The challenge was to design a wall-mounted Air Quality Sensor that could continuously monitor the surrounding air without requiring any interaction from the user. As the product is always present in the background, the design needed to feel discreet and unobtrusive while still communicating a clear and intentional product identity. The design DNA established when designing the motion sensor should be the main driver for the visual expression.
Our role
Our role was to create a design where functionality and aesthetics were closely integrated. A key challenge was finding the right way to allow air to flow freely into the sensor while keeping the electronics and internal components protected. Rather than treating the necessary perforations as a purely functional detail, we explored how they could become an essential part of the product’s visual identity.
Process
A significant part of the design process focused on the perforation pattern. We explored different sizes, shapes, densities, and arrangements to balance airflow, technical requirements, manufacturability, and visual expression. The aim was to create a perforation language that felt natural and refined while making the airflow openings an integral part of the overall aesthetic.
Result
The result is a wall-mounted Air Quality Sensor where the perforations become a defining design element. The openings are cut in the concave funnel which gives them a subtle curvature. They allow the sensor to continuously sample the surrounding air while creating a distinctive and recognisable surface. The product remains visually quiet on the wall, yet its functional purpose is subtly expressed through the design itself.
Client
Onics delivers comprehensive B2B IoT solutions, providing the hardware, software, and cloud platforms that power smart home, energy management, and healthcare technologies. They specialize in white-label devices -including gateways, sensors, and smart plugs - allowing businesses to seamlessly brand and deploy their own connected solutions.
