Portfolio: Taylor Wittwer

This semester in Aesthetics of Design has taught me a lot about how to make things functional, but also look good. Through exploring different design movements, learning how to give and receive constructive critique, and applying aesthetic principles to physical artifacts, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the intersection of art and engineering. We completed two major projects during the semester: the Upcycle Project and the Main Project. Each offered a unique opportunity to explore aesthetic expression in a different context.

Upcycle Project: Rustic Modern Wood Mosaic

The goal of the Upcycle Project was to create an aesthetically driven piece using inexpensive or recycled materials. I chose to explore the Rustic Modern aesthetic, which blends natural textures and tones with clean, geometric design. As a remote student with limited access to tools and materials, I decided to work with firewood from my backyard—wood that had been sitting unused for years.

My original plan involved using uniformly cut blocks, but I ultimately embraced the natural variation of the wood pieces. This shift added organic character to the final composition and reinforced the aesthetic I was targeting. The final artifact is a warm, visually engaging wall décor that highlights wood grain, asymmetry, and balance—a piece I’m genuinely proud of, especially considering the constraints I worked within.

Links to Upcycle Project Posts:

Aesthetic Exploration: Modern Rustic

Upcycling Project: Modern Rustic Wood Mosaic

Upcycle Progress: Rustic Modern Wood Mosaic

Opposite Aesthetic: Rustic Modern Wood Mosaic

Rustic Modern Wood Mosaic

Main Project: Rustic Modern Mountain Shelf with Drawer

For the Main Project, we were asked to build something that not only fit a certain aesthetic but also included a dynamic or moving part. I stuck with the Rustic Modern style and built a Mountain Shelf with a Drawer. I had made a mountain shelf before, but this time I wanted to improve the design by using better angles and adding a drawer for extra function.

This project helped me improve my CAD modeling and woodworking skills. It also gave me a chance to think more carefully about how to make something both functional and nice to look at. The drawer adds a small but useful feature, and I’m really happy with how the shelf turned out overall.

Links to Main Project Posts:

Main Project Plans and Inspirations: Mountain Shelf

Main Project Plans and Alternatives: Mountain Shelf

Design Preview Report: Mountain Shelf

Mountain Shelf: Specs and Constraints

Progress Update: Mountain Shelf

Final Report Part 1: Mountain Shelf

Final Report Part 2: Mountain Shelf

This class pushed me to think more deeply about design and what makes something visually appealing. I’m especially proud of how both of my projects came together, even with the challenges of working remotely and using limited materials. I also learned a lot about problem-solving and how to adjust my plans when things don’t go as expected. Overall, this course helped me see how design plays a big role in engineering and product development.