Samantha Kong|




About      Works     Explorations

VITA

project type: Brand Extension
date: March 2025
duration: 1 month
skills: Clay Sculpting, SolidWorks, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator





project description

VITA is a performance-driven cycling helmet that embodies the precision and durability synonymous with the Fiskars brand, reimagined for the modern hobbyist. Its design exhibits functional innovation, merging structured geometry with the reliability that the brand conveys. 

Equipped with an integrated headlamp for low-light conditions and an adaptive fit system with an adjustment dial, VITA prioritizes comfort and versatility without compromising safety. Designed for those who take their passions seriously, it transforms everyday activities into experiences of capability. 



brief
The objective of this project is design the outer shell of a helmet as a part of a brand extention that visually transfers a distinctive brand identity. This project requires a meticulous balance between brand values, aesthetics, team collaboration and craftsmanship. The model to represent this design is sculpted out of kolb clay, an automotive designing clay that is both an additive and subtractive medium. By acknowlendging and utilitzing aspects of Fiskars’ brand identity in our design, we would be able to achieve the aspects of design already 

This project was a collaborative effort with Sasandee Hereth, Noami Lozada, and Konstantine Assal. My role in this project included working and iterating the design, sculpting the model, 3D modelling the dial and buttons, slicing the flashlight, and sewing the strap. 
brand analysis
Fiskars is a brand that is honest, functional, and reliable, which is reflective through the products they offer.  People who use Fiskars products trust the brand which is what makes them return for more products.  Consistent attributes that exist throughtout their products include the iconic Fiskars colours, orange, black and silver. Where orange part, ‘part  A’ is where the user interacts with the tool such as the handle, and the silver part, ‘part b’ is where the work gets done, such as the blade. Their products also have a utilitiarian feeling to them and rigitity where its construction is solid yet elegant and intuitive to use.  

Our chosen target audience is middle aged people engage in a lot of activities and want to feel sleek and professional while still remaining casual and honest while doing it. Someone who would buy this product would like to cycle recreationally, yet wants to be taken seriously while doing it.


ideation
We brainstorned as a group and each presented our own concepts that we best liked. We then chose our favourite one to continue exploring and each sketched over it to further explore what could be done with the design. After experimenting with different designs, we came up with our final concept which included a headlamp and an adjustable dial to fit the user’s head. We found that these features would align with our target audience. 

The functional attributes of the desgin would align with the needs of our target audience to amplify the ultilitarian Fiskars experience. 

Final design                                                                                                            

modeling

Only one half of the helmet was modeled to prioritize design intent over full symmetry during the sculpting process. This approach allowed for faster iteration, and a mirror placed along the flat edge was used to visualize the completed, symmetrical form of the helmet.        
                                                                                                                                                                                                   early stages
To begin, we built up and stenciled the main elements of the helmet. The clay softened when heated, so a steamer was used to warm the material before application. Once the clay set, the surface was refined by removing excess material and smoothing the area.
refining design Dental tools were used to shape fine details, while clay scrapers helped refine and smooth larger surfaces. The sculpting process was completed in teams of two, allowing the other team members to work on presentation boards, 3D printing, or sourcing additional components. This workflow really worked for our team in progressing all processes at once to meet our deliverables and deadline. 












detailing and accessories Additional components were sourced to complete the model. A flashlight was disassembled and cut in half on the bandsaw to replicate a functional headlamp. Custom clips and an adjustment dial for the rear of the helmet were 3D modelled and printed in PLA. An existing helmet strap was repurposed and sewn into a new orientation to better align with the Fiskars design language. My role was focused on modelling and printing the buttons and adjustment dial, and assembling the strap.


final touches



findings and challenges
This project was highly intensive and required our group to collaborate closely in order to meet the deadline. I learned how to carefully sculpt blob clay to achieve smooth, sharp surfaces while translating the design language of an existing brand into a product they would not typically produce. The project demanded strong attention to detail and constant communication within the team to stay aligned and move forward with a shared vision.