Author: Filippo Bacciu

  • My website UI/UX DESIGN SYSTEM

    This website is built the same way I approach any project I take on professionally. Since it is a showcase of my career, it felt right that the process behind it should reflect how I actually work.

    I start by planning, then defining the fundamentals: colour, typography, and visual style. Once those are in place, I apply them in a modular way, building each part of the project on top of a consistent foundation. This makes every decision faster to implement, easier to keep coherent, and simpler to improve over time.

    This post documents that process, one layer at a time.

    The Colour Palette

    The palette is built around four core colours, each playing a specific role in the visual hierarchy, with white as the accent.

    #1C0F13
    Coffee Bean
    Primary background
    #6E7E85
    Slate Grey
    Borders, dividers, secondary text
    #B7CECE
    Ash Grey
    Card backgrounds, light surfaces
    #BBBAC6
    Pale Slate
    Subtle backgrounds, tags
    #FFFFFF
    White
    Accent: CTAs, headings, highlights

    White is the accent. It appears on calls to action, key headings and interactive elements, giving the eye a clear place to land without complicating the palette.

  • Technical Documentation for the Machinery Industry: My Time at Technolab

    2. Key Achievements & Impact

    30% Process Optimisation

    Within my first four months, I implemented a new methodology for content creation and editing that slashed project turnaround times by 30% while actually increasing the accuracy of the technical data.

    ⚖️ Regulatory Champion

    Ensured every manual complied strictly with the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Health & Safety regulations, safeguarding both the company and the user.

    Multilingual Management

    Managed the production and localisation of instructional content in both English and Italian, maintaining a consistent voice across different languages.

    3. The Technical Approach (The “How”)

    I didn’t just write text; I designed the information. My workflow included:

    3D Visual Documentation

    Leveraging SolidWorks Composer and Adobe Illustrator to create exploded-view drawings and 3D product visualisations. This reduced user reliance on text and made troubleshooting more visual.

    Data-Driven Authoring

    Using proprietary Technical Data Management Systems (TDMS/EDMS) to manage complex product layouts and ensure editorial standards were met at scale.

    Collaborative Interfacing

    Frequent deep dives with Engineers and Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to translate raw technical data into “consumer-friendly” language.

    4. The Toolkit Used

    • Authoring: Adobe InDesign, MS Word, FrameMaker, Markdown
    • Visuals: Adobe Illustrator, Solidworks Composer, Acrobat Pro
    • Management: TDMS, CCMS platforms, Jira for project tracking
    Documentation Sample
  • Gen AI Prompt Engineering & Response Validation: Outlier

    1. Refining the Frontier of Intelligence

    As an AI Prompt Analyser, I work at the intersection of linguistic nuance and machine learning, ensuring model outputs are safe, factual, and optimally aligned.

    • Response Ranking: Critically analysed and ranked model responses based on rigorous metrics of factuality, relevance, and semantic accuracy.
    • Iterative Prompt Engineering: Wrote and rewrote complex prompts to pressure-test model limitations and identify paths for alignment and safety improvements.
    • Fact-Checking & Research: Conducted deep research to verify the accuracy of AI-generated content, mitigating hallucination risks and strengthening reliability.
    Gen AI Prompt Engineering Analysis

    2. Collaboration & Best Practices

    Technical Synergy

    Collaborated with software engineering and product teams to codify best practices for AI-driven documentation, streamlining development pipelines.

    Usability Analysis

    Evaluated the user-facing clarity and utility of prompt-response cycles, ensuring that AI tools provide actionable and intuitive value to end-users.

  • E-commerce Evolution & Bauhaus Strategy: Leading Shapes Design

    1. Brand Identity & Creative Direction

    I established Shapes Design as a benchmark for minimal, Bauhaus-inspired home decor. This wasn’t just about selling objects; it was about curating a complete visual philosophy.

    • Brand DNA: Designed the core logo (Triangle, Circle, Square) and a unified graphic system for the EU and UK markets.
    • Product Development: Led the conceptualisation and manufacturing of multiple geometric art and furniture collections.
    • Graphic Design: Created all brand collateral, from high-fidelity textures to digital social assets and editorial layouts.

