Cambium: Handcrafted Wooden Timepieces
Project Overview
Cambium is a premium automatic watch crafted from locally sourced wood. As part of the founding team, I was responsible for designing a timepiece that seamlessly blends natural materials with precision engineering, creating a unique product that celebrates both craftsmanship and sustainability.
The Challenge
In 2017, my two friends and I embarked on an ambitious venture outside my typical digital product domain: creating automatic watches crafted from locally sourced wood. This cross-disciplinary project challenged me to apply digital design thinking to physical product creation, navigating constraints of materials, manufacturing processes, and market positioning.
The key challenges included:
- Designing a premium timepiece without formal training in industrial design
- Balancing durability with aesthetic appeal using natural materials
- Creating a product that could compete in the luxury watch market as a new startup
- Developing sustainable manufacturing and service processes
Project Goals
- Sustainability Through Design: Create a timepiece that promoted environmental consciousness through the thoughtful use of locally sourced wood and sustainable materials.
- Cross-Disciplinary Innovation: Apply digital product design principles to physical product creation, demonstrating versatility in problem-solving across mediums.
- Balance of Form and Function: Develop a watch that was not only visually distinctive but also durable and functional as a premium timepiece.
- Brand Narrative Development: Craft a compelling brand story connecting modern craftsmanship with environmental awareness through product design.
Design Solutions
1. Material Innovation
I developed a unique approach to working with wood as a primary material:
- Researched and selected specific wood species based on durability, grain patterns, and sustainability
- Created a proprietary treatment process to enhance wood's natural properties while maintaining its character
- Designed a case structure that worked with wood's natural expansion and contraction
- Integrated metal elements strategically to reinforce structural integrity
- Developed finishing techniques that highlighted each piece's unique grain patterns
2. User-Centered Physical Design
I applied digital UX principles to physical product design:
- Conducted ergonomic studies to ensure comfortable wearability
- Created multiple prototypes to test user interaction with the crown and clasp mechanisms
- Designed the watch face for optimal readability while maintaining aesthetic appeal
- Developed a user journey map for the entire product experience, from unboxing to daily use
- Incorporated user feedback through iterative prototyping
3. Sustainable Production System
I designed a production system aligned with our sustainability values:
- Established partnerships with local wood suppliers using sustainable forestry practices
- Created a zero-waste production process that utilized wood scraps for other components
- Designed packaging made from recycled and biodegradable materials
- Developed a repair and service program to extend product lifespan
- Implemented a tree-planting initiative tied to each watch sold
Results & Impact
The project yielded significant outcomes in both product and personal development:
- Successfully launched a limited collection of handcrafted wooden watches
- Received recognition in several design publications for innovative use of sustainable materials
- Established a loyal customer base appreciative of the unique aesthetic and sustainability story
- Developed cross-disciplinary design skills applicable to both digital and physical product creation
- Created a framework for omnichannel design thinking that I continue to apply across projects