The design brief demanded inexpensive materials and inclusive operation. I created a client persona to map every touchpoint, then prototyped hinges, latches, and the aperture lever while wearing oven mitts to simulate limited dexterity. Each iteration focused on eliminating light leaks, simplifying film swaps, and making the shutter feel intuitive.

Key refinements included foam flaps that sealed stray light, a popsicle-stick lip that let the film holder pop out gracefully, and a friction-fit lid that stayed closed yet opened without strain. The final slider aperture is delightfully simple and—paired with the tuned focal length—captures sharp exposures from our target distance.