The Umbra Design Team recognized a need in the market for ready-made shutters and an alternative to blinds. The only available options that are currently on the market are costly custom shutters, which lack versatility, and are time-consuming to order and install, and flimsy and hard to use Venetian blinds.

We created EXPANSA – indoor window shutters that look custom, at a more accessible price point, with none of the hassle of ordering, waiting and installing custom shutters. 

My contributions to the project: Initial ideation and mechanics ideation. Extensive design research (user interviews, surveys, secondary research, etc.) and market research. Designed and created the instruction manual. Created in-situation renders. Created CAD rendered animation. Worked with team to create pitch decks. Graphics and artwork for displayers, planograms, PDQ, posters advertising and explaining product, etc.

EXPANSA is a telescoping shutter – the world’s first. It expands to fit a variety of window sizes. Each shutter is sold separately and measures 80 x 38 cm and the width extends to 56 cm.

Features: Tilting, 7.5 cm louvers give you the look and functionality of custom shutters, letting ample light into the room, while giving you a clear view out the window, or privacy, as needed. The shutter opens 180 degrees, resting flat against the wall beside your window, when outside mounted.

No more fussing with pull cords and tilt wands: A hidden tilt bar allows you to open and close EXPANSA’s louvers with ease, and it won’t obstruct your view out the window.

Easy to remove for re-installation or deep-cleaning: If you ever want to move EXPANSA to another window, you can remove the shutter with minimal impact and easily reinstall it in a new location. When doing deep cleaning, EXPANSA’s hinge pin allows the shutter to be removed and reattached easily. This expanding shutter is easy to clean and durable, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth. Built into its polymer is UV protection, which helps prevent this interior window shutter from becoming discolored in the sunlight.

Easy install: Made for consumers of all skill levels; during testing, everyone installed the shutter in under 30 minutes. Install requires you to fasten the brackets to the wall, drop the hinge pins in, and slide open the telescoping shutter.

Inside and outside mount: This indoor window shutter can be mounted on the inside or outside of your window frame, on the left or right-hand side. For uneven windows, easy-to-apply shims can be added to create balance.