A collection of my work over the past 3 years of studying product design

1. Kristy Soto
Industrial Design Portfolio 2023

2. Kristina Soto
Languages
Bilingual proficiency in spanish and
english
Education
Junior studying product design with a
minor in design research at Columbus
College of Art and Design.
Contact me
Email:
Ksoto.1@go.ccad.edu
Phone number:
440-570-2608
Linked in:
Kristy Soto
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 2
About me
Hello, I'm Kristy Soto, a 20-year-old designer from Columbus, Ohio. My design inspiration
is drawn from the people and world around me. During my sophomore year in college, I
discovered my passion for research, particularly in the social aspects of design. Coming
from a bustling Mexican restaurant, I thrive in social environments, connecting with
people and understanding their needs. Let's create meaningful experiences that bridge
design and human connection.
Skills
Software
Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Indesign, Photoshop, Solidworks, Procreate and Keyshot.
Prototyping
Prototyping and model making with laser cutter. As well as Woodshop Tools with various
types of foam, cardboard and wood
Experience
Cozumel Mexican Restaurant
Throughout all my 4 years in high school, I gained versatile experience at my parents'
Mexican restaurant, excelling as a hostess, waitress, and manager. As a hostess, I
mastered computer systems, managed seating, handled orders and payments, and
resolved issues. As a waitress, I efficiently managed tables, took orders, bartended, and
ensured exceptional customer service. In my managerial role, I led restaurant operations,
addressed customer concerns, handled cash closeouts, and trained new staff,
contributing to operational efficiency.

3. CONTENTS
1
Consumer
Electronics
Minimalistic calming wifi
router design concept
2 3
Kitchen
appliances
Heuristic evaluation
for cold brew maker
Rocky boots collaboration
non-slip restaurant shoe
Soft
Goods
4
Car alarm security system
Automotive
Electronics

4. Calm
Connect
a calming way to
experience wifi

5. Create a wifi
router with extenders
that fit
contemporary interior
design aesthetics.

6. Market opportunity
Friendly
Foe
Hidden
Visible
Visible
Friendly
Opportunity for
new visible and
friendly design
Utilizing a 2x2 matrix to categorize current
wifi routers and identify design
opportunities
Design for a friendly, approachable user
experience, catering to those seeking a
simple and calming wifi router
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 6

7. Inspiration of form and aesthetic
Stillness Mindfulness Simplicity
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 7
Often employed in ritual
practices, Zen Gardens serve
as tranquil spaces for
connecting with nature,
offering a serene environment
characterized by profound
silence.
Singing bowls are commonly
employed in meditation practices
to enhance relaxation. The gentle,
rounded shape of these bowls is
renowned for instilling a sense of
balance and unity.
The simplicity inherent in the
circular patterns of Zen gardens
fosters a clear mind, enabling
individuals to fully embrace the
present moment.

8. Shape Exploration
Shape for design
Using the shape of sound bowls and patterns
within zen gardens to create new designs
Foam exploration
Foam mockups were made to help better
understand the final overall shape of the bowl and
the sand patterns within the bowl.
Extenders
Zen gardens initially feature decorations such as
rocks, with the original idea to have those be
extenders. However, opting for a separate device
allows for a cleaner less cluttered feel.
Final Choice
Final Choice
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 8

9. Ethernet port
Base features
All base features are on hidden on bottom of unit along with
glowing lights to let user know when each feature is in use
Airflow vents
Restart
Power on
Wifi connect
Power on
Wifi start up
Restart
Wifi setup

10. Restart
Power on
Extender features
Extender is half the size of base, button functions ae on top, along
with coordinating lighted rings to show off each feature.
Ethernet port
Restart
Power on
Wifi connect
Ventilation
Wifi Start up

11. Strong wifi connection
Weak wifi connection
Sand pattern
rings glow
to inform
user on wifi
connection
status

12. Rendered Colorways
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 13

13. Materials
Colors Finish
Neutral
earthy colors
for the base
sandy pale beige
color to
represent sand
Soft touch two
component
polyurethane
plastic
Textured
polyethylene
Matte plastic
finish
Rough plastic
finish
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 13

14. Gourmia
Cold
Brewer
Heuristic evaluation
and redesign
recommendations

15. Introduction
Enhance the steps within the current brewing process by addressing
issues making it more efficient for the everyday consumer.
Methodology
Discovered pain points with the heuristic evaluation, and innovated
with sketches

16. 3
1 2
6
4
5
SET-UP
BREWING + CHILLING
CLEANING
Optimizing User
experience through
3 key phases:
Current steps to brew coffee:
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 16
Read manual
and assemble
device
together
Fill Pitcher
with water
according to
coee chart
in manual
Select
desired
brewing
time with
timer button
Replace
coffee
basket with
filled ice
basket
Hold on chill
button to
run chill
cycle for 6
minutes
Fill coffee
basket
according to
coffee chart

17. Key principles used to
evaluate pain points within
the set-up, brewing/chilling,
and cleaning processes
Usability Heuristics
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 17
10 Usability
Heuristics
Freedom Visibility
Mapping
Consistency
Flexibility
Recognition
Help
Error
Prevention
Error
Recovery
Minimalism

