach

To define the aesthetic direction, I first explored what kind of device I wanted to create, something clean, minimalistic, compact, and believable.
I gathered a mix of AI-generated reference images and traditional product references and combined them into a small inspiration board. The collection included cues from modern tech products, tactile interfaces, transparent components, and sleek industrial design. These references guided the overall mood, proportions, and material choices of the final device.

Reference board — visual cues for form, materials, and overall direction

Modeling & Materials

The device was modeled in Cinema 4D using a clean hard-surface workflow, starting with simple blockouts and refining the form into sharp, functional geometry. Most materials were created procedurally to keep the surface details flexible and non-destructive.

WIREFRAME

MATERIALS

CLAY

MATERIALS

Simple custom circuit board

Device separated into its main components

Some materials

Although the device is visually simple, the modeling and material work focused on clean structure and believable details. Because the lower module is semi-transparent, a small circuit board was created and placed inside to make the device feel functional when viewed through the tinted plastic. Only a few textures were used, mainly the symbols on the circuit board and the display graphic featuring the “K” icon. Most surfaces rely on procedural materials, keeping the look flexible and consistent across the model. The final presentation was lit with a minimal studio setup and an HDRI to emphasize the clean edges, subtle reflections, and overall tech aesthetic.

Rendering

Final renders were produced with Cinema 4D and Octane, focusing on basic lighting, soft reflections, and a dark studio environment to highlight the silhouette and materials.

RENDERED

CLAY

Model out of Agisoft Metashape

Next Steps

Several additions are planned to further develop this concept piece. I want to create a short product animation showcasing the device in motion. The internal circuit board will also be expanded with more detailed components to strengthen the sense of functionality. Additional material refinements and a more advanced lighting setup are planned as well, turning the concept into a more complete product visualization.