Final Project—Experiential Retail Design
<Introduction>
Spatial Design 2-Final Project on Experiential Retail Design.pdf，作者 tian dongIn "Spatial Design 2," I was required to complete a personal assignment, which accounted for 40% of my grade. This project involved designing a "Creative Installation Lab" within a retail environment. This lab needed to be a hybrid space that blended mini-studios and immersive retail, providing a space for a specific group of artisans to experiment and showcase their work while also allowing for public interaction. It also needed to balance artistic expression with commercial viability.
Specifically, I was tasked with completing these key design tasks: first, clarifying the lab's target audience, needs, and integration with the retail brand. Through iteration, I refined the design, incorporating interactive or experimental elements to create a storytelling experience. I also planned functional areas for display and co-creation, selecting materials that reflected craftsmanship and sustainability, and using a color palette that complemented the atmosphere and brand. I also designed an interactive journey between customers and artisans, using multi-sensory design to enhance engagement and integrating technologies like AR to enhance the experience. I also employed sustainable solutions, including eco-friendly materials, to ensure the design aligned with the brand's values and differentiated through experiential retail.
For submission, I will need to prepare an A2 digital presentation board, including the design concept, floor plans, user journey maps, at least three 3D renderings, and a material and color palette. I will also submit a 3D model and a digital portfolio. Walkthrough animations are considered as bonus points.
The evaluation will focus on the clarity, innovation, and logical development of my design concept (40%); the impact of design elements on the brand and experience (10%); customer experience design (20%); and the quality of the visual presentation and 3D model (30% total). The deadline for the assignment is August 6, 2025, between weeks 10 and 14.
WEEK 10—The teacher assigns the content of the final project
The teacher specified a size for the final project and asked us to design our store within this size. My research focuses on clothing retail store design, so I'll be building my design model within this size. The teacher hasn't finalized the dimensions yet, but he's stated that we should design at least a one-story store, and if time allows, we can complete two floors. He'll consider it. Once the dimensions are finalized, we'll share them on WhatsApp.
We can start by clarifying the functional divisions within the space and organizing the logical connections between these areas to avoid design disjointedness.
The teacher also emphasized that the interactive installation we designed in Project 2 is part of the final project and should be integrated into the overall spatial layout, not a standalone module.
We need to draw sketches and discuss and improve them with the teacher. The teacher will provide feedback on the layout and functional integration. Finally, we'll combine these sketches to complete the model. We can't just present the sketches directly; the final model must show the teacher our sketch design process.
WEEK 11—Final project details and layout sketches (bubble diagrams)
This week, our teacher gave us the dimensions for our final project: 23 meters long, 16 meters wide, and a height between 3 and 5 meters. In class, we were asked to list all the spaces in the store, their functions, and the design elements, furniture, and hardware that each space would contain. We had to start by writing down the 10 areas and listing what they were.
Afterwards, the teacher asked us to draw 5 different bubble diagrams in class and design the layout of the space. I drew 5 diagrams in total and showed the teacher these 5 different layouts.
The teacher gave me feedback:
The teacher said that the fourth of the five images aligns with the overall layout of the clothing design. She said I could further optimize the display of the fourth image, placing the capsule toy area next to the checkout area to streamline the process. She also said I should consider the connections between each area and ultimately improve it. She also said that after optimizing, I could draw a floor plan of my clothing store on paper and, using the bubble diagram, draw some details about the store design, such as lighting, displays, and furnishings.
WEEK 12—Floor plan sketch improvements and teacher feedback
From Week 11 to Week 12, I completed my floor plan and some sketches of functional details, and the drawing teacher gave me some feedback.
<Original sketch>
The instructor commented that my sketch layout for the checkout area was too spacious, and the overall flow was too limited, lacking a clear focal point. He suggested refining the overall layout based on my sketch.
The instructor drew an example of a layout concept. He suggested further optimizing the fitting room, which previously resembled a single room and could be made more open.
The improved sketches would allow the store's facilities to feel less crowded.
<Teacher's example (sketch)>
I refined my previous sketch and showed it to my teacher, who gave me some feedback. She said the artist interaction area was a bit empty and that we could add two display tables for design works. The checkout area could be made less empty, perhaps with a tall cabinet and some discounted items.
<Final improved sketch>
WEEK 13—The teacher gave me feedback on my blender modeling
The teacher looked at my model design and said that there was a problem with my photo area, which was a bit crowded. It could be combined with the clothing store area, which would be better. The device part could be moved a little to the right to optimize the user route. I can think about how to design the wall later.
Before
After
WEEK 14—The teacher gave me feedback on my blender modeling
I took my design to my teacher for further review this week. The teacher said that my furniture and hardware equipment should be consistent with the shape of my wall and brand concept. I can add some built-in cabinets and think of interesting wall designs, roof structures, and lighting.
WEEK 15—The teacher gave me feedback on my blender modeling
This week I improved the model based on the feedback from the teacher. Afterwards, I sent my model to the teacher in the form of screenshots. The teacher gave me some feedback.
The teacher said that my wall was a little thick and suggested that I make the front wall thinner. I made some improvements based on the teacher's feedback and finally exported the rendering.
<Rendering>
Final presentation
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