FormBar
Spatial Design
Graphic Design
Creative Coding
The FormBar is a creative practice based in Zurich, Switzerland. It's a bar in the sense that it's a counter for all design-related topics and more. Furniture, products, graphic design, brand experience, the web, motion graphics, coding, or your next project. Whether our talk results in a collaboration, a valuable opinion or some good laughs, the bar had a successful day already.
Work
Mimesis
This object is based on the idea of creating a three-dimensional shape by adding two things to paper: Cuts and some kind of force. By changing that force with a motor a motion somewhat inspired by nature was created. This project was created for an exhibition at HSLU.
This object is based on the idea of creating a three-dimensional shape by adding two things to paper: Cuts and some kind of force. By changing that force with a motor a motion somewhat inspired by nature was created. This project was created for an exhibition at HSLU.
I was very interested in limiting the expansion of the paper and thus playing with the tension of the material. The result is a wave-like motion that has a small delay between each paper stripe. Said delay comes from creating less or more tension in the paper.
Onda Café Bar
This small website enables this new Café Bar in Solothurn to display its most important information and showing off its vibe by nicely presenting uploaded artwork. Apart from the playful use of the logo the site features one more unique feature: The color palette changes based on the time of the day. This project was a collaboration with Fabian Stacoff. Visit the website here.
This small website enables this new Café Bar in Solothurn to display its most important information and showing off its vibe by nicely presenting uploaded artwork. Apart from the playful use of the logo the site features one more unique feature: The color palette changes based on the time of the day. This project was a collaboration with Fabian Stacoff. Visit the website here.
The logo moves alternately above and below the scrolled past artwork. The animation of the info text in the header actually serves a purpose. It makes it easily fit on small phone screens as well.
Blickwinkel
An object that encourages you to write down important thoughts. Whether interpersonal messages, special moments, motivating quotes, insights gained or personal resolutions. One card at a time can be placed in the center to give space to the words. The previous card can simply be slid under the pile, turning it into a motivational collection. It is an object that helps to focus attention on the important things in today's digital and fast-paced life.
An object that encourages you to write down important thoughts. Whether interpersonal messages, special moments, motivating quotes, insights gained or personal resolutions. One card at a time can be placed in the center to give space to the words. The previous card can simply be slid under the pile, turning it into a motivational collection. It is an object that helps to focus attention on the important things in today's digital and fast-paced life.
A small series of 12 pieces was produced for the Lucerne design days DesignSchenken in the former industrial district Viscosistadt in Emmenbrücke, Lucerne. There are still 5 pieces available. Price CHF 70.-
Designed and handcrafted in Lucerne. Available in ash, pear wood and walnut. In addition to the product description, the object comes with 60 unique cards in A6 format. This is enough to write one card per week for one year. If this form of note-taking doesn't work for you, use the object to collect postcards or photos. Set the focus on a different one from time to time.
Räschle Stiftung
To be present online I designed and built a small website for this charitable foundation from Frauenfeld. It clearly describes its purpose, contact and gives the brand a vivid feel through interactive motion. The project was a collaboration with Agentur Koch.
To be present online I designed and built a small website for this charitable foundation from Frauenfeld. It clearly describes its purpose, contact and gives the brand a vivid feel through interactive motion. The project was a collaboration with Agentur Koch.
The purpose of the foundation is to support and promote charitable institutions and organizations based in Switzerland.
Framework
The whiteboard for work, to bring overview and clarity to your thoughts, or even to visualize during videocalls. Once you turn it around the work day is a wrap, it then acts as a poster frame celebrating your passions and bringing personality to your home. Launching the next work day requires only one flip.
ARS Series
The new fashion brand Apparel Research Studios, short ARS, from Zurich wanted a platform to showcase their new clothing online. But their brand is about more than just the products. It's about art, photography, filmmaking, sound. Thus we designed and built a digital experience that provides room for all these contents and through unique interactions becomes an art project in itself. The project was a collaboration with Unknown Digital. Visit the website here
The new fashion brand Apparel Research Studios, short ARS, from Zurich wanted a platform to showcase their new clothing online. But their brand is about more than just the products. It's about art, photography, filmmaking, sound. Thus we designed and built a digital experience that provides room for all these contents and through unique interactions becomes an art project in itself. The project was a collaboration with Unknown Digital. Visit the website here
The experience automatically moves you through the show, but you can also swipe the hell out of it. The sections can be flexibly built with different modules to best match the content.
