I am a fourth-year Industrial Design student committed to developing thoughtful, user-centred solutions that improve everyday experiences. My design practice is driven by curiosity, strong problem-solving skills, and a desire to merge functionality with refined aesthetics. I strive to create products that feel intuitive, purposeful, and meaningful in the hands of users. Throughout my studies, I have developed a versatile skill set encompassing research, prototyping, materials, and digital modelling, enabling me to approach challenges with both creativity and practicality. As a designer, my long-term goal is to contribute to products that enhance comfort, efficiency, and overall quality of life.

Noah Ephoevi-ga Foli

 

FlexCore: I designed it to ensure riders experience a board that actively adapts to their needs, maximising their enjoyment and performance. Decades of material innovation have advanced snowboards, yet one fundamental limitation remains unchanged: flex. A snowboard’s stiffness determines how it bends and twists, controlling stability, responsiveness, and overall ride feel. Manufacturers always set every board with a fixed flex profile, forcing riders to choose either a stiff board for stability or a soft board for manoeuvrability. This restriction reduces versatility and stops a board from adapting as conditions, riding styles, and skill levels change. As a result, riders cannot achieve optimal performance or enjoyment from a single board as scenarios evolve. FlexCore directly addresses this challenge. It is a modular mechanism between snowboard bindings that allows riders to adjust stiffness instantly with a rotary dial, switching between freestyle flexibility and stability without altering the board or requiring electronics. I developed FlexCore through simulation, modelling, ergonomic studies, and prototyping. Its design utilizes durable and flexible materials to withstand snow sports in temperatures as low as –15 °C. I designed FlexCore to counter over-consumption in the snowboard industry. Riders typically purchase multiple boards for different conditions; FlexCore offers adaptability through a single, upgradeable module. This aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, demonstrating how thoughtful industrial design can enhance product longevity and minimise environmental impact.