Annex Smokeless Combustion Device
The Annex Combustion Device was designed and engineered by ELEVEN for a startup looking to innovate in the tobacco and cannabis device space. The device uses a custom designed HEPA grade filter with specially blended carbon to eliminate both odors and visible fumes.
Role: Design Lead
Team: Mike McDuffee, Phill Seagram, Ryan Donovan, Andrew Panasyuk
Built on the guts of a proof of concept engineering prototype, the goal of the design phase was to explore construction methods, primary interaction points, and different form possibilities.
Design Construction Methods
After review with the engineering team, we explored concepts around three different construction methods
Extrusion
Clamshell
Sandwich
Refined Concept 1
This refined concept direction was designed around the clamshell construction approach. This allowed for easy assembly of internal components and opportunities for beautiful interaction surfaces. Using a full round form sliced off into flats in the silhouette, we were able to create a beautiful, pocketable form with a great handfeel. Additionally, the flat areas provided excellent zones to place interaction features. This direction was ultimately selected by the client.
Refined Concept 2
This refined concept direction was also designed around the clamshell construction approach. We utilized a form language based off of earlier extrusion based concepts. Using a CNC process instead of an extrusion, we were able to create a more refined form. This concept also prioritized pocketablity and handfeel. This direction was not selected by the client, but learnings from it helped to inform the final product.
With strict engineering requirements and hardpoints, we refined the selected concept for ease of manufacturing
These are earlier design iterations focus on iterations of key features, interaction points, form, and engineering hardpoints. The primary interaction points design was tasked with focusing on were the valve array, the ignition element, the ignition button, status LEDs, and filter access.
Filter icon and interaction design exploration
We were tasked with creating icons for the filter, LEDs to communicate filter life and batter life, and LED indicators for ignition of smoking medium.
