Industrial Design Discpline
ACCESS
ACCESS is a conceptual consumer electronics brand aiming to democratize future-tech and sustainability by designing products made from recycled materials and e-waste. The brand emphasizes ergonomic functionality, repairability, and accessibility for everyday users globally
B2C
Electronics
01
Details
Sustainable Mouse Design, ACCESS A1
Sep - Dec 2021 | 3.5 months | Concept, Design & Execution by me under academic supervision
Redesigned a next-generation computer mouse with a focus on environmental sustainability and modular design. The ACCESS A1 model eliminates unnecessary waste, incorporates friction-based and solar charging, and is fully repairable. This project explored materials, ergonomics, energy generation, and user experience to propose a scalable product for future-forward consumers.
Tools
My Role & Responsibilities
I led the entire product lifecycle — from research to concept generation, CAD modeling, and sustainability validation. My role included identifying user pain points, defining key sustainability goals, prototyping ergonomic designs, creating exploded views, and integrating green energy systems such as friction and solar-based charging. I also evaluated lifecycle impact through SimaPro and presented complete deliverables including renders, animation, and a packaging mechanism for a 15° unboxing experience.
Primary Stakeholders
Target Audience
Tech-savvy users | Eco-conscious professionals | Daily computer users
02
Objective & Insights
Current mice generate high e-waste due to poor repairability and short lifespans
Dependence on disposable AA batteries increases cost and environmental burden
Most designs lack ergonomic flexibility and fail to support diverse user grip styles
Problem Hypothesis
Mice today are not repairable, heavily reliant on disposable batteries, and quickly discarded. A sustainable redesign must reduce material waste, extend life, and empower users to maintain their device independently.
03
Design Process
Double Diamond
20%
Discover
- Listing the problem from observations & self experience. [Problem Identification] - Validating the problem with users. [User Validation] - Why the mouse is ethically unsustainable. [Ethically Questionable, Unsustainable Design Practices] - History & evolution of mouse in design & technology. [Product Study] - Study of current market trends. [Competitor Analysis]
25%
Define
- Current mouse are overwhelming & environmentally unsustainable. [Problem Statement] - Redesign mouse for simplicity and sustainability. [Design Brief] - Prioritizing & planning for project deliverables. [Project Planning]
40%
Design
- Experimenting various forms & Technology. [Form Exploration] - Final product with ergonomic & simple form. [Finalizing the form] + Friction Charging. [Concept Tech Innovation] - Material decision is inspired from Ocean plastic waste by Microsoft. [CMF] - Simapro Analysis. [Sustainability & Product Cycle]
15%
Deliver
- Final renders, product animation, and 15° lift packaging prototype - Life Cycle Analysis in SimaPro for production-scale impact - Created posters, simulation reports, and presentation deck
Design Journey
This project redefined the norm by prioritizing repairability and material reuse. From exploring e-waste screens to designing a snap-fit system for easy repairs, I turned ethical flaws into opportunities. The brand “ACCESS” emerged to reflect the product’s universal design — low-cost, future-ready, and customizable.
04
Impact & Limitation
Reduced battery waste by 95% using alternative charging
Lowered total carbon footprint by 38% vs. ABS wired mice
Enabled reuse of parts in 80% of service cases via modularity
Limitation & Further Action
Due to limited local data, recycled screen modules and wireless systems were modeled using proxy values. Next steps include collaborating with recyclers for real material inputs, expanding the product line to keyboards and accessories, and field-testing charging durability over long-term use.