    2. High-Performance E-commerce Engine

    ⚙️ The Tech Stack

    Architected and launched multi-lingual storefronts across WordPress (WooCommerce) and Shopify, ensuring a seamless user experience across the UK, Italy, and Europe.

    Frictionless UX

    Implemented a rigorous UX/UI methodology that prioritised clarity. This data-driven redesign resulted in a **50% reduction in user support inquiries** and a significant boast in conversion rates.

    Shapes Design UI

    3. Marketing Automation & Content Scaling

    Growth was never accidental. I built a system that scaled through advanced automation and human-centric messaging.

    Social Growth Hacking

    Used advanced automation (JARVEE) to manage niche communities at scale, driving organic engagement and high-intent traffic without traditional ad spend.

    Klaviyo & Retention

    Architected complex email flows and retention campaigns, turning one-time buyers into loyal brand advocates through personalised storytelling.

    Affiliate & SEO

    Managed affiliate networks and implemented long-tail SEO strategies to maintain a high “Organic Search” presence for minimalist keyword clusters.

    4. Operational Excellence & Strategic Management

    Beyond design, I managed the business from the ground up, ensuring financial viability and supply chain resilience.

    • Business Setup & Funding: Managed the initial setup and secondary funding rounds to sustain studio operations and growth.
    • Legacy Relationships: Negotiated supplier contracts and sourcing strategies for high-quality sustainable materials.
    • Logistics: Built the inventory management and delivery system for a complex international supply chain (UK ↔ EU).
    • Pricing Strategy: Developed a tiered pricing model that balanced brand prestige with aggressive market competitiveness.
  • STEM Education & Workshop Infrastructure: St Matthew Academy

    1. Orchestrating Advanced Fabrication Labs

    In this role, I was responsible for the operational readiness of high-end STEM laboratories, bridging the gap between design theory and hands-on manufacturing.

    • Predictive Maintenance: Managed the performance and safety checks of advanced workshop machinery, including Laser Cutters, CNC Routers, and 3D Printing Labs.
    • Digital-to-Physical Workflow: Supported students and teachers in mastering CAD/CAM processes using industry-standard tools like AutoCAD and Rhinoceros.
    • Safety Leadership: Served as a core member of the Academy’s Health and Safety Committee, conducting comprehensive annual audits across the entire campus.
    St Matthew Academy Workshop Schematic

    2. Educational Innovation & Support

    STEM Pedagogy

    Designed and led technical demonstrations that made abstract scientific and engineering concepts tangible for thousands of students.

    Resource Optimisation

    Implemented a streamlined inventory collection and resource management system that improved the efficiency of technical setups by 20%.

  • Structural Elegance & Large-Scale Art: Paul Cocksedge Studio

    1. Orchestrating Technical Ambition

    Working with Paul Cocksedge Studio required a unique blend of structural intuition and rigorous project management to bring world-renowned art installations to life.

    • Advanced Fabrication: Led the production of complex structural forms using CNC foam cutting, laser-cut acrylic, and precision metal welding.
    • Operations & Logistics: Revolutionized the workshop workflow by implementing comprehensive material inventories and digital spreadsheets for project tracking.
    • Material Mastery: Applied a multi-disciplinary approach across moulding, carpentry, and professional spray painting to achieve high-fidelity finishes on public art projects.
    Paul Cocksedge Studio Fabrication

    2. The Art of Digital Manufacturing

    Structural Innovation

    Executed large-scale polystyrene structures using custom CNC pathways, ensuring mathematical precision in organic, flowing forms.

    Hybrid Craft

    Sublimated the line between industry and art, integrating automated processes with handcrafted refinement for global gallery and public exhibition standards.

  • Large-Scale Scenography & Production Estimation: Souvenir Scenic Studios

    1. Engineering the Narrative

    At Souvenir Scenic Studios, I translated theatrical and commercial concepts into structural blueprints, ensuring that every artistic vision was backed by technical feasibility.

    • Technical Draughting: Produced high-fidelity drawings for site installations, window displays, and complex architectural set elements for the London stage and retail sectors.
    • Strategic Production: Evaluated high-level designer concepts to determine the most efficient manufacturing paths, leveraging the specific equipment and technical expertise of the studio staff.
    • Documentation & Inventory: Generated detailed assembly instructions and material inventories, streamlining the communication between the design office and the production workshop.
    Souvenir Scenic Studios Technical Draughting

    2. Commercial Estimation & Bidding

    Proposal Architecture

    Architected project proposals including detailed costings and delivery timelines, ensuring commercial viability for high-stakes retail and scenic projects.

