Final Portfolio: Joe Yoder

This semester in AesDes has pushed me to explore new skills, think deeply about form and function, and pursue projects that combine the digital and physical worlds. I challenged myself with two very different builds: one focused on woodworking and visual illusion, and the other on upcycling old technology into art. Both speak to my passion for engineering aesthetics and thoughtful, hands-on creation.

Main Project – Optical Illusion Cutting Board

This cutting board is one of my favorite projects I’ve ever worked on at CU Boulder. The idea began with a fascination for reality-distortion and optical illusions—those visual tricks that make flat surfaces look like they’re bulging or warping. I found an MTMwood plan that matched my concept, then modified it to include three types of hardwood for stronger contrast: European Beech, Sapele, and Walnut.

I planned and executed the full fabrication process: precise strip cutting, planing, glue-ups, cross-cutting, and sanding. Each step required both design foresight and physical skill, from aligning grain direction to solving planer tear-out issues. One moment that stands out was the final glue-up—it was a stressful, high-stakes process and didn’t go perfectly. A cracked corner taught me the importance of trusting my instincts. Still, the final product turned out better than I imagined. The color contrast, the bulge illusion, the polish—it all came together beautifully.

This project combined everything I love about my major: creative problem-solving, aesthetic sensitivity, and precision fabrication. I was proud to have it accepted to the ATLAS Expo in addition to our class. It’s not just a cutting board; it’s a statement piece I’ll use and display for years.

Upcycle Project – Exploded PC Wall Display

For the upcycle assignment, I wanted to give new life to old PC components I had recently replaced. Instead of recycling or tossing them, I created an exploded-view wall art piece inspired by engineering manuals and artists like Todd McLellan. The project involved fully disassembling a graphics card, CPU, RAM sticks, cooling components, and more, and arranging them in a visually balanced display on a reclaimed wood board.

The aesthetic leans heavily into the “exploded view” philosophy: showing how complex systems fit together by pulling them apart. I carefully planned the layout with the CPU at the center—like the brain—surrounded by components that depend on it. Even the smallest screws were included, laid out by size and alignment at the bottom (thanks to a smart suggestion from a classmate).

Gluing everything down with E6000 took longer than expected (and gave me some serious headaches—literally), but the final result is clean, sleek, and technical. It transformed trash into art, while showcasing the complexity behind everyday electronics. It’s both a personal memory of my old computer and a conversation piece that reflects my interest in hardware, design, and sustainability.

Reflections & Takeaways

These two projects, while totally different in materials and goals, share a common thread: they represent how I think and work as a designer. I like to ask, How can I tell a story through the form? Whether it’s a kitchen tool that tricks the eye or computer parts arranged like an engineering diagram, I aim for projects that balance beauty and purpose.

What I’m proud of:

• Taking two ideas from concept all the way to final product.

• Learning new fabrication methods, especially in woodworking.

• Balancing aesthetics with technical detail in both projects.

• Getting accepted to the ATLAS Expo with my cutting board!

Challenges I overcame:

• Time management, especially with glue-up drying times and access to shared tools.

• Physical setbacks—like the cracked board—and learning to adapt.

• Finding creative ways to display deconstructed tech without it looking messy.

• Pushing past frustration and staying committed to quality and intentionality.

Looking Ahead

These projects have solidified my love for hands-on creation, whether it’s with a table saw or a tube of glue. I plan to keep building, exploring, and maybe even turning these into future portfolio pieces or freelance work. I’d love to take the exploded display further with other types of devices or add AR overlays. And for woodworking? I already have ideas for my next illusion board.