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HP Z2 Mini G1i Workstation Desktop PC
HP (OBM) / Inventec (ODM)
Industrial Designer
A mini workstation designed for professional 3D design, rendering, and model development, balancing performance, placement, and a clean desktop presence. Supporting flexible workstation setups, from desks to mounted behind monitor.
Industrial Design / CMF / DFM / Product Development / Cross-Functional Collaboration
CHALLENGE & APPROACH
Problem
HP Z2 Mini G9 already had a clear product language and structure. For the G1i update, the challenge was to refine selected design details and CMF while maintaining the existing architecture, proportions, and product identity.
Constraints
Stay within the existing product architecture while balancing internal hardware layout, part breaks, ventilation, service access, production requirements, and HP product line consistency.
Design Focus
Focused on targeted refinements rather than a full redesign. Updates included 3D modeling and detail refinement, CMF and finish development, prototype testing, DFM, and design detail communication.
Design Refinement
Color, Material, Finish
3D Modeling
Design for Manufacturing
Prototype Testing
DESIGN REFINEMENT SCOPE / PROCESS
Product Review
HP Z2 Mini G9 Review
architecture alignment
update scope definition
product line consistency
3D Refinement
3D CAD development
parts & features adjustment
surface & details
components fit review
CMF Adjustment
direction alignment
paints & finish validation
SVTP testing
sample review
Prototyping / DFM
prototype testing
assembly & parts review
manufacturing review
details adjustment
My Role
Industrial Designer — led design refinements based on the HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation, focusing on 3D modeling, CMF, DFM, prototype testing, and design detail communication with teams at HP and Inventec.
DESIGN
A refined version built on the Z2 Mini G9 workstation platform, balancing placement, performance, user experience, and updated design details.
Front View
The Z2 Mini’s front grille design language is carried forward as both air intake, interwoven structure, and recessed from the front surface. Its rounded corner shell and matte black finish add visual depth while maintaining the product identity.
Power Button (Power control, system status feedback.)
AI Badge (Indicates the workstation’s updated AI platform.)
HP Rotatable Slash Logo (Co-molded structure with plating finish, high-gloss appearance.)
Rear View
The rear layout combines ventilation, service access, and I/O ports into clear functional zones. Recessed rear cover and matte black finish correspond to the front and product from without breaking the design language.
Rear Ventilation (Continues the diamond grille language while supporting airflow and heat exhaust.)
Latch Slider (Enables quick, tool-less access to slide open top cover.)
Rear I/O (Power, DisplayPort, Flex I/O, RJ-45, USB-A, expansion connections.)
Side View
Showcases the Z2 Mini’s compact proportion and soft edge design, with matte black finish, side I/O ports, and slide-off top cover.
Bottom Rubber Feet (Provides surface grip and placement stability.)
Side I/O (USB-A, USB-C, audio jack.)
Clam Shell Case (The top cover can slide back and lift off for service access, anodized black finish.)
Z2 Mini G9 (Previous Generation)
Z2 Mini G1i (Now Updated Generation)
211 mm / 8.3 in
211 mm / 8.3 in
69 mm / 2.7 in
218 mm / 8.6 in
69 mm / 2.7 in
218 mm / 8.6 in
Added AI badge
Refreshed I/O port icons
Removed side HP slash logo
Refined CMF consistency
Updated inner components
Maintained design language
Maintained Z2 Mini G9 platform
Placement Options
Stand beside the display, mount behind a monitor, or mount under the desk, giving users more freedom to build a clean workstation setup.
Rack Mount Design
Designed for rack environments, supporting high density workstation deployment, fitting up to 6 units in a 5U rack for multiple system setups.
STRUCTURE / SPECIFICATION
Thermal Flow.
Within The Form.
Heat Exhaust
Phase change CPU cooling transfers heat into the heat sink and moves warm air out.
Front Grille (Vent)
Air Intake
Cool air enters through the front grille and is pulled into the fan module.
Rear Grille (Vent)
Heat Sink
Fan Module
Compact Architecture.
The internal layout brings the system board, processor, memory, SSD, Flex I/O, and chassis structure into a compact and serviceable package.
(Internal components may vary depending on product configuration)
Front Frame
SSD
CPU
System Board
Latch Structure
Flex I/O Module
Rear Frame
Middle Frame
My Role
Industrial Designer — collaborated with cross-functional teams at HP and Inventec on a design refinement based on the HP Z2 Mini G9 Workstation. My role focused on 3D modeling, CMF, DFM, prototype testing, and design detail communication.
Disclaimer
This project was completed at Inventec in collaboration with HP and was publicly released in 2025 as the HP Z2 Mini G1i Workstation. HP product names, trademarks, and selected brand assets are the property of HP Inc.
This page is presented for portfolio purposes only.
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