Mail | dimitris@niavis.design
Phone | +30 6946957581
Contents About Dimitris Design process Work samples
Kaylad-e
Platonics wiref series
Mastor-e QReceipt
ReCyclad3D HUB
CollegeLink
Braincare
Niavis. Design
About Me Ever since I can remember myself I was into taking things apart, figuring out how they work and reassembling them. Drawing and sculpting were my favorite hobbies till I came into contact with street art, graffiti and stencils. I always loved mixed techniques though, and still like to mix the third dimension when drawing and vice versa. When I found out about Design it all came together. Imagination and artistic skills combined for a greater cause, creating meaningful experiences that enhance everyday lives. My Diploma is in product and systems design engineering, a multidisciplinary field by definition. Thinking in systems and finding holistic solutions was encouraged by the Department and was one of the greater lessons that have stuck with me. As a University student I experimented with different Design disciplines and fell in love with Design process. A powerful tool that can help us understand, empathize and create better tomorrows. I apply Human-Centered Design methodologies and mindsets to help organizations innovate. Every organization has different needs and strengths and weaknesses. The first thing is to listen and understand. What are their goals, their strategy, target group, etc. Proposed solutions are tailor made for each client. The whole life-cycle of the product/service has to be taken into consideration, as well as the specific context, stakeholders and the relationships between them. It is fascinating how the application of the H.C.D. process can facilitate innovation in different areas of Design. I truly enjoy working as part of multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with passionate visionaries on projects that shift the paradigm.
Design process
Product/service life-cycle
The whole life-cycle of the product/service is taken under consideration in order to create Ad-Hoc, optimized solutions. These fit the specific needs of the organization, target group and the rest stakeholders. A well designed product will be easy to assemble, package, use, repair, upgrade and finally reuse/recycle. Design services are provided throughout the life-cycle, from need identification to product launch.
Human-Centered Design
All products and services are used and experienced by human beings. Thus it is necessary to place the human in the center of our attention. Human-centered Design can create Branded, meaningful experiences that adapt to the users and eventually, enhance their life. At the same time, the proposed designs must fit the organization and the context that their intended to be used in.
Quadruple bottom line of sustainability
We live in a finite world, with finite resources. Design can’t be outside this context. Sustainable alternatives are needed in order to shift the paradigm and change our path. The approach we take must be holistic in order to increase our chances of creating viable solutions that will lead us closer to a more sustainable future.
Work samples
Kaylad-e
[product design, engineering]
Description An electric-assisted tricycle for stylish commute in the modern metropolis.
Scope To provide an option for active commuting in the modern metropolis. A basic goal is to reduce most of the stress factors related to commuting by bike, so that more people can adopt its use.
Key advantages - Rides like a normal bicycle - tilting trike - Independent suspensions - Integrated lights and direction flashes - Mid-drive motor - Hydraulic disc brakes - Integrated locking system - Integrated bag rack - Removable battery - Battery secure-lock on trike - Gear hub - Belt drive - Tubeless tires - Integrated GPS - Theft discouraging parts - Integrated fenders - Low center of gravity - Built to last and mature over time
Ergonomic study and geometry research Huge thanks to Mr. Murray for the enormous help.
Geometry and Concept exploration After the basic geometry was decided ideation began on how the concept will work and how the user will interact with it. Six concepts were selected and further explored. At the same time, individual subsystems of the trike were explored and evaluated based on the overall experience. A LEGO technics mockup was constructed to quick evaluate the tilting system configuration.
Concept exploration Battery and locking system form and interactions.
Concept exploration Bag rack concept exploration.
Size and proportions Kaylad-e compared to a 50th percentile human male model
Bag rack Briefcase and shopping bags strapped and secured in the bag rack. Easy and safe way to carry things when commuting
Position, intention and direction lights Kaylad-e features integrated head and tail lights, Also it uses direction lights to inform other road users about the rider intentions. It is vehicle designed for use in the city, so it has all the necessary instruments dictated by the regulations for motorcycles.
Independent suspensions Each wheel has its own suspension, making the ride smoother and fun.
Integrated locking system and removable battery Kaylad-e features an integrated steel chain for protection. It’s battery is removable for safety and ease of use.
Tilting The vehicle can corner like a traditional two-wheel vehicle, making it more flexible and fun to ride.
