Pearl Design Process

 

Concept evaluation & Design Research Process

Based on the initial brief and primary research, 3 different concepts were created for defining the design direction.

Each of these options was unique as well as highly diverse from a manufacturing, cost and convenience stand point. Based on user research and prototype testing, it quickly became clear that a mechanical brush with a reloadable cartridge system is the way to go.

Through our research process explored objects with desired functionality such as exacto knives, pez dispensers, cartridge pens etc. We also identified the needs of multiple target user types and gathered insights that led to an interesting opportunity category.

Category Development

We observed the need for a highly convenient, portable and yet cool product in the “after work socializers” segment Products like the Wisp had been just launched and we interviewed several users. Wisp was expensive and users were not happy about the fact that they were trashing a plastic toothbrush after every use.

As we made progress in the project, the target segment extended to mobile executives and even moms who didn’t like the idea of their younger kids swallowing toothpaste every morning!

Brand Definition

Plastic Vs Aluminum

After evaluating several moodboards and user insights, the we started to look at products in the market that users love to show off and associate with a “cool” image. What if you could wear and carry the toothbrush as a sleek pen?

We chose aluminum as the material after embarking upon a detailed cost benefit analysis of plastic vs aluminum options. Several iterations resulted from this process in order to incorporate manufacturing constraints and pricing requirements.

The final deliverable was a manufacturing ready design that can be licensed or manufactured in-house based on the client’s preference.