Fusion
Fusion is a fully analog Super 8 motion picture film camera designed with a retro-futuristic aesthetic. It blends the tactile, hands-on experience of classic Super 8 cameras, which went out of production in the mid-1980s, with a modern reinterpretation of what they could look and feel like today. Inspired by my passion for cameras and the growing societal desire for “vintage” and “retro” experiences, Fusion brings nostalgic video memories to life without digitizing the process. By keeping the experience purely analog, Fusion allows users to connect with technology in a way that fosters mindfulness and presence.
Check it out on Yanko
Project Overview
Time & Type
August - December 2024
Fall Thesis
Trend Analysis
Design Visualization
Consumer Electronics Design
Ergonomics & Human Factors
Skills
Mentors
Hector Silva
Raquel Rabago
Zane Hoekstra
Fusion combines the analog, tactile charm of traditional Super 8 cameras with a sleek, futuristic aesthetic.
Nostalgia is a powerful tool.
It allows us to reconnect with a simpler time, not just in memory, but in feeling.
In a world obsessed with speed, we long for something slower, more intentional.
Super 8’s are iconic because of…
The handle
The cartridge
The intentional experience
Super 8’s are outdated because of…
Unintuitive controls
Boxy, ununified forms
Handles lacking ergonomics
How can the Super 8 camera be redesigned to preserve its analog, tactile experience and charm while evolving into a cohesive, modern design language?
The disassembly revealed the internal layout, precise dimensions for a CAD model, ergonomic insights on handles, and the evolution of button placement and features over time.
Understanding Engineering & Ergonomics
The initial design focus was on the handle, a pivotal part of the camera’s functionality. Comfort was evaluated through prototypes and peer feedback, which then drove the refinement of the overall aesthetics. By letting comfort guide the design process, many other choices became streamlined, allowing the overall design to develop around this central factor.
Leading Design With Comfort
Fusing Comfort With Form
After selecting three comfortable handle designs, the next step was to explore orthographic views to see how the handle forms could seamlessly integrate with the camera body. This process allowed for a deeper understanding of how the handle’s shape influences the overall aesthetic and functionality of the camera. Ultimately, I found that the circular handle offers the most comfort and design flexibility.