Mid-drive motor, belt drive and trouser protection Assistance to rider is provided by a mid-drive motor, optimizing the center of gravity and providing a smooth, enjoyable ride. A belt drive is used to transmit the force to the rear wheel.
Watch video on youtube
Platonics Wiref furniture series [branding, product design, furniture design]
Description Platonics is an experimental brand that provides locally produced, high quality, elegant and ecofriendly design products for the habitants of the modern metropolis. At the same time it is intended to create synergies amongst local designers, makers, craftsmen and artisans. It is based on Platos’ realm of ideas and draws inspiration from Platonic solids and the archetypes that shape our everyday lives.
Key advantages -
Modular Natural materials Biodegradable Designed for disassembly Handmade by local craftsmen and artisans Flat packed
Watch video on youtube
Watch video on youtube
Mastor-e
[product design, service design, UX, branding]
Description A service that help find the best technicians operation nearby.
Context When moving to a new district it is really hard to find reliable technicians. Imagine how hard it is to find one if you move to a new city, or country. Most people rely on word of mouth to find the assistance needed, but that doesn’t always work. Web services just provide the user with a large number of technicians but not enough information about the quality of their work and their behavior. On the other hand, most technicians don’t have web presence and thus it is really hard for the users to reach them.
Goal Create a cross platform service that will help find the best, available technicians operating nearby. A community rating system will help the best of them to stand out and increase their clientele. The app UI was designed according to material design guidelines.
Stakeholder mapping
Mapping all the parties immediately involved and the interactions between them, Understand the stakeholders needs and desires. Predict and solve problems amongst the stakeholders.
Competition research and comparison Pros and cons of the competitors operating in Greece. Comparison based on ten key metrics. Evaluation of strengths and weaknesses. Part of the SWOT analysis was visualized.
Brand manual sample Different logo was created for the User and Technician modules. Brand fonts and color palettes.
Stationary Cards, envelopes, letterheads and stamps.
Action flows and interactions map Map of the whole application and the interactions between user and technician. On the upper part of the graph is presented the technicians side and below, the user’s.
Use scenario flow
Screens and transitions on a typical scenario of use. On the top of the graph are presented the user screens and interactions. At the bottom the technician screens and interactions can be seen.
After splash screen the user on the search function. It is simple and clean. Autocomplete suggestions are there to make it faster to use the app. The user can write and save addresses for future use.
The user is provided with the option to use the current location using the GPS of the phone. The search results are presented to the user shorted by different criteria. The user can see the profile picture of the technician, his distance from him, how expensive the technician is rated, the ratings from other users and last but not least, the immediate availability [color coded on the left of the screen].
Technician profile The user can see pictures form past work of the technician as well as of him or other team members. This is a safety feature for users that had bad experiences in the past, designed especially for women.
Chat between technician and client [technician side]. Name and address are visible to all the time. If the technician chooses to take the job there is a pop up screen that lets him inform the client about the time of his arrival.
After the technician has accepted the job and arranged the rendezvous, his status is automatically switched to busy so that other users can be presented with the available ones.
In app messaging The user can use the app to send messages to the technician. There is an option to send images of the item that needs fixing, so that the technician can gear up properly.
Notifications about the acceptance of the technician and the time of his arrival on the client home screen.
Watch demo on youtube
Qreceipt
[product design, service design, UX]
This project is presented with the license of Leverage Plus©. All rights are reserved.
Description Design a service that will aid the Greek Ministry of Finance deal receipt and VAT fraud.
Context Some business don’t provide receipts when payed, yet they collect the VAT from their customers and never give it to the state as intended. This leads to profit loss on behalf of the state. I was contacted by Leverage Plus© and asked to help them develop a service proposal that would aid the Ministry to reduce the for mentioned phenomenon. This project is presented with the license of Leverage Plus©. All rights are reserved.
Goal The brief stated that we had to assume that all receipts will have a QR with all the information of the transaction. Create a cross platform service that will make easy and rewarding for the users to help the Greek Ministry of Finance to reduce VAT fraud. The app should be as simple to use and nonintrusive. Users will be rewarded with discounts on cultural sites and events. Also, while using the app, taxpayers in Greece will not have to collect receipts for the Tax office. The app UI was designed according to material design guidelines.
This project is presented with the license of Leverage PlusŠ. All rights are reserved.
Stakeholder mapping Mapping all the parties immediately involved and the interactions between them, Understand the stakeholders needs and desires. Predict and solve problems amongst the stakeholders.
