A Specifier's Sample Kit
An all-in-one specification kit for designers, engineers and acoustic specialists
The comprehensive collection of materials, colours, designs, constructions and production techniques, allowing specifiers to project the product into real-world spaces.
2026
massform
Individual Project
Role: ID, Research & Definition, Ideation, CMF, Graphics & Packaging
Duration: 7 weeks
Move beyond bland material samples by creating inclusive tools that express form, structure and atmospheric presence without sacrificing the essential function
Background
Founded by two designers with an architectural background, Massform is an emerging studio specialising in bridging the gap between sculptural aesthetics and acoustic performance with sustainable materials.
Current Situation
Traditionally, the high-quality, sound-dampening felt panel market was dominated by material suppliers working directly with clients or interior designers working on a case-by-case basis.
In recent years, the market has seen a distinct shift toward ready-made, modular products designed specifically as post-renovation or retrofitted solutions.
Image Source: Inhabit, Feltvibe
However, the samples of these solutions have not seen a significant departure from a rigid industrial mindset, showcasing only the raw material and its colour variety.
One exception is The Sample Box by Arturel, which miniaturised their premium design into a scaled-down format, though the approach compromises the material's practical impact, limiting the colour range and distancing the individual panels from being fundamental tools.
What more can we achieve?
As the brand plans on expanding its business model to include a broader audience, how can we create something that conveys the overall geometric form, assembly detail and its relationship to the surroundings while retaining the basic functionality of colour referencing that distinguishes itself from anything else in the material library?
Objective
Deliver a curated collection of samples to be used as a definitive reference tool for professionals, communicating craftsmanship, colour variety, construction techniques, signature designs and the company's commitment to authenticity.
Explorations
The process began with determining which colours, product lines and their associated construction techniques to include, while identifying the material and production limitations.
Furthermore, due to the limited scale of the initial production run, it was necessary to categorise components into core components for in-house fabrication and supplementary materials for outsourcing.
However, initial research revealed that while off-the-shelf options could satisfy low-volume demands, they all lacked the necessary customisability for a premium reference tool — ultimately leading the package to become the main visual focal point of the product.
Iteration I
Initially, various closure and carrying possibilities were explored.
However, the texture inconsistency between the cut edges and surfaces, combined with a lack of tactile feedback and unsecured lid mechanism steered the design towards alternative directions.
Iteration II
Subsequently, given the planar nature of the material, experimentation began with traditional wood joinery techniques, leveraging the material's intrinsic properties to find a viable, self-fastening solution that retained structural integrity.
Portability considerations were carried forward from the previous iteration, with the entire kit now designed to fit within an existing tote bag to flexibly accommodate additional transport scenarios.
However, translating the design from a proportioned model to a full-size prototype revealed unforeseen material behaviour and production limitations, as the length of the thin overhang rendered the casing structurally unstable.
Iteration III
The final stage of the package development focused on resolving issues identified in the previous iteration through minor modifications and rapid testing, finding a middle ground between practicality and visual balance.
During this phase, internal components were also evaluated. Key adjustments to panel dimensions, colour combinations and layout arrangements were finalised in accordance with printed media specifications, material usage and their immediate availability.
THE DESIGN
Self-locking Enclosure
Inspired by traditional wood joinery techniques, the fastener-less packaging is constructed entirely from CNC-cut acoustic panels, interlocking solely through friction and geometry.
The movable top lid is embedded not only with brand visuals, but also with a signature parametric-inspired flowing pattern that creates a rightward motion, intuitively hinting at the opening orientation.
Tactile Security
The opening mechanism is engineered to offer distinct tactile feedback, ensuring the lid remains securely locked under any circumstances.
Curated Designs
The panels are partitioned into three distinct segments, each mirrored after its respective design in the popular modular series.
Though not explicitly stated, the internal layout draws inspiration from the Color Field product range, further emphasising the company's creative identity while maintaining a cohesive brand image.
Simulated Assembly
In addition to the design, the construction technique also echoes that of a full-scale product, varying in the level of self-assembly requirements and restrictions.
By assembling the pieces, users are encouraged to interact directly with the material samples and explore new configurations.
Colour References
The collection of colours selected across both the sample and packaging panels provides a curated palette for on-site reference.
Illustrated Guide
Each design is accompanied by a dedicated guide, providing contextual photography, assembly processes, composition references and supporting technical information.
Designed with versatility in mind, the postcard-sized guide can also act as a standalone handout during exhibitions for prospective clients and interested specifiers.
Versatile Portability
The dimensions of the specifier’s sample kit are carefully calculated to seamlessly integrate into existing merchandise, ensuring effortless mobility.
Behind the Scenes
