VEXA — Reimagining the Workspace Through Projection and AI
VEXA is a mini AI-powered projector designed to rethink how we interact with digital tools in everyday environments. Built for flexibility, clarity, and movement, it blends gesture-based projection with a companion mobile app — turning any surface into a workspace. This project explores how emerging tech can reduce screen fatigue and boost productivity by making interfaces more adaptable, ambient, and human-centered.
Ames, IA
2025
Consumer Tech
Challenge
Research showed people are frustrated with screen fatigue, workspace clutter, and limited mobility. As digital work grows, users want tools that adapt to them — not the other way around. I set out to design a device that blends seamlessly into any workspace while enabling flexible, touch-based interaction.
Results
I designed VEXA: a mini AI-powered projector with a sleek aluminum body, gesture-based projection UI, and a companion mobile app for customization and control. I built the physical concept, crafted a futuristic UI system, and prototyped the mobile experience to show how work can extend beyond the screen — anytime, anywhere.
3
Core systems; projector, UI, and mobile app
25+
Interface screens design across devices
4
Months duration
Process
Research & Analysis: Started with user research and interviews to understand pain points around screen fatigue, workspace clutter, and mobile productivity.
Sketching & Wireframing: Explored early ideas through sketches and wireframes of the projector, projection UI, and mobile app — testing different interaction models.
Concept Refinement: The original concept projected onto walls, but after usability issues emerged, I pivoted to a surface-based system with better touch accuracy.
UI & Branding Design: Designed the interface system in Figma, developed the VEXA branding using modern type, minimal color, and a future-forward tone.
3D Modeling & Prototyping: Modeled the projector in SolidWorks, rendered in KeyShot, and began 3D printing the acrylic-based form for a physical proof of concept.
Usability & Testing: Tested the model’s physical usability, touch zones, and form factor — even without full electronics, the proof of concept helped validate interaction and scale.
“ I know hundreds of people in the industry who would benefit from something like this. It’s a truly innovative way to rethink how we interact with our digital tools — simple, elegant, and ahead of its time”
Subinay Malhotra
Senior Product Designer
Conclusion
VEXA represents more than just a product concept — it’s a vision for how we might interact with technology in more fluid, intuitive ways. While the current version is a refined prototype, the next step would be getting it engineered and tested in real work environments. With proper development, I believe VEXA could help professionals reclaim minutes — even hours — each day by removing friction from digital tasks. If I had the chance to put this in the hands of real teams and measure its impact, I’m confident it would prove its value. This project pushed me to think beyond screens, to reimagine interfaces in physical space, and to challenge what a workspace tool can look and feel like.