Role: End-to-End Product Development & Execution
Make My Mandap is a DIY paper-craft project developed as a hands-on activity for children aged 10+ and for anyone looking for a creative project to build at home, in an office, or on a home-office desk.
The project involved taking a traditional Mandap structure and translating it into a printable, buildable 3D paper model — from the initial concept and geometry through physical prototyping, testing, refinement, production and release.
The Challenge
Designing a paper model is very different from designing a 2D graphic.
The project required translating a three-dimensional structure into a set of two-dimensional printable components while accounting for real-world constraints such as:
- Paper and cardboard thickness
- Fold allowances and bending
- Structural strength
- Alignment of multiple components
- Cutting and assembly tolerances
- Printable dimensions
- Ease of construction for the intended age group
A design that works perfectly on screen does not necessarily work when printed, folded and assembled.
From Mathematics to a Physical Product
The development combined geometry, measurement and 2D–3D translation with practical physical experimentation.
The structure was broken down into printable components, with dimensions calculated and adapted for the materials being used. The resulting templates were then physically printed, cut, folded and assembled.
The prototype stage exposed problems that were difficult to identify digitally — particularly around paper thickness, folds, fit and alignment. These were resolved through iterative physical testing.
End-to-End Execution
The project was developed and executed through the complete product cycle:
Concept → Geometry & Planning → 2D Template Design → 3D Construction → Prototype → Physical Testing → Refinement → Printable Product → Packaging → Product Photography & Video → Release
The final product was prepared in multiple versions, including a craft/build version and a colour-and-build activity version.
Product Development in the Real World
One of the key aspects of the project was treating the design as a physical product rather than simply a digital illustration.
The final design had to work with the limitations of commonly available paper and cardboard, while remaining simple enough for the intended user to cut, fold, assemble and decorate.
This made physical prototyping an essential part of the development process.
Ongoing Product Development
Make My Mandap is also the beginning of an ongoing printable-product series rather than a one-off design.
I am continuing to work on the project as part of a broader product-development process, creating and releasing new paper-craft and activity designs on a regular basis.
The work therefore combines:
Product Design · Geometry · Paper Engineering · Digital Design · Prototyping · Content Creation · Product Production
Project Status
Project executed and released.
The product is available as a digital DIY activity, with ongoing development and new designs planned on a weekly basis.
Social / Product Links:
[Facebook] · [Instagram] · [YouTube] · [Products on GumRoad]
