Finnegan Wells
Ascent
2024
Sponsored By:
Crafted with inspiration from the iconic Boulder Flatirons, the Ascent incense holder is a true harmony of form and function. The versatile base accommodates both stick and cone incense, and the thoughtfully integrated storage compartment holds your incense and matches, making each use effortless and intentional.
Ascent was designed in the EPOP studio. Annually, EPOP aims to develop innovative, user-centric, and environmentally conscious concepts and turn them into feasible, ready-to-launch, and manufacturable products. This is accomplished by combining collaborative product development principles and sustainable design to advance our knowledge of the product design process while creating a tangible product for a popular local market.
Learn more at cuboulderepop.com
Sold At The Firefly Handmade Holiday Market (11.23.24)
*Featured in Boulder Daily Camera (print and digital)*
Design Process
Defining The User &
Identifying Opportunities.
This project began with extensive market and user research, including firsthand observation at the physical market, interviews with both shoppers and vendors, and analysis of successful products from previous years. The goal was to identify what offerings resonate most with holiday shoppers.
Through this research, we uncovered that self-care-focused items consistently performed well, presenting a strong opportunity space for design. However, a deeper dive revealed that bath and body products were already oversaturated. As a result, we identified the need to develop a distinctive and differentiated approach to self-care that could stand out within this crowded category.
Sketch Ideation.
From this market foundation, the sketch process began with broad exploration. Quick, expressive sketches helped generate a variety of forms that blended natural inspiration with functional needs. Dozens of concepts were explored, emphasizing versatility (supporting both stick and cone incense), intuitive storage, and a sculptural presence that would appeal to design-conscious shoppers.
Through iterative rounds of refinement—informed by feedback, user testing, and visual filtering—the concept evolved into a piece that echoes the natural geometry of the Boulder Flatirons. Later sketches honed in on proportions, usability, and how the product would feel in context, not just as an object but as part of a calming ritual. This phase was crucial in shaping a product that balances emotional resonance with practical utility.
Prototyping & Form Ideation.
Throughout the prototyping process, I prioritized not only how the incense holder looked and felt, but also how easily it could be produced at scale. 3D modeling and printing were instrumental in shaping a design that was both refined and repeatable.
Each iteration focused on maintaining clean geometry and a simplified form language that could translate well across production methods. Considerations like subtle draft angles and the elimination of undercuts weren’t just about moldability — they also helped streamline future fabrication, whether through casting, CNC machining, or other scalable techniques.
This thoughtful approach allowed the product to retain its sculptural quality while being practical to manufacture, assemble, and finish. By refining these small but important details early, the final design stands ready for efficient and consistent production — without losing the hand-crafted feel that makes it unique.
Small Scale Manufacturing.
A major focus of this project was designing a product that could be manufactured efficiently at a small scale. This meant balancing form, function, and aesthetics with realistic production methods that could be managed by a small team of students with limited resources and time.
Through this process, I learned how to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern fabrication tools to create a cohesive and production-ready product. I used classic wood edge banding techniques to give the base a polished, tactile quality while maintaining a handmade feel. This was paired with 3D printed and molded components that allowed for precision detailing and repeatability — especially important for the incense wells and hidden storage compartments.
Working across these techniques taught me how different materials and methods can complement each other when unified under a strong design language. It also reinforced the importance of designing with available tools and skills in mind — creating a product that not only looks and feels intentional but is also achievable to produce in short runs without compromising quality.