MADIX - DRIFT DESIGN & LAUNCH

I led a team that designed and launched the Madix Drift.

Dec. 2023 - Jan. 2026 | Roles: Product Designer & Director

SETUP, SIMPLIFIED.

Durable. Affordable. Short Lead Times.

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, no/low lead time availability, and functional design.

OUR PROCESS

Research & Development

We conducted extensive testing and iteration before arriving at the final design we took to market.

Welded Steel Tube Frame + 1/16” Aluminum Skin

Our first approach seemed straightforward, but quickly exposed key shortcomings:

excess weight
corrosion at welds and hardware
limited accessory mounting
load concentrated at the bed corners

Welded Aluminum Tube Frame + 1/16” Aluminum Skin

Switching to aluminum reduced weight and eliminated corrosion, but testing revealed new tradeoffs:

heat distortion during welding
limited accessory mounting
continued to concentrate load at the bed corners

OUR PROCESS

Design & Engineering

Our final construction method: cut & formed ⅛" 5052 aluminum structural panels.

CAD

We engineered each truck model specific camper structure in Fusion 360. Fusion 360's sheet metal tools enabled precise panel design.

Cutting

We used water-jet cut ⅛" 5052 aluminum panels to reduce complexity and improve structural integrity.

Forming & Bending

Each panel is formed and bent to create a seamless structure that expands and contracts as a single aluminum unit.

Finishing & Painting

Each camper is finished with a marine-grade powder coat for long-term durability.

Assembly

We designed the camper to distribute load across the truck bed rails, reinforced by a rear cross-member for added rigidity. Minimal welding and an all-riveted assembly improve durability and prevent fasteners from loosening over time.

Final Product

The industry's first low lead time lightweight truck camper, built around durability, affordability, and availability.

Product Highlights

Push Away Bed

Trap Door Style Push Away Bed Panels that allows for full standing room inside.

Double Lock Rear Hatch

Lockable rear hatch includes acrylic tailgate window + 3rd brake light

Rain Fly + Zippered Doors

The blackout tent includes 3 zippered & screened tent doors + ventilation

Sliding Cabside Window

1/4" glass window that allows access to truck cab + removable for easy access to clean truck windows

7.5' Aluminum Telescoping Ladder

The ladder has 3 access points on the sides + rear of the camper

2.5" Mattress

The mattress + Anti-condensation Mat covers the entire tent area and is split to fit with the trap door pass through access

LED Lights

USB powered LED Light Strip on the ceiling of the tent provides overhead lighting.

T-Slots

T-Slots follow the perimeter of the camper for easy mounting of accessories.

Roof Rack

Roof Rack included with 500lb dynamic payload & 1000lb static payload.

Storage Pockets

The interior of the tent includes a storage system on the ceiling of the tent, plus a pocket on each tent wall.

Pass Through Access

OUR PROCESS

Branding & Digital Experience

I shaped the brands visual identity, web design, and storytelling.

Logo Inspiration

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

combines an “M+0” monogram with mountain and sun elements, reflecting Madix Outdoors’ mission to empower adventure with confidence.

Web Design

I designed the website and checkout flow, allowing customers to configure their truck and build.

3D Product Experience

We created a scroll-driven 3D website experience that lets visitors explore the Drift at their own pace. Try it out!

Photo / Video Direction

I led photo/video direction and visual storytelling.

TAKE A TOUR

I directed and edited a product walkthrough highlighting the Drift's design, construction, and key features.

Impact

Early sales confirmed that customers are looking for an affordable lightweight truck campers with low lead times. The metrics below are based on Feb 2025 - May 2026.