the SUNFUN lotion
This project was part of the class 3D Graphics Studio at the Savannah College of Art and Design during Summer 2011.
The brief for the project asked for the selection of a real-world problem that could be solved through the application of design thinking. The problem chosen for this project was the way people protect themselves from overexposure to direct sunlight. The process for this project was mainly research-based with rapid prototyping at different stages of the problem. Collaborative in-class discussions and interactions with professionals in the field of the selected problem helped inform the design throughout the entire project.
Initially, information about existing solutions for sun protection was collected and evaluated. Possible areas for improvement were identified and explored through mind-mapping. These ideas were than checked through intensified research, such as statistics about sun protection, case studies, and medical reports.
The problem was narrowed down to the discovery that while most people are aware of the risks of overexposure to sunlight and while they have a lot of means of protection at hand, they are not sufficiently informed about how to use them properly. It was discovered that sunscreen helped reduce the negative effects of sunlight while not weakening the positive effects on the body and psyche.
In the next step the target audience was defined as Americans between the age of 16 and 40 who lead an active lifestyle with outdoor activities (several other key aspects of the target demographic were defined). To gather information about the current status for this target audience, a survey among members of the target audience was conducted about their habits regarding sun protection. Additionally, people were interviewed at the beach, while their behavior was observed and protocoled. Professional insights into the medical aspects of sun protection were gained through an interview with a local medical professional.
After evaluating the research results, the proposed solution was to create a kiosk solution that would be placed in the retail environment and that would allow users to determine their skin type. The device would then give users a recommendation as to which SPF and UVA star level was necessary for them. The user could then use a refillable container and fill it with the recommended sunscreen right at the vending kiosk.
As the research showed that most users of sunscreen were unaware of how long they could be in the sun before they had to reapply the sunscreen, the necessity for a timing functionality was determined. To communicate to the user that it is time to reapply the sunscreen, the packaging would change color over time, as if it was tanning itself.
Several rapid prototypes for the packaging were developed and tested for ease of use. Another important problem that was addressed was the right amount of sunscreen to be used as research showed that users tend to apply only 1/4 of the necessary amount. To prevent this problem, the packaging was equipped with a pump mechanism that help dose the sunscreen precisely.
The brief for the project asked for the selection of a real-world problem that could be solved through the application of design thinking. The problem chosen for this project was the way people protect themselves from overexposure to direct sunlight. The process for this project was mainly research-based with rapid prototyping at different stages of the problem. Collaborative in-class discussions and interactions with professionals in the field of the selected problem helped inform the design throughout the entire project.
Initially, information about existing solutions for sun protection was collected and evaluated. Possible areas for improvement were identified and explored through mind-mapping. These ideas were than checked through intensified research, such as statistics about sun protection, case studies, and medical reports.
The problem was narrowed down to the discovery that while most people are aware of the risks of overexposure to sunlight and while they have a lot of means of protection at hand, they are not sufficiently informed about how to use them properly. It was discovered that sunscreen helped reduce the negative effects of sunlight while not weakening the positive effects on the body and psyche.
In the next step the target audience was defined as Americans between the age of 16 and 40 who lead an active lifestyle with outdoor activities (several other key aspects of the target demographic were defined). To gather information about the current status for this target audience, a survey among members of the target audience was conducted about their habits regarding sun protection. Additionally, people were interviewed at the beach, while their behavior was observed and protocoled. Professional insights into the medical aspects of sun protection were gained through an interview with a local medical professional.
After evaluating the research results, the proposed solution was to create a kiosk solution that would be placed in the retail environment and that would allow users to determine their skin type. The device would then give users a recommendation as to which SPF and UVA star level was necessary for them. The user could then use a refillable container and fill it with the recommended sunscreen right at the vending kiosk.
As the research showed that most users of sunscreen were unaware of how long they could be in the sun before they had to reapply the sunscreen, the necessity for a timing functionality was determined. To communicate to the user that it is time to reapply the sunscreen, the packaging would change color over time, as if it was tanning itself.
Several rapid prototypes for the packaging were developed and tested for ease of use. Another important problem that was addressed was the right amount of sunscreen to be used as research showed that users tend to apply only 1/4 of the necessary amount. To prevent this problem, the packaging was equipped with a pump mechanism that help dose the sunscreen precisely.
Eventually, a shelf display and the labels for the actual container were designed. The vending machine was designed and a rough mockup of the devices screen displays was developed.
Early development sketches
Development sketch for the pump mechanism.
The three color variations of the wondo logo
The shelf display for the wondo balls
The concept graphic for the vending machine
The wondo ball in use at the beach
The wondo ball in use at the beach
