Lilia Martínez Nenclares

Originally from Mexico City, my designs are deeply influenced by the vivid scenes of my upbringing, where every color and texture tells a story. Creativity has been my companion since I was eight, sparked by my first art class. This passion has grown, fueling my work and guiding me towards environments where creativity isn't just appreciated, it's essential. Yet, my approach to design is not solely about imagination. Through my education, I've learned to blend my artistic vision with practical skills in manufacturing, understanding not just the 'what' but the 'how' of bringing ideas to life. My journey is a testament to the power of creativity infused with real-world application, all while staying true to my roots.

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647-806-5072

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The Four Essential Pillars for Design Excellence

The four essential pillars encompass human-centric design approach and the understanding of full-bodied, three dimensional physical interaction of user, product and environment. The projects generate innovative solutions using research-driven, evidence-based designs which focus on the user experience.

Image of a tricycle being driven by a person

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Enhancement of Human Lifestyle

iVa! elevates vendor lifestyles by easing physical strain, optimizing workspaces, and shielding from environmental elements. Its ergonomic design combats chronic pain caused by long riding distances.

Its modular nature allows for personalized configurations, catering to diverse operational requirements. iVa!’s focus on adaptability and user well-being underlines a dedicated effort to improve daily life, encapsulating a holistic approach to fostering healthier, more efficient work environments.

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Interlocking system with a push to release

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The service order from Vendor, Business Option, Assemble to Sell

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Human-Interaction & User-Centric Design

iVa! caters to both vendors and customers. Its design features a condiment module for customer personalization, enhancing the dining experience.

Emphasizing vendor-centric modularity, iVa! adapts to diverse needs and budgets, allowing for gradual upgrades. This approach ensures vendors can tailor their workspace to their specific requirements and financial capacity, highlighting iVa!'s dedication to creating an adaptable, user-friendly solution for all.

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Drawing of person removing modules from the tricycle

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Drawing of person serving food from the tricycle

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Ergonomics & Human Factors Design

iVa! is tailored for the 50th percentile of Mexican men, enhancing comfort and fit.

It's designed for easy navigation through Mexico City, with a focus on the dynamic nature of street vending. Modular components and detachable tops reduce strain, enabling vendors to manage setups single-handedly. This ergonomic approach streamlines operation, improving ease and efficiency while highlighting iVa!'s commitment to vendor well-being.

Stackable Drawers with Lo-Tek Integration

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Made with traditional Materials and patterns

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Assisted Driving and Space for Personal Storage

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Sustainability & Social Responsibility

iVa! blends sustainability with social responsibility, using Lo-TEK technologies for natural cooling, minimizing energy use.

Its design, featuring traditional materials and patterns, seamlessly integrates into urban settings, fostering environmental and cultural respect. Equipped with electric assistance, it eases vendors' transport of up to 200 kg, promoting eco-friendly mobility. This approach underscores iVa!'s dedication to green innovation and community well-being.

Project Summary

In Mexico City, informal commerce serves as a livelihood for many. With street food vending employing a workforce of about 80k, the city exhibits a dynamic yet challenging vending environment. Street food vendors face challenges such as constant mobility which leads to physical injuries due to the improvised design of their vending setups. In addition, their low-income stratum significantly restricts access to ergonomic vending solutions. The solution, iVa!, an innovative design focusing on ergonomic improvements and cultural integration. iVa! is tailored to alleviate physical strain, enhance efficiency through modular, adaptable components, and blend aesthetically with urban settings. It seeks to respect vendors' economic realities while offering scalable, sustainable enhancements. This project proposes a model that could serve similar environments worldwide, advocating for a balanced blend of Mexico's rich cultural essence with the practical needs of its street vendors, aiming for improved vendor well-being and a rejuvenated street vending scene.

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Thesis Summary Motion Presentation

An insightful overview of the thesis project, detailing the functionality, key features, and benefits of iVa!, along with an exploration of its business model.