It's not a website, it's an immersive online experience that pulls you in with imagery, film, sound, visual effects and interactivity. Oh and there's also an online shop and an in-store VR experience.
Beam Bench
This bench was designed and built during a week-long workshop with Nicholai Wiig Hansen at ÉCAL. The projects are a tribute to the lately deceased italian designer Enzo Mari. In the spirit of his Autoprogettazione the goal was to design outdoor furniture that can be built by everyone. To support the DIY build, a build manual was published.
This bench was designed and built during a week-long workshop with Nicholai Wiig Hansen at ÉCAL. The projects are a tribute to the lately deceased italian designer Enzo Mari. In the spirit of his Autoprogettazione the goal was to design outdoor furniture that can be built by everyone. To support the DIY build, a build manual was published.
Individual bench modules can be pivoted to form different layouts. The hubs where the benches meet form a small table to put down food or drinks.
The bench uses wooden beams directly as benchtops and offers different heights to sit down. The wood elements are just stacked. The only thing you need to remove to change the bench heights are the tables that are attached with one screw to the base.
Reverse Media
Being specialized in content production and social media management we put the content front and center. Putting special care on the case studies. Offering different fullscreen modules that make it easy to perfectly frame the media. Making the case studies more of a presentation than a website. Visit the website here.
Being specialized in content production and social media management we put the content front and center. Putting special care on the case studies. Offering different fullscreen modules that make it easy to perfectly frame the media. Making the case studies more of a presentation than a website. Visit the website here.
Objects Archive
Experiences Archive
Collaborations
Portrait
Est. 2018
The FormBar is run by me. My name is Frank Frick, I was born in 1992. I'm an object designer, digital designer and creative coder based in Zurich, Switzerland. A creative and maker in both the physical and digital space.
I design for the smile. The smile when you have fun using a product, when you appreciate how much easier a design makes your life, when you realize the cleverness of a solution, or when you notice the small details that show someone cared.
Starting my career by creating digital products, I was soon drawn to material objects that take direct part in our lives. The world of surfaces, of sensation, of light and shadow. Whether I create objects or experiences, I always want to create something people love to use.
I am part of the collective PAKD, a strong network of partners for digital projects.
Expertise
Object and Product Design: An object or a product is made up of materials, pieces, colors, overall shape, comfort, intended use, construction, manufacturing process, disposal. All of which need to be considered and carefully designed to make the result work well. In a dialog we sketch, review and take the right decisions. Step by step getting closer to a – at the beginning unknown or vague – outcome. Results: Furniture, bags, accessories, appliances, product concept, sketches, construction plans, renderings
Spatial and Interior Design: Objects need a room. And vice versa. Objects for a room need to be carefully chosen or made, a room needs to be carefully optimized for its contents and purpose. How it's divided, what materials its surfaces are consisting of, the acoustics, the lighting. Results: Shop interior, event space, catering outfitting, office division
Interaction, UI and UX Design: The way a product looks is not the only way you can convey your brand and your values. The manner in which it behaves and reacts – the way it feels – have at least the same impact on the impression they leave on you. Just like with humans it shows character. It makes you want to use it more, or not. By intentionally designing how we interact with computers, apps, websites, installations, objects, people, even with a brand, we can create a fruitful relationship and just as important a fun time. Results: UX prototypes, ecommerce, websites, app concepts, information architecture, user flows, exhibition installation, forms, brand-customer relationship
Graphic Design and Branding: By carefully choosing how content is laid out, we can steer a viewer's attention to digest your content in as fun a way possible. With fitting typography, colors, visual elements, imagery we support your message and give it the tone it needs to successfully resonate with the audience. Apart from delivering what you have to say we can strengthen your identity. Or even redefine your identity to match your current values and mentality. We find a visual language that speaks more than words. Results: Styleguide, website design, portfolio design, microsites, printed brochures and flyers, branding, logo, advertisement, printed & digital business cards
Motion Design and Animation: Similar to how something interacts with you, the way it moves and looks over time communicate more than we consciously realize. It defines its character but can also enhance the experience by making clearer what is happening. It can transition fluidly from one state to another without abrupt jumps. The motion guides the viewer and makes information more entertaining to consume. And it's just so cool, given the right easing. Results: UI animation, motion graphics, web animation, interactive animations, 3D experiences, micro animations, social media content
Creative and Web Development. Through writing code I can tackle a situation from a different angle. Unexpected discoveries are bound to occur when you go from the abstract imagination to the hands-on trying it out. Randomizing values can give a design endless variety. I'm fluent in the web's languages, which offer new and surprising possibilities every day. Results: Interactive animations, randomized animations, websites, microsites, real prototypes, algorithmically generated graphics, accessibility, seo, content management system, webshop, interactive 3D experiences
Motivation
Our lives are surrounded and shaped by objects invented by humankind. Often even more so than objects occurring in nature. Whether it's tools, devices, furniture, vehicles, landscapes, buildings. I want to do my part to make lives simple and joyful. I create objects, that help and delight. I love adding character through playful details, maybe only discovered at second sight. I want to create products that are essential, that last and are worth and possible to repair. Current material sourcing, the production process, distribution and a product's end-of-life should happen in harmony with the future of nature and life. I want to encourage local work, local products. Finding the right materials, aesthetics and manufacturing process is my passion.
