Gorilla Mask
This five-week industrial design project centered on creating a mask from Bristol paper that represented a chosen animal. The challenge required constructing the form using only tabs, with no glue or tape, which emphasized precision, problem-solving, and an understanding of paper as a structural material. Alongside the mask itself, detailed assembly instructions were developed to guide others in putting the design together, highlighting the importance of clear communication and usability in the design process.
Mask Inspiration
Imagery That Guided the Process
Referenced gorilla images to study facial structure, expressions, and presence
Looked at gorilla logos to capture bold and recognizable features
Blended realism and symbolism to guide the mask design
Resulting mask emphasized defining gorilla characteristics in a strong, impactful way
Sketches
Visualizing Ideas Before Prototyping
Sketched variations of gorilla facial expressions
Explored changes in eyes, mouth, and brow
Identified expression that conveyed strength and presence
Used sketches to guide the mask design direction
Mask Iterations
Exploring Scale, Forms, and Expressions
Explored form and structure through multiple iterations
Built early prototypes with tape to test shapes and proportions
Iterations established final form as foundation for design
Transitioned to tab-only construction for precision, stability, and clean assembly
Die-Cut
Creating a Repeatable Template for Mask
Prepared final mask files in Adobe Illustrator
Used Kongsberg machine for precise cutting and creasing
Red lines marked cuts; green lines marked folds on Bristol paper
Ensured accuracy, consistency, and clean results for assembly
Instructions
Building the Mask From Pieces to Final Form.
Created clear assembly instructions for independent construction
Ensured steps were easy to follow and visually clear
Accurately represented each stage of the building process
Highlighted importance of communication in successful design
Mask Process
Breaking Down the Construction Process
Images show step-by-step mask construction
Assembled pieces with tab system for secure fit, no fasteners needed
Tabs simplified building and ensured structural precision
Flat patterns transformed into a 3D gorilla-inspired mask with bold features