This project is presented with the license of Leverage PlusŠ. All rights are reserved.
Actions flow and transitions
Step by step actions taken by the two categories of users, tourists and Greek taxpayers. On the upper side the setup phase is presented [done once for each user]. On the lower side the everyday use.
This project is presented with the license of Leverage PlusŠ. All rights are reserved.
Confirm profile information Each user that is Taxed in Greece can enter his details and receive benefits form the Ministry of Finance according to the amount of receipts and behavior.
Scanning a receipt The camera of the phone is used to scan the QR code of the receipt.
Receipt details Screen that shows the information contained in the receipt. The user can double check if everything is correct. In case of fraud the user can inform the authorities without any fuss.
Personal page Here the user can be informed about the amount of receipts gathered and check the different trophies she/he can receive.
Watch demo on youtube
ReCyclad3D HUB
[Strategic service design, product design]
Description A strategic change by design that aims to transform and upgrade the recycling scheme of Syros island and the Cycladic region, offering new revenue schemes and education about the emerging prototyping and manufacturing technologies.
Context The New Raw was a one week workshop held in Syros island on September 2015. The goal of the workshop was to find ways of improving the recycling of plastic in the island. We had the pleasure to learn from the guys of Better Future Factory and their Perpetual Plastic Project how to upcycle PET polymer into 3D printer fillament.
Team members Dimitris Niavis | human-centered designer Strategy, concept development lead, research, visualization Eleni Avramidou | design engineer Concept development, research Costas Partheniadis | design engineer student Concept development, research, product design [glasses] Alkistis Papageorgiou | design engineer Concept development Keterina Tsirepa | Architecture student Concept development, product design [glasses] Sonja Lunau | Environmental consultant Concept development
Syros Island, Greece
About Syros island Syros is an island in the Aegean sea, Greece. It is the “capital� of cyclades and has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The locals are proud of that heritage and try to promote cultural events throughout the year. A wide variety of festivals take place in the island, ranging from film to performing arts. As an island, it heavily relies on the import of potable water. The majority of it arrives from the Greek mainland in the form of PET bottles. Our team was comprised by six members. Four out of six, have lived in the island and are familiar with the culture, problems and specialties of it. The other two helped us to challenge our assumptions and in combination with user-research and stakeholder interviews to crystalize our understanding of the matter.
Syros Island, Greece
About Syros island Syros has 25.000 residents and 80.000 tourists visiting each year. The average consumption of water for each person is about 2Lt per day. The big [1.5Lt] plastic water bottles weight 13 grams of PET and the small [0.5Lt] 10 grams. If the individual drinks 1.5Lt water per day form bottles [there are other sources for water, eg coffee, beverages etc.] that equals in 20 grams of plastic per day for the individual. A quick calculation shows that there are 103.3 tons of plastic water bottles used every year in Syros island alone. Beverage and other PET or polymer bottles aren’t included in this equation. We found out that collected PET is bought by recycling factories for 640 dollars per ton. The municipality could take advantage of this opportunity and increase their earnings by 66.112 just by not mixing the PET.
Water consumption
PET usage
Current situation
There is recycling scheme in the island that uses different bins for each material [plastic, aluminum, paper, glass]. Locals have embrace it and have high percentages of recycling. Yet, that scheme has some fatal flaws. They collect the separated materials in a single truck, mixing them together. Then, the materials are packed in a container and shipped to Athens. Mixed materials are sold in a really lower price. A truck must take them form the port and transfer them to a factory that will separate them once again. After that, they are transported to recycling factories and when they are ready, sold and transfered to another factory to be used again. This process has an increased ecologic footprint due energy consumption necessary to separate and carry them around. Man hours and costs are increased as well. There is a huge profit loss for the municipality of Syros [as well others] due to the lower selling price of the mixed materials.
Proposed System
The creation of an experimental HUB/makerspace near the port of Hermoupolis. There, locals and tourists will be able to see and experience the whole recycling/upcycling process and participate in it, providing closure and education. The PET bottles collected will be upcycled in to 3D printer fillament. 3D printed souvenirs made of the bottles consumed in the island will be sold. The visitor will be able to choose form a wide database of 3D models the one that she likes to print. This database will be consisted of functional and decorative items. University students, designers, makers and 3D printing enthousiasts will be able to print their own models there. Talks and workshop about the emerging technologies will be held in the HUB in order to educate and create synergies in the region. Partnerships with boat companies can be made and sell custom made souvenirs on their vessels. At the same time, a processing mini factory will operate near Hermoupolis thandling the heavy recycling of the PET bottles. Water bottles will be used as filament for FDM 3D printers [fusion deposition modeling]. The following functions will be done there, cleaning, grinding, extrusion, rolling and packaging. The filament will be sold in both local and international markets. Both structures will be primarily powered by solar and wind energy generated in the island.