The digital world – the web – connects us all. It enables knowledge sharing, communication and collaboration. I want to embrace this open nature. Bring people, institutions, companies closer together. By creating clean, vivid and fun experiences. I want them to not merely be marketing tools or distractions, but rather purposeful experiences that make people wiser and happier. Even though we sometimes separate the digital from the physical world, they are not. Every digital product uses real resources, is stored in a place, and uses lifetime to be experienced.
Contact
Notebook
I think some people get the wrong idea of the way I work when they read these notes. Of course I'm more motivated to share impressions, when I'm working in an exotic place, but actually most of my time I'm working back home in an office. So here you go, me sharing just a normal day at work.
After playing around a bit with the OP-1 by Teenage Engineering, a portable synthesizer, I'm suprised that making music feels very similar to graphic design and design in general. You make something, you try out different variants, pick the one you like best, you layer different elements, you refine and refine. Not saying I understand anything about making proper music, but this is surprisingly accessible and fun.
I recently started doing some evening sessions on the potter's wheel with Bigna and Simon. It's such a different approach to how I usually work. Not much brain work, more of listening to your senses. Well, I guess the lack of a concept probably also has to do with me being an absolute pottery beginner. Maybe that's why I enjoy it so much. Letting something come about instinctively.
After taking a break from my studies and dipping my toes into working independently as an interactive designer, I'm now resuming my studies again to focus fully on getting more experienced in designing physical objects. I chose to continue the formation at HSLU in Lucerne instead of at ÉCAL in Lausanne where I did the first half. I'm glad I tried the renowned school in Lausanne, it gave me valuable insights into the design world. Yet the place and people where I'm at now feel more aligned with my own values. I have a good feeling here and I'm stoked for the creative opportunities ahead. The Bar keeps running, just in a reduced manner.
I immensely enjoy working independently. The direct contact with clients, working by your own values and the flexibility it allows. The downside is, you also have to find work by yourself. I'm grateful of how it worked out so far, still at the moment there is a phase of low workload. Which is not ideal, but allowed me to go to Barcelona and visit my friend and industrial designer Reto Schneller. Currently discovering the city and working remotely from his office the other half of the day. What a hospitality, thank you.
After a longer work break last year due to a difficult personal situation, I started picking up my independent design business again in January. By accident I walked past this shared atelier office and asked if they have space for one more creative. Luckily they did and I'm so happy to have such a nice work place now and even better to share it with amazing company. Merci Fabian Stacoff and Onari Projects.
After loosing my dad to brain cancer, our farmhouse to selfish people and my sanity to their manipulations, I had to get away for a while. The question of where I belong now is constantly on my mind. I'm still looking for the answer but this small van is making the whole of Sardegna my home for now. Preparing it for this trip gave me new purpose.
What the photo doesn't show is the building to the right. It's home to the communications agency Agentur Koch. After starting to support them with web development, I've now been providing design services for the last six months. Apart from being a super cool team they also give me a new insight into the broader spectrum of communications work. Branding, Campaigns, Print, Film, Motion and more.
This trip is a long-held dream come true. The photo is a bit misleading though. I'm living and working on Bali for three months. So it's not all fun and games but the time before and after work definitely has some advantages over winter city life in Zurich. I am so grateful for the flexibility of my clients.
