Overview
I had identified a clear product shift towards elevating the bathroom experience, from designer razors to toothbrush subscriptions. But I found the things that hold these products often seemed to be neglected and unconsidered. I aimed to find an affordance that would fit naturally with the experience of using a toothbrush.
Role & Timeframe
Industrial Designer
Form Development, Sketching, Rendering, Product Strategy, Rapid Prototyping, CAD Modeling
2018 - 10 Week Project
SLOT
Slot is the minimal and intuitive solution for toothbrush storage. The design focuses on using the natural affordance to lean, by offering three primary channels large enough to accommodate a range of differently sized toothbrushes. Its smooth surface and soft curves not only allow for easy
wash-ability but also bring an elegant form to sterile bathroom counters.
Featured in Salone Satellite 2018
Inspiration
When analyzing the current design landscape I noticed a clear product shift towards elevating the bathroom experience. From designer razors to toothbrush subscriptions, new attention has been drawn to the category. But I noticed the things that hold these products often seemed to be neglected. Too often I found people pairing well-designed products with objects that just didn’t belong. I wanted to create a product that would complement the current designs on the market and “show them off” rather than detract from their value.
Ideation Sketches
It was important to first assess the current landscape of toothbrush holders. By doing so I could find areas of opportunity and develop my ideas further through sketching. Above are two solutions observed in initial user studies, and a popular option in recent years. Notice the lack of any toothbrush "holder" at all.
Prototypes
Cardboard mockups wound up being a quick and easy way to test the interaction with the toothbrush. The material was perfect for maintaining a rigid structure while still being curved to designated shapes. It wound up being a pivotal step in the design process to rapidly test my sketches and figure out how the product would live on the bathroom counter.
Final Model
Packaging
Milan Design WeeK
I was given the amazing opportunity to show my project Slot amongst fellow designers at Milan's Design Week 2018. The University of Oregon was one of twenty schools selected worldwide (only school from the U.S) to showcase their work at the Salon Satellite exhibit meant specifically for university students. It was one of the most inspiring and humbling experiences of my life.
