may portfolio

LEAH ROSE WAITEKUSIndustrial and Interaction Design | Syracuse University 2013

leahwaitekus@gmail.com

WISH-WASHCompleted with classmates Quinton Fletchall and Jason Ketcham

HOW CAN ORAL HYGIENE BE IMPROVED THROUGH DESIGN?

FINDING OPPORTUNITIES

PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE

MARKET RESEARCH

USER TECHNIQUES ADDED HEALTH BENEFITS FORM/ENVIRONMENT ROUTINE

Create a family of objects with your group

Most of the toothbrushes we found for adults came in packages of one and primarily focused on ergonomics and comfort.

It seemed like ultimately, adults just cared about having the brightest whitest teeth possible with least amount of effort.

We took a look at peoples’ oral hygiene routines and environments in which these routines took place.

INITIAL SKETCHES

Can the regular toothbrush form be completely reinvented?

Where is teeth brushing socially acceptable? Unacceptable?

Which forms will make the act more enjoyable?

How can we reinvent toothbrush disposal? How can the mirror play a bigger role in this routine?

INTERVIEW INSIGHTI showed our sketches to others to spark a conversation. At this point, we split off from our team to design our own piece.

Most of the forms look like fun, but they will probably only be fun the

first few times they use it.

People tend to mirror habits of their significant other, for better or worse.

Since peoples’ mouths are busy when they are brushing their teeth, nonverball language becomes

more important.

People in relationships valued their teeth brushing time more so

than single people.

People admitted to brushing their teeth more often when it was with

someone else they care about.

BREAK UP THE ROUTINE OF BRUSHING YOUR TEETH BY

RELATING IT TO SOMETHING NOT ROUTINE, SUCH AS

A RELATIONSHIP.

NEW DIRECTION

Changing the product instead of changing the environment gives the users more flexibility.

The form has the potential to make your loved one’s absence less noticeable.

How can the form accommodate long distance relationships as well as short distance?

The symmetry of the form reflects the fact of human nature that people mirror each other’s actions.

The form should be compact for packaging purposes.

THE WISH-WASH BRUSH

Gives the user something unroutine to think about while brushing their teeth, their relationship.

Focuses on the constant creation and remembrance of memories

Form’s symmetry is tied to the fact that people in relationships tend to mirror each other’s behavior.

Love for each other may help create love for the activity

Gives user an appointed amount of time to think of their significant other, which may strengthen relationship

THE FAMILYBOY.Toothbrush connectors | Jason Ketcham

The boy can snap the head off of the brush and keep the handles to use as building blocks for a sculpture. This brush is designed to promote eco-friendlier play.

BOY TRIES TO GET GIRL.Breath freshener | Quintan Fletchall

Boy can check his breath and fix it if it is bad with this handy device. This is designed to promote convenience and assurance.

BOY DATES GIRL.Wish-Wash | Leah Waitekus

Boy and girl can connect while brushing their teeth when they are together or apart. This brush is designed to promote connectivity and healthier habits through imitation.

PALETTEEcowell, a vending machine startup, came to Syracuse design students for concept inspiration.

Completed with Lucas Taccardi, Katy Jeremko, Hal Woodin

WHAT IS THE CURRENT SYSTEM?

ABOUT ECOWELL

ECOWELL IS A STARTUP COMPANY THAT GIVES ECO-FRIENDLY AND HEALTHY DRINK CHOICES FOR PEOPLE AT WORK OR SCHOOL.

“CHANGE HOW WE THINK. CHANGE HOW WE DRINK” -ECOWELL

They do this by encouraging users to use their own reusable bottles and provide flavors that contain no high fructose corn syrup.

WHO WILL BE USING THIS MACHINE AND WHERE?

How can this machine help promote a healthy lifestyle?

How can the user’s interaction time be cut down?

How can this machine stick out from it’s competitors?

How can it help kids make healthier choices ?

How can the machine be less distracting?

How can the form fit into these diverse environments?

“MY MOM USUALLY GIVES ME $1.25 TO GET A WATER AT THE VENDING MACHINE AT SCHOOL. I GET SODA THOUGH BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT MY FRIENDS GET.”

“I LOVE WHEN THE OFFICE IS QUIET- IT HELPS ME GET INTO THE ZONE. I FEEL AWKWARD WHEN I GET A DRINK FROM THE BUBBLER THOUGH, THE NOISE SEEMS TO BE MAGNIFIED.”

“WHEN I GO TO THE VENDING MACHINES AT THE GYM, I HATE IT WHEN THERE IS A LONG LINE! I AM ALWAYS PRETTY THIRSTY AND NEED SOMETHING QUICK.”

INSIGHTS

INSPIRATION AND IDEATION PROCESS

Inspired by:

ATMS for their visual clues that help direct their diverse consumer market

Starbucks for their personalized customer service

Coca-Cola for their innovative touch screen soda fountain

We worked on the interface and form simultaneously to make sure they work together cohesively.

We found the biggest challenges to be how to display the diverse options without overwhelming the user.

SKETCHESOur goal was to create a healthier system overall for all stakeholders involved and to make sure the

form and interface reflects that.

PALETTE

Stands out from competitors because of unique form inspired by a well and pastel color palette.

Reduces interaction time to 30 seconds or less by making an intuitive interface.

Form and graphics convey the healthy and ecofriendly lifestyle Ecowell wants to promote.

Dimensions are accessible for all

STICKER CHECK- IN SYSTEM We replaced Ecowell’s card membership system with a sticker check-in (see sticker design above). Once the bottle is put in the dispensing area, the machine will register who you are and customize the interface accordingly.

credit card reader

THE FORM We created a friendly form inspired by a water well. It is made out of recycled plastics with a brushed copper rim.

Final

Our main goal was to create an intuitive interface. We chose to put the logos around the rim so the amount of choices would be less intimidating. The flavors are also arranged by color so the user can quickly tell where to go for the flavor he or she wants.

palettewe have some great new flavors

for you today.

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

top picks order history account confirm top picks order history account confirm top picks order history account confirm

select your flavors with a simple touch

hello, dave!

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

top picks order history account confirm

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

top picks order history account confirm

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

top picks order history account confirm

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

The Palette logo is showing at all times. Place bottle in to get started.

place bottle down below to get started

The vending machine reads your sticker, greets you, and brings up your profile.

The greeting will fade to the flavor selection or the user can touch the greeting to get here quicker.

By clicking a logo, the user selects a flavor and is then able to change the flavor’s intensity.

The user can then confirm their order or pick another flavor.

3 is the maximum amount of flavors allowed to be chosen per drink.

Touch confirm. Your drink’s profile will