Fresco

01. The Problem

Market Gap: Despite the massive $150B home renovation market, no integrated solution exists to guide homeowners through accurate restoration.

Key Pain Points

• Restoration projects are intimidating and complex
• Contractors are expensive ($) and not always historically accurate
• Online DIY tutorials are conflicting and overwhelming for historic homes
• Historic details are often lost due to lack of guidance
• Homeowners abandon projects halfway due to stress and cost

Research Insights

• 82% of homeowners would take on more restoration with better guidance
• 70% of historic home restorations cost more than expected
• 0 comprehensive tools exist combining AI, education, and historical accuracy

02. The Solution

Fresco is like having a contractor, historian, and designer in one device.

Core Value Proposition

Democratize home restoration, preserve history, and empower individuals to confidently tackle restoration projects themselves.

How It Works

1. AI Scanning: Device scans and identifies surfaces using cameras and LiDAR sensors
2. Projection Guidance: Projects restoration plans directly onto surfaces showing exactly what to do
3. Educational Integration: Voice-guided tutorials and connected app with comprehensive learning tools
4. Material Recommendations: Suggests historically accurate materials with cost estimates

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Technical Innovation

Advanced Scanning Technology:

• Five 13-megapixel cameras with 5-bracket HDR imaging
• Handles challenging lighting conditions and environmental variables
• Real-time data synchronization via WiFi and Bluetooth
• Precision documentation rivaling professional surveying tools

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AI-Powered Analysis:

• Compares scan data with historical architectural databases
• Identifies structural risks, damage patterns, and restoration priorities
• Generates comprehensive renovation roadmaps with material sourcing
• Provides cost estimates and timeline projections

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‍Intuitive Interface Design:

• Tablet app with damage visualization and annotation tools
• Real-time overlay projection for on-site guidance
• Step-by-step tutorials covering schedule, scope, and budget
• Seamless data transfer between device and mobile application

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03. Product Development

Hardware Design

Challenge: Create portable device that's stable enough for accurate scanning and projection.

Solution: Triangular folding base design balancing:

• Portability (folds for transport)
• Stability (tripod-like structure)
• Range (adjustable height and projection angle)
• Elegance (trustworthy, premium aesthetic)

Technical Integration: Cameras + LiDAR sensors + projection unit in cohesive industrial design.

Software Ecosystem

Central Hub App Features:

• Project tracking and budgeting tools
• Educational tutorial library
• Digital scan storage and restoration plans
• Material recommendations with shopping integration
• Voice control for hands-free operation

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Brand Development

Brand Strategy: Bridge modern technology with heritage craftsmanship

• Name: "Fresco" evokes restoration, art history, timeless quality
• Visual Identity: Clean typography + warm neutrals + architectural photography
• Tone: Empowering, approachable, knowledgeable
• Positioning: Movement to preserve history, not just a tool

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04. Design Process

Research & Strategy

• User Interviews: 15+ homeowners and DIY enthusiasts
• Market Analysis: Home renovation trends and preservation guidelines
• Competitive Research: Existing tools and service gaps
• Pain Point Mapping: Identified workflow barriers and emotional frustrations

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Ideation & Concept Development

• Device Exploration: Handheld vs. stationary, various scanning approaches
• Interaction Models: Projection mapping, voice control, app integration
• Technical Feasibility: Collaborated with engineering on AI and hardware constraints
• Business Model: Rental vs. purchase pricing strategy

Prototyping & Design

• Hardware: 3D renders showing folding mechanism and sensor integration
• Software: Complete UI flows in Figma for tablet app
• Motion Design: Animated concept videos demonstrating core functionality
• Brand Application: Logo, color system, typography, photography style

Presentation & Validation

• Investor Pitch: Cinematic deck with integrated video and emotional storytelling
• Stakeholder Alignment: Regular reviews with technical and business teams
• Narrative Development: Positioned as empowerment story, not just tech solution

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05. Impact & Recognition

Awards & Recognition

🏆 Red Dot Award 2025 - Brands & Communication Design

• Recognized for seamless integration of product design, branding, and UX storytelling
• Highlighted for challenging traditional contractor model
• International recognition for innovative approach to home restoration

Business Impact

• Market Opportunity: First-to-market in $150B+ restoration space
• Funding Readiness: $1.5M raise positioned for production and marketing
• Scalability: Clear roadmap from historic homes to broader renovation market
• Partnership Potential: Historic preservation societies, DIY influencers, retail channels

Innovation Highlights

• Technology Integration: Novel combination of AI scanning, projection mapping, and educational content
• Market Disruption: Challenges expensive contractor dependency model
• User Empowerment: Transforms intimidating process into confident, guided experience

My Leadership Contributions

• Project Vision: Proposed original concept and drove strategic direction
• Cross-functional Coordination: Led team across UX, industrial design, and brand design
• Brand Development: Created complete identity system and product packaging
• Presentation Excellence: Developed award-winning presentation approach

06. Key Learnings

Cross-Disciplinary Product Leadership

Leading a team across UX research, industrial design, and brand design taught me to translate concepts between disciplines while maintaining consistent design vision throughout complex product development.

Emotional Storytelling in Product Marketing

Positioning Fresco as a movement to preserve history rather than just a technology tool created stronger emotional connection and differentiated us in the crowded home improvement market.

Hardware-Software Integration Design

Creating cohesive experiences across physical and digital touchpoints requires early alignment on interaction models and consistent design language throughout all product components.

Award-Winning Presentation Craft

Developing the Red Dot Award-winning presentation taught me how cinematic storytelling, integrated motion design, and emotional narrative can elevate technical product concepts to international recognition.

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