Stakeholder map
Key Benefits of the new system - Provides closure about the recycling process - Educates locals and tourists about emerging technologies - Takes advantage of the money that have already been payed for the PET - Increased income for the Municipality - Upcycle the PET that is imported in the island - Lowers the overall carbon footprint of Syros island - Offers a unique experience to locals and tourists - Offers customizable and unique souvenirs to tourists - Provides opportunity to user to print and use customized objects. - Elevates the cultural image of Syros island - Creates synergies in the Cycladic region and beyond - Strengthens the maker culture of the region - Strengthens the recycling culture in the island and beyond
Roadmap
First blood [SE3D glasses]
As first, launch project of the HUB, we proposed to print glasses for the IInternational film festivals that are held in Syros island. Each festival can customize the shape and add their logo. The glasses will be used to view 3D films. After this first stage of use and in co-operations with opticians in the island, the users can stransform the 3D printed glasses into sun glasses, a much needed, functional item for the visitor of the Aegean. This can help spread the story of ReCyclad3d HUB beyond the borders of the island and Greece.
CollegeLink
[Branding, communication design]
Description Develop the CollegeLink Brand and help the company connect with it’s audience.
Context As part of the collaboration with Athens Center of Entrepreneurship and Innovation we worked on defining and structuring the CollegeLink Brand, as well as communicating it correctly to the stakeholders. Last but not least, a set of templates were designed using smart objects in Photoshop to help CollegeLink promote their actions while maintaining the consistency of the Brand.
Company CollegeLink is a startup that helps yound people find the optimal job or internship. The relly on an algorithm that connects candidates with the right organization based on competencies, education and soft skills.
The first thing we did was to define the ecosystem in wich they operate. Find the competition, check their strength and weaknesses and how CollegeLink compares to them. After that and the SWOT analysis, we possitioned the Brand. Then we created some graphs to help us communicate the desired look and feel of the Brand. This proved helpfull in the latter stages of the project, as it was keeping everyone on the same page.
Promotional Banners targeted to students and young profetionals looking for job or internship. Some banners were created for use on Facebook and follow the 20% percent guidelines. All deliverables were PSD files with smart objects so that they could easily make changes according to their needs and keep the overall identity intact.
Poster and web banners for orientation day organized by CollegeLink. We needed to create a different look and feel for the poster so that it could stand out from the rest that student see everyday in the Universities.
Infographic for the code arena contest organized by CollegeLink and NetStudio.
BrainCare international [branding]
Description Branding for the BrainCare International S.A and its subsidiary in Greece.
The company BrainCare is a cutting edge organization that provides health care services for brain and nervous system conditions. It also serves as an evaluator for medical equipment and supplies. Last but not least, they organize conferences.
Goal The goal was to define their Brand as a carrying expert. Medical conditions are tough for the person having the problem, as well as for their loved ones. The Brand should inspire hope and positivity.
Brand values moodboards Moodboards created to better communicate the values and the overall feeling of the Brand, inside and outside the company. It was used as a tool to optimize the communication with the client, concerning the direction of the project.
Logo construction and grid
Logo breakdown The idea behind the final Logo. Combination of symbols.
Color palette
Niavis. Design
[branding, UX, interaction design]
Logo creation
Click to see video
Logo guides
Click to see video
Basic grid derived form logo
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Site analysis, requirements and wireframes What information must be communicated and what is the optimal way to do so? A “zoom-out� view of all the website. Specification and hierarchy of the requirements. Concept ideation through wireframing.
Wireframing and custom web design Using the custom grid that derives from the logo wireframes were created for all the main pages. After some testing and interaction evaluation a custom. responsive web design was created in Illustrator using the Brand color palette, fonts, typographic scales and style guides.
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Motion studies Custom, animated transitions for most elements were created in order to spice up the overall experience of the webpage.
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Thank you fo your time!
Have a project or an idea you’d like to collaborate on? Let’s talk!
Mail | dimitris@niavis.design Phone | +30 6946957581