System Design for Material Samples

Client: Wolf Gordon
Year: 2020
Our Role: Ethnographic Research, Design Strategy, Industrial Design, Product Development & Production

Wolf Gordon produces wallcovering, upholstery, and a range of materials for contract interiors. Leadoff Studio worked closely with Wolf Gordon to redesign their entire Material Sample program that they provide to architecture and interior design studios.

Leadoff Studio visited architecture and interior design studios to conduct Ethnographic Research, and shadowed Wolf Gordon Sales Representatives on studio visits. Interviews were conducted with architects, designers and librarians to understand how they were setting up and using their company material libraries, and to unearth their pain points.

DESIGN STRATEGY

Leadoff Studio came up with Design Strategies for Wolf Gordon that focused on the user interactions. Strategies included making the kits visually optimized in studios so they would be available and eye-catching, as well as creating tactile and ergonomic moments of interest that make each interaction more memorable. The strategies were used to create actionable steps that Leadoff Studio executed on to bring the design to life.

material samples design strategy ergonomic.gif

material+samples+design+strategy+tab+detail.jpg

material samples design strategy modules.jpg

MODULAR DESIGN

A critical design strategy and implementation was to allow studios to build their own material collections tailored to their needs. Previously Wolf Gordon provided prearranged materials collections in boxes printed with permanent labels. Most studios did not want all of the samples in each collection, and the labeling quickly became outdated or incorrect.

Leadoff Studio’s system design enables Sales Reps to work with designers or librarians to build collections that fit their company’s needs. They can choose the box, bin, or binder, then fill it with material samples that make sense for their studio. Once complete they can name their collection and the sales rep will print a custom label from a predesigned template.

material samples design strategy modular lable.jpg

material+samples+design+strategy+modular.jpg

material samples design strategy bins.jpg

DIGITIZATION

During interviews the Leadoff team found that customers and Sales Reps wanted to easily track their material libraries. Leadoff helped digitize the system with RFID tags that enabled Sales Reps to quickly scan each custom collection, to understand what materials customers were being used.

material samples design strategy binder interior.jpg

material samples design strategy rfid.jpg

SUSTAINABILITY

During Ethnographic Research we found that Wolf Gordon customers took notice when their materials suppliers were more eco-conscious. This insight helped guide many decisions during the design and product development process for the kits.

Elements are made out of sturdy materials using construction methods that are built to last decades.
Modular labeling system allows for reuse of the organization modules. The only element that gets recycled is the label.
Boxes, Bins, and Binders are wrapped in archival quality fabrics that do not deteriorate in sunlight.
Boxes, Bins, and Binders are made from FSC Certified materials.
The Moulded Pulp Drop-ins are made from natural sugar cane pulp and recycled paper.
Every part of the kit has a minimal and classic design appeal that relies on timeless style so there is no desire to replace them.