Madix Outdoors:
Designing the Product, Branding & Experience
Jan. 2024 - Jan. 2026 | Roles: Lead Product & Brand Designer
I led the design, engineering, and launch of the Madix Outdoors Drift camper, shaping everything from the product itself to the creative direction and manufacturing process behind it.
The Problem
The lightweight truck camper market is growing rapidly, but high costs and long lead times still make ownership inaccessible for many consumers.
The Opportunity
We identified an opportunity to create a more accessible truck camper experience centered around affordability, immediate availability, and functional design.
Design Process
Research & Development
Before finalizing a production ready construction method, we went through extensive research, prototyping, and testing to refine the right approach.
01
Welded Steel Tube Frame + 1/16” Aluminum Skin
At first glance, this setup seemed straightforward — a sturdy steel skeleton wrapped in a thin aluminum skin.
But the problems showed up fast:
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Rust developed at welds and hardware points.
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The structure was heavy, adding unnecessary load to the truck.
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Accessory mounting was difficult and limited.
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Weight concentrated at the four corners of the bed — putting stress on the tail end of the bed rails.
In short: too heavy, too localized in load, and too prone to corrosion.
02
Welded Aluminum Tube Frame + 1/16” Aluminum Skin
Next, we tried switching to aluminum for the frame. It solved the rust issue and reduced weight — but introduced new challenges.
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Welding aluminum tubing caused heat distortion, warping the frame.
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Accessory mounting was still limited.
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Load distribution remained focused on the corners rather than across the entire bed.
The takeaway: lighter than steel, but still too many compromises in structure and flexibility.
Design Process
From Prototype to Production
After extensive R&D, we developed a production ready construction method that balanced strength, weight, manufacturability, and durability.
The final system utilized formed 5052 aluminum structural panels (⅛” thick).
01
CAD
My team and I developed every truck make and model Madix Drift camper in Fusion 360, engineering each panel and structural connection for strength, precision, and manufacturability before production.
02
Cutting
Once finalized in CAD, we work with manufacturing partners to precision cut each structural panel from ⅛” 5052 aluminum using water jets, ensuring accuracy, durability, and structural consistency before fabrication.
03
Forming & Bending
Once precision cut, each panel is formed and bent using specialized fabrication equipment to ensure precise fitment, structural consistency, and a unified aluminum structure before assembly.
04
Finishing & Painting
After fabrication, the formed panels are sent to our powder coating partners, where each camper is finished and coated to protect the aluminum structure from corrosion, weather exposure, and long term wear.
05
Assembly
During assembly, the structure is designed to distribute weight across the truck bed rails rather than isolated corner points, improving rigidity and long term durability.
To support our no wait guarantee, we maintain production ready panel inventory for each supported truck make and model.
06
Quality Check
Before delivery, each camper is thoroughly inspected to ensure strength and precision.
Key Design Features
Branding & Digital Experience
Beyond the product itself, I helped shape the Madix Outdoors brand through visual identity, website design, and storytelling via media.
Logo Inspiration
Here are the logos, fonts, and lockups that inspired me and helped guide me in the logo design process
Logo Iterations
Exploration to find the right balance of M+O monogram with the font lockup
Final Logo Design
This direction combines an “M+0” monogram with mountain and sun elements, reflecting Madix Outdoors’ mission to empower adventure with confidence.
Web Design
I designed the entire website, including a streamlined checkout flow that allows customers to configure their truck make, model, and select enhancements tailored to their build.
Interactive 3D Product Experience
My team and I designed an interactive 3D product experience on our website that guides users through the Drift’s key features using scroll based animation, motion, and contextual storytelling.
Photo/Video Direction & Product Storytelling
Led photo/video direction and product storytelling to showcase the Madix Drift’s construction, functionality, and the brands overall vibe.
Video Direction & Product Storytelling
Led video direction and product storytelling to showcase the Madix Drift’s construction, functionality, and overall brand experience.
Impact
Early sales confirmed that customers were looking for a more accessible alternative to traditional truck campers. The metrics below are based on Feb 2025 - May 2026.
Campers Sold
55+
Revenue Generated
$520K
Truck Platforms
Supported
14
