2022-24
Designing the World’s First AR Laptop [SPACETOP]
Sightful
UX/UI CASE-STUDY
I worked as a product designer at Sightful, contributing to Spacetop—the world’s first AR laptop for work and productivity. This innovative device consists of a keyboard and AR glasses, offering users a massive 100-inch virtual canvas to work on. Spacetop was recognized as one of TIME’s Best Inventions of 2023, and I was proud to contribute to its success through design, collaboration, and hands-on problem-solving.
Device Experience Design
The challenges in this project were significant. Synchronizing the physical hardware with AR states demanded careful coordination across disciplines and technologies. The LED’s behavior, the mini-display feedback, and the animations in the glasses all had to be aligned to create a cohesive moment. My role was to synthesize a highly technical system into a simple, intuitive, and delightful experience for the user. Balancing these requirements while collaborating with engineers, developers, and industrial designers made this a deeply rewarding process.
Out-of-Box Experience
One of my core responsibilities was designing the out-of-box experience, crafting the very first interaction users had with the device. This required synchronizing the hardware—such as the LED and mini-display—with AR animations displayed through the glasses. This boot animation wasn’t just functional; it represented the “birth” of the Spacetop canvas, introducing users to the expansive dotted matrix that defined the AR interface.
UX for Hardware
Augmented Reality Notification System
In the same vertical, I designed the notification system, a key challenge in mixed reality environments. Using academic research as a foundation, I developed a framework for notifications that were non-intrusive yet effective, ensuring they complemented the Spacetop’s immersive workspace.
Creating an Experience-Centric State Machine
I worked extensively on the state machine, mapping the hardware and software states across different scenarios to ensure seamless transitions for users. This involved designing systems that accounted for various device conditions, from power cycles to operational states, creating a smooth and reliable experience.
UI for Mixed Reality
Communicating Ideas to Product & Devs
To effectively communicate my design vision to product teams and developers, I had to go beyond static visuals and wireframes. I experimented with the .p5 library to simulate interactive behaviors, created detailed motion studies in After Effects, and provided each deliverable with an interactive, animated Figma prototype. Each of these approaches helped refine the user experience and ensure that design intentions translated clearly into the final product. Through this hands-on process, I not only enhanced my ability to express complex AR interactions but also deepened my understanding of the technical constraints and possibilities within the space.
Becoming a 'Tech' Designer
During my time working on Spacetop, I had to quickly adapt to new tools and technologies to bring my ideas to life. Without a formal technical background, I found myself at the intersection of design and pseudo-engineering, needing to bridge the gap between abstract concepts and interactive prototypes. This challenge pushed me to explore creative solutions, blending traditional design techniques with emerging digital tools to prototype interactions that felt intuitive and immersive.
Prototyping
Bringing on the Swag
Following a company rebrand, I worked on the creation of designed swag and assets to unify the team and celebrate our milestone. From hoodies and socks to water bottles, notebooks, and even a custom wine label, these items helped foster a sense of identity and excitement among employees.
Launching with an Immersive Web Experience
As part of Spacetop’s launch when we exited stealth mode in May 2023, my colleague and I designed an immersive, experience-driven website to showcase the world's first augmented reality laptop. I built the site on Readymag, crafting an interactive journey where users could scroll through a dynamic 3D reveal of the device. As the page scrolled, the Spacetop’s glasses moved upward, unveiling the UI inside and immersing visitors in the product’s futuristic experience. This unique approach captivated audiences, driving over 1 million visits and generating 1,000+ sign-ups for our early access program. Spacetop was featured in Wired, Forbes, and other leading tech media outlets.
Spacetop Launch
PROJECT OVERVIEW
ROLE:
Product Designer
DURATION:
Two years
Figma
After Effects
Prototyping
TAKEAWAYS
Working at Sightful for two years was a highlight of my career; a designer's dream. I got to build, iterate, and play with a group of extremely talented and smart colleagues. Representing Spacetop at conferences, showcasing it on demo floors, and interacting directly with users gave me invaluable insights into how we can build better tools for the future of work.
IN CONCLUSION
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