This street is rather well known, still here just a few floors up we discover the unknown. Possibilities for Brands, Interactions, Graphic Design, Technology. After some time working on my own it feels great to be part of a team again. That this team happens to be a group of good like-minded friends is icing on the cake. Cheers to Unknown Digital.
In everyday life I often wish I had more time to think about my personal goals, projects or plans. While working with a sheperd up on the alp and taking care of his sheep, I realised there is such a thing as too much time to think. I enjoyed spending time over 2000m above sea level and looking out for hungry wolves, just took some mental effort to not do a lot.
I spontaneously joined my friend Ramon to work two weeks from the pacific coast of Costa Rica. Two hours of surfing in the morning, a few hours of work, and another two hours of surfing before sunset. How cool is that?! I have to say though, working for more than four hours per day on your computer in a nice place like this is hard. But hey not complaining here.
What will office furniture look like in the future? When work happens even more digitally, displays, keyboards and mice are not needed anymore due to AR, VR and maybe even Holograms. New interactions with the digital space could allow for more movement, even require it, to make digital work more physical again. Maybe optional though.
Just finished this clothing ladder with Nicki. It features four steps to hang clothing over and two overhangs to hang things from. A simple solution to the old problem of where to put clothes that are neither fresh anymore nor dirty yet.
A little snippet from my recent photography project highlighting the shapes and textures of industrially produced food.
Being in a new city is not the most exciting at the moment. Being forced to work at home, and basically not meeting people really sucks when your best friends live on the other side of the country. However working from home certainly has its benefits. It's less noisy when you want to focus and the good old siesta has made a return into my daily routine. Also I'm spending a lot of time in the saddle and enjoying the views from the vineyards of Lavaux.
I'm working with metal for the first time. I thought it would be super difficult, turns out I really enjoy it, especially bending it into the desired shapes. It must be said though that I also have all the necessary tools available at the écal workshop.
I recently moved from Zurich to Lausanne. I really like it here, it's a beautiful region and I enjoy experiencing this different swiss culture. At the same time being away from Zurich made me aware of all the little details I really like and miss about it. The biggest one? Smooth pavement and level streets to speed through the city with my road cycle. Photo by Nicki Antognini.
At the beginning of September I will move from Zurich to Lausanne and start studying Industrial Design at ECAL. After working a lot in the office in the last few months I felt the urge to get out of the city and relax a bit before I start a new chapter. So a good friend and I took the train to Ticino, the italian part of Switzerland, and hiked up to a mountain hut to stay overnight. The next morning we more or less climbed up a summit and said good morning to a few capricorns. Before going home to Zurich we took a swim at the beautiful cliff site of Ponte Brolla in the Maggia valley.
After my foray into independent work I decided to search for a regular job again. This gives me more security to earn money before I start studying at the end of summer. As luck would have it, the web agency Station where I worked a few years ago was searching for a Frontend Developer. It was special and nice to start working with these people in that office again. And it brought me right back into the habit of spending lunchtime at the river with my coworkers. Quality time!
Instead of working for an agency I decided to work independently. As I'm just starting off I don't have my own office space. So I work from home, in cafes, in libraries, outdoors, or like today at some friendly friends office. Thanks Ramon and Marc from the digital design agency Unknown to let me work in their beautiful office right at the Limmat in Baden.
This weekend I went to see Elder Island live in concert here in Zurich. The venue at the Exil is perfect for this kind of band. Small and intimate. The Bristol-based collective's music is atmospheric and deep yet can suddenly change to a very upbeat and dancy tone. Next to sizzling synths you hear the lead singer Katy's otherworldly voice and sometimes even traditional instruments like the violin. One of the best concerts I went to lately.
This week it was that time of the year when my friends and I go on our winter holidays. It's always one of the yearly highlights. Around 10 friends living in a large apartment as one big family in the swiss mountains. A view of multiple peaks over 4000 metres high, snow and snowboard ready at the front door. It was again a reminder for what kind of experiences I'm working for.
As part of my civilian service I'm working for 6 weeks on a farm in the french part of Switzerland. Helping the farmer with his daily cow work and aiding in the construction of a new barn. I grew up on a farm so this was kind of going back to my roots. It's a great experience to bring some distance between me and the computer screen, to do physical work outdoors, even though the snow tells you the temperature's story. Improving my french is a nice side effect.
I haven't been on my skateboard for quite some time. After surfing in Costa Rica and Panama this summer the wavy curves of this concrete paradise in Zürich are well appreciated.