18. Heuristic
Summary
SET-UP BREWING + CHILLING CLEANING
Unboxing, assembling, and
reading manual
Setting timers according to
manual
Draining excess coffee, and
hand washing parts
Numerous parts can be
overwhelming
Locking mechanism not
strong or visible
Assembly is not labeled,
more room for user
error
No status indicators
Buttons are not
clearly labeled
Flow of operation
does not follow flow
of buttons
Drainage is
unintuitive and leaks
Parts are not
dishwasher safe
1 2 3

19. Set-up
1 User can see slider from top
view
Lock icons are bolder and
printed on for clear
reading
Inner tube
attaches to
bottom of
pitcher
Consists of lid, coffee
filter, and ice basket. All
screw and fit together as
one unit
Instructions are clearly
show on bottom of pitcher
with printed numbers
(side view of pitcher)
(Top view of pitcher)
(Inner tube)
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 19

20. Brewing
2 Lighted rings
around buttons
to show product
being in use
Coffee Strength
bar buttons
instead of clock
timer
Strength Bar slowly fills
up until completed
brewing
Added start and chill cycle buttons
for clearer instructions
Power on Start
Chill
Cycle
Coffee
Strength
Left to right button order, flow
follows order of operation
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 20

21. Cleaning
3
Removable
drainage piece
in base
Lift silicone plug
to release excess
coffee drainage
Dishwasher safe parts that all clearly
disassemble easily
Inner tube piece with
coffee basket, ice basket
and lid
Base
Pitcher
Lid
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 21

22. Rocky
Shoe
Non slip restaurant
shoe collaboration
with rocky boots

23. Our Goal
Design a non-slip server
sneaker that is water resistant,
comfortable to stand in all day,
providing an alternative to
bulkier, less attractive non-slip
shoes.
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 22

24. Issues to address with current non slip work shoes
Clunky design Slippery sole Hard to clean
1 2 3
Outdated designs
Unattractive with
uniform
Water-resistant soles
are not enough for
dirty kitchens
Busy times call for
even dirtier floors
with oil, food, or
water
Fabric materials or
cheap leather soak
up food
Servers are required
to keep uniforms
clean

25. Why Rocky?
Unique soles
Rocky makes soles resistant
to oil and water, perfect for
messy kitchen floors
Durable materials
Rocky excels in crafting
durable boots, ideal for busy
servers
Hassle-free cleaning
Rocky offers waterproof
materials, ideal for servers
when dealing with potential
food messes

26. Ideation
Kristy Soto | Portfolio 13

27. Tech
pack

28. Final Product

29. Soteria
Car alarm security
system

30. How can I make a
user feel safe
when leaving their
parked car
behind?

31. Project Goals
Discover who this is affecting?
Define what safety looks like?
Design improved safety for vehicles.

32. Who is this affecting?
Individuals in low income areas and those who live in large busy cities
Break ins vs. Auto theft
Some crimes happen happen for valuables while others are stolen vehicles
Where? (in US)
Large busy cities like Milwaukee,WI; Seattle, WA; San Francisco, CA; and
Bakersfield CA
My target market
Individuals who live, work, or
go to school in low income
areas or large cities
Target Market

33. I see car break-ins happen
day and night.
- head of university security
My car is crucial, I cannot
afford another one.
- low income student
No car security systems with
cameras on the market.
- vehicle security specialist
Interview Summary
Quotes and key takeaways
Preference for car security at
school/work
No current security in participants
cars
Limited experience with car security
devices

34. Market research
Compiled criteria found through research to categorize products based on
features and helpful usability
View status of car remote
Alert user through devices such as a phone
Allow for user to safely install without professional
Inconspicuous and seamlessly integrates with car
Product Research
Current products on market to protect cars from auto theft
Steering wheel lock Car boot Viper car security system Dash cam

35. View status Alerts user Easily
installed
Seamless

36. View status
Area of opportunity
Nothing on market currently that allows
user to view status of car remotely from
phone.
x
x
x
x

37. Soteria
Easy to install security
device with bluetooth
cameras connected to
phone via soteria app.

38. Soteria app features
Notify authorities from app
when needed
sends alerts to nearest police station for
emergencies
Alerts user of suspicious
activity
Detects motion and smashed windows
through shock sensors
View car from anywhere
anytime
View car from rotating cameras on device
through app

39. Final product shots

40. Soteria device Features
1. 4 cameras are located all around device
36

41. Soteria device Features
1. 4 cameras are located all around device
2. Adjustable clamps extend to length of mirror
37

42. Soteria device Features
1. 4 cameras are located all around device
2. Adjustable clamps extend to length of mirror
3. Smooth soft curves mimics car mirror shape
38

43. Soteria device Features
1. 4 cameras are located all around device
2. Adjustable clamps extend to length of mirror
3. Smooth soft curves mimic car mirror shape
4. Battery operated through bottom
compartment
39

44. Thank you!
Reach out to me: ksoto.1@go.ccad.edu