Hello, I’m Afaf — an industrial designer from the German International University. I design products people actually reach for: researched, ergonomic and built to be made.
Designing a handheld vacuum cleaner for cleaning car interiors — compact enough to live in a door pocket, capable enough to reach every seam.
(01.1) Design concept
Clean the mess on the spot.
A compact, user-friendly handheld vacuum that can be stored in small car compartments, so messes are cleaned the moment they happen. Portability and ease of use let it slip into daily routines — a practical, efficient way to keep a car interior clean.
Fig. 01 — 42 silhouette studies
(01.2) Research problem
Tight spaces. No time. Bulky, weak tools.
Cleaning car interiors is tough: current vacuums are uncomfortable, lack portability, or need constant emptying. A compact, powerful and ergonomic solution is needed.
Field research found that dirt collects in tight, curved spaces — between seats, under pedals, along floor mats, around door handles and cupholders — pointing to a tool with precision attachments like a narrow crevice nozzle.
Our team won first place in a design competition with Masria Factory. The user-centric buffet counter was manufactured and showcased at the 44th International Hotel Supplies Exhibition (HACE).
1st
(02.1) Observation & analysis
0–0%
of restaurant plates break
The National Restaurant Association reports many slip-and-fall accidents.
“To design a user-friendly buffet counter.”
“Dirty spoon plate = shared mess”
Customers see mess and think the buffet is unclean. Not good for business.
(02.2) Sketch variations
Render variations
(02.3) Final design — hover to inspect
(02.4) Feature explorer
01 / 09
Final mockups
Award-winning design
From studio to market.
Our buffet design was manufactured by Masria (Industrial Machinery Manufacturing) and is now sold on the market, catering to luxury hotel buffets. It was showcased at HACE Expo — the largest hospitality event in Egypt, Africa and the Middle East — proving its real-size production and market-ready appeal.
03
DEDI competition · Shortlisted
TypeCompetition, teamwork
TeamAfaf Elnaggar & Mina Nabil
Year2026
BriefBilingual: Reimagining furniture design in Egypt & Denmark
ToolsRhino · Canva · Gemini
Folssé
Combining Egyptian craftsmanship and Danish design language into one stool.
Shortlisted — DEDI Bilingual 2026
(03.1) Concept
Fluted columns, folded cloth.
The stool draws from Imhotep’s fluted columns, used as supports at the Djoser Temple, using Egyptian plissé techniques to transform flexible textiles into a rigid, load-bearing structure. Its adhesive-free joinery combines ancient Egyptian peg-and-slot joints with Mashrabiya friction-fit principles, allowing stable and modular assembly.
The pleated exterior references the textile tradition of Fanø dresses, originally designed to provide protection from wind. Its lightweight appearance is inspired by classic Danish lighting, translating delicate folded pleats into functional, weight-bearing furniture.
Ideation sketches
Reference board — hover a number
01Vertical ribbed vaulting (in Grundtvig’s Church)
02Djoser temple, where columns are adjacent to the wall for support
03Peg-and-slot joints
04Peg-and-slot joints
05Plissé shape engraved on ancient Egyptian stone
064,000-year-old Egyptian pleated linen tunic
07Fanø island traditional clothes
08Danish plissé designs in lighting units
09Nylon 6,6 from airbag waste
(03.2) Modular assembly
Packs down. Stands strong.
No adhesive: the pleated shell, timber posts and seat lock together with peg-and-slot and friction-fit joints, and come apart again for moving.
01 / 03
Peg-and-slot jointPosts peg into the seat — no adhesive
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مسار
Masar
A durable shoe and bag combo designed for low-income students who are always on the go.
TypeUniversity project, individual
Year2023
SupervisorsProf. Miroslaw Leczek, Assoc. Prof. Riccardo Falletta & TA Mennatallah Nabeel
(04.1) Problem & concept
0%
of Egypt’s population lives below the poverty line (CAPMAS, 2021)
Many underprivileged children struggle to find durable, affordable footwear and backpacks for school. Masar pairs durable, comfortable sneakers for difficult terrain with a spacious, practical backpack. A unisex design means it can be shared and passed down between siblings — a long-lasting, cost-effective companion for daily journeys.
Unisex5—25 yrsStudentsLow-income Egyptians
I kept the sneaker minimal, using only the essential pattern components — reducing material waste, production time and cost.
(04.2) Prototyping
Made by hand.
Shoe design starts with selecting a last, taping it and sketching the pattern. The pattern is then cut, assembled and sewn using materials chosen for breathability and durability. I learned pattern drawing and sewing to bring both the sneakers and their packaging to life.
Lead assistant in art direction — preparing mood boards and managing props, collaborating closely with clients and photography teams to deliver high-quality, visually appealing results aligned with their vision.
An industrial designer graduating from the German International University (GIU) with a passion for creating innovative products through a multidisciplinary approach. Skilled in research, user-centered design, 3D modeling and conceptualization — eager to solve real-world problems and enhance user experiences.
Experience
MaqamProduct Designer
ArchilightLighting Designer
El Araby R&DProduct Design Intern
Swedish Group IndustrialIndustrial Design Intern
Concetto StudiosAssistant Art Director / Stylist
Shortlisted · 2026
Shortlisted by DEDI Bilingual: Reimagining Furniture Design in Egypt & Denmark.
First prize · 2024
Award-winning buffet counter design: from Masria for Appliances competition to market launch at HACE 44th exhibition.
POS. 01 / 04
(02.3) Final design — hover to inspect
01 / 09
01 / 03
That’s me