    Feasibility Audits

    Conducted thorough feasibility audits on upcoming projects, identifying potential structural risks and optimizing fabrication techniques to meet tight installation deadlines.

  • High-Fidelity Fabrication & Luxury Retail: Elemental Design

    1. Precision Production for Global Luxury

    Working with industry giants like **Fendi** and **Harrods**, I transformed complex design concepts into tangible, high-fidelity physical realities.

    • CNC Mastery: Led the programming and operation of advanced CNC machinery, delivering structural components with sub-millimetre precision.
    • Manufacturing Strategy: Evaluated creative designs from a production perspective, optimizing material use and assembly workflows without compromising aesthetic intent.
    • Advanced Draughting: Produced comprehensive technical drawings, assembly instructions, and materials inventories for large-scale retail installations.
    Elemental Design Precision Engineering

    2. Prototyping & 3D Visualization

    High-Resolution R&D

    Managed dedicated 3D design labs, utilising additive manufacturing (3D Printing) to rapidly iterate and test bespoke luxury components for flagship stores.

    Technical Integrity

    Ensured the technical integrity of all deliverables, coordinating directly between design teams and on-site production workshops to meet the rigorous standards of global luxury brands.

  • High-Tech Couture & Parametric Sculpture: Studio Waldemeyer

    1. Engineering the Futurist Aesthetic

    Working at Studio Waldemeyer placed me at the cutting edge of wearables and artistic technology, where I helped bridge the gap between complex mechanics and high-fashion aesthetics.

    • The Jamiroquai ‘Automaton’ Helmet: Contributed from ideation to production for the iconic kinetic helmet worn by Jay Kay. This project required precise integration of mechanical segments and LED electronics.
    • Parametric Design Sculpture: Designed and developed algorithmically-driven sculptures for a major client installation, leveraging computational design for physical form.
    • Kinetic Systems: Created bespoke mechanical systems for a concept project involving movement and ceiling-mounted hanging rings.
    Studio Waldemeyer Jamiroquai Helmet Engineering

    2. Advanced Fabrication Toolkit

    Digital Prototyping

    Utilised a rapid-iteration cycle of 3D printing and laser cutting to test kinetic components and structural integrity before final assembly.

    High-Tech Assembly

    Applied precision CNC milling and expert soldering techniques to integrate delicate electronic components into wearable and structural art.

  • 3D Fabrication & Entrepreneurial Innovation: Goosebumps Lab

    1. Pioneering 3D Manufacturing

    As the founder of Goosebumps Lab, I established an innovative 3D design studio focused on high-quality, additive consumer products and high-resolution CAD/CAM services.

    • Lab Infrastructure: Orchestrated the setup and day-to-day operation of an industrial FDM 3D printing lab, including maintenance, hardware upgrades, and precision part replacement.
    • Full-Cycle Product Design: Managed the entire product journey—from conceptual sketches and 3D modeling to structural testing and final market-ready fabrication.
    • Global Service Delivery: Successfully scaled services via international platforms like 3DHubs.com, managing client relations and bespoke technical requirements for global projects.
    Goosebumps Lab 3D Printing Studio

    2. Business Strategy & Growth

    Operations Management

    Managed critical business cash flows, developed comprehensive multi-year business plans, and architected the operational scaling strategy for the lab.

    Market Integration

    Optimised product listings and digital marketing strategies to capture market share in the rapidly growing 3D-printed home accessories and parts sectors.

  • Pattern Digitalization & Exhibition Design: Mica Gallery

    1. Digitalizing Heritage

    During my consultancy at Mica Gallery, I was tasked with modernising traditional Islamic geometric art, converting intricate hand-drawn sketches into high-fidelity digital landscapes.

    • Vector Pattern Synthesis: Systematically converted complex Islamic pattern sketches into precise digital vector versions, ensuring mathematical perfection and scalability.
    • Product Collection Development: Transformed these patterns into sixteen distinct concept products, spanning ninety-six different versions across home decor and architectural accents.
    • 3D Visualization: Provided high-end 3D models and photorealistic visualisations of the products within curated interior environments to drive gallery sales.
    Mica Gallery Islamic Pattern Collection

    2. Exhibition Design & Showcase

    100% Design Showcase

    Led the technical preparation for the collection’s showcase at the prestigious 100% Design exhibition during the London Design Festival.

    Spatial Layouts

    Designed integrated product-and-interior simulations that demonstrated the versatility and cultural impact of the geometric collection.

  • High-Street Scenography & Retail Branding: Topshop

    1. Dramatic Retail Environments

    Working on Topshop projects required a rare combination of artistic flair and rapid technical execution, translating seasonal fashion trends into massive physical installations.

    • Conceptual Window Design: Collaborated with world-class scenic studios to engineer dramatic, large-scale window displays at flagship locations like London’s Oxford Circus.
    • Brand Storytelling: Designed structural elements that reinforced Topshop’s high-energy brand identity, using light, form, and texture to engage high-street shoppers.
    • Production Agility: Managed high-pressure fabrication cycles for multi-site rollouts, ensuring that every design element was as durable as it was visually stunning.
    Topshop High-Street Window Scenography

    2. The Art of the Fleet Street Build

    Scenographic Engineering

    Architected modular set elements that could be rapidly deployed and reconfigured, optimizing the visual impact for seasonal transitions.

    Flagship Visuals

    Delivered high-fidelity 3D prototypes and technical drawings that served as the blueprint for some of London’s most iconic retail moments.

  • Design Internship & Visual Synthesis: Alkimia SNC

    1. Foundations of Design

    Working under the mentorship of Matteo Tessera and Valerio Vinciguerra, I gained valuable insight into the fast-paced world of Italian branding and visual communication.

    • Visual Identity Support: Contributed to the development of modern brand identities for regional clients, ensuring scalability and aesthetic consistency across media.
    • Digital Asset Production: Assisted in the creation and optimization of vector graphics, ensuring high-fidelity layouts for both print and digital platforms.
    • Studio Workflow: Developed an early understanding of studio operations, including project pipelines, client asset management, and technical documentation standards.
    Alkimia SNC Design Studio Italy

    2. Technical Craft & Collaboration

    Vector Precision

    Mastered the fundamentals of vector synthesis, creating clean and versatile icons and logos for diverse commercial industries.

    Design Ethics

    Embraced the core principles of effective visual communication, focusing on clarity, impact, and user-centric design solutions.

  • Architectural Collaboration & Technical Consultation: Architetto Francesco Trisorio

    1. Technical Draughting & Compliance

    In collaboration with Architect Francesco Trisorio, I provided essential technical support for complex residential and commercial projects, ensuring every blueprint met rigorous construction standards.

    • Architectural Master Drawing: Produced comprehensive technical drawings and structural layouts, focusing on precision, spatial efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
    • Design Consultation: Actively collaborated on the conceptual development of interior spaces, selecting materials and finishes that balanced aesthetic vision with structural feasibility.
    • Field Surveys & Audits: Conducted detailed on-site surveys and technical audits to inform the development of high-fidelity restoration and renovation plans.
    Architectural Collaboration Drafting

    2. Bringing Vision to Life

    Spatial Problem Solving

    Resolved complex structural and spatial challenges within historic and modern Italian contexts, providing innovative solutions for residential layouts.

    Material Integrity

    Advised on the selection and technical integration of materials, ensuring durability and high-end aesthetic finishes in accordance with the project vision.

  • Creating Self-explanatory product views

    Developed visually appealing designs that communicated core messages effectively, boosting audience engagement.

  • Streamlining Team Workflows

    Implemented new tools and practices that improved efficiency across teams, resulting in a 20% increase in productivity.

  • Revamping User Manuals

    Designed clear and concise user manuals to enhance customer understanding and engagement, improving overall satisfaction ratings.

  • Bringing Science to Life Through Demonstrations

    In collaboration with the Senior Technician, I prepared and conducted Physics and Chemistry demonstrations—including Acceleration, Waves, and Distillation. These hands-on sessions aligned with AQA Required Practicals and helped students grasp complex concepts through real-world applications.