Shengjie Guo
Company project
2024
Cooperate partner
Incari GmbH
The INCARI Retrobox was a design exploration for a functional integration unit intended for installation in classic vehicles.
My primary responsibility focused on defining the exterior design, material composition, and CMF direction, translating technical requirements into a visually coherent and timeless form.
Given that the product would be used in retro-styled cars, I deliberately adopted a retro–futuristic aesthetic — blending the mechanical precision of modern components with the geometry and proportions found in vintage industrial design.
The form is defined by clear edges, balanced proportions, and golden-ratio alignment, giving the object a sense of crafted solidity and mechanical honesty.
In terms of material and finish, the Retrobox combines:
A CNC-milled aluminium base, bead-blasted and anodized for a matte metallic tone;
A high-polished PMMA lid with sandblasted inner surfaces for a contrast between clarity and diffusion;
CF Nylon 66 and TPU gaskets introducing a soft contrast to the metal structure；
These CMF decisions highlight a dialogue between durability and refinement, reflecting both the tactile values of classic automotive design and the clean precision of modern technology.
The Retrobox design achieves a visual identity that feels both retro and contemporary — a bridge between past craftsmanship and future interface integration, designed to harmonize with vintage interiors while preserving a distinctly modern edge.
The research phase of the INCARI Retrobox began with an exploration of classic automotive design language and the emotional qualities of analog industrial products. I analyzed how vintage mechanical components communicated precision, stability, and authenticity, focusing on design principles such as geometric clarity, visible structure, and material honesty. Drawing inspiration from retro car interiors, mid-century devices, and crafted metal objects, I built a visual moodboard that connected vintage craftsmanship with modern simplicity. Through this process, I identified three key design drivers: the use of sharp geometry and golden-ratio proportions to convey balance and timelessness; the combination of matte aluminium, polished PMMA, and soft tactile contrasts to express material depth; and a visual tone that evokes calm confidence and mechanical purity. This moodboard became the foundation of the entire design direction, defining the visual DNA of the Retrobox and guiding all subsequent decisions in form development, CMF strategy, and overall aesthetic coherence — ensuring that the final product harmonizes with the retro context while embodying contemporary precision.
The design development of the INCARI Retrobox followed a fast, iterative workflow focused on sketch refinement and quick 3D visualization. Starting from rough hand sketches, I explored different proportions, edge transitions, and surface relationships to find a balance between retro aesthetics and modern precision. These sketches served as immediate visual tests to capture the tactile and mechanical character of the object.
After defining the primary geometry, I moved into rapid 3D modeling and real-time rendering, using it as a tool to evaluate light behavior, material contrast, and volume consistency. To refine the tactile impression of the heatsink area, I experimented in Adobe Illustrator, generating and overlaying various metal texture patterns and groove directions to achieve the right visual rhythm and depth.
This compact process — combining analog intuition with digital precision — allowed fast visual iteration without overcomplicating the workflow. Each step maintained a focus on proportion, craftsmanship, and clarity, ensuring that the final design of the Retrobox communicates both functional authenticity and refined aesthetic restraint.
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The final renderings of the INCARI Retrobox were created to emphasize material contrast, geometric precision, and visual harmony within a compact, functional form. The focus was on communicating how the design feels — its tactile balance, structural clarity, and visual weight — rather than just how it looks.
Through a combination of soft ambient lighting and controlled reflections, the renderings highlight the subtle relationship between the matte aluminium base, the polished PMMA lid, and the textured heatsink surface. Each element was carefully composed to express the object’s dual identity — engineered and crafted, technical yet emotional.
The final visualization captures the retro–futuristic character of the Retrobox: sharp yet balanced, minimal yet expressive. It reflects the design intent to merge vintage inspiration with contemporary refinement, resulting in a product that integrates seamlessly into classic automotive interiors while standing as an independent design statement.
Pmma cover
Break out box cover
Gasket
Aluminum base
The final CMF (Color, Material, and Finish) strategy for the INCARI Retrobox was developed to express a balance between industrial precision and retro authenticity. Each material was carefully selected to reflect both technical reliability and tactile warmth, allowing the product to harmonize with classic automotive interiors while maintaining a distinctly modern identity.
The aluminium base, CNC-milled from 6061 alloy and anodized in a muted P431U tone, establishes the visual foundation — matte, solid, and durable. Around it, TPU gaskets introduce a soft tactile layer, creating a functional yet elegant contrast between metal and elasticity. The breakout box cover, made from CF Nylon 66, continues this contrast with a raw, textured finish that communicates strength and honesty.
A high-polished PMMA lid, with sandblasted inner faces, completes the composition — the outer surface reflecting light with clarity, while the inner diffusion softens the visual depth, creating a dynamic play between transparency and opacity. The overall color palette — P431U / P432U / P428C — delivers a sense of calm mechanical precision, emphasizing subtle contrast over vivid saturation.
© 2025 Shengjie Guo & Incari GmbH. All rights reserved.
Based in Berlin – Available for collaboration worldwide.
Based in Berlin – Available for collaboration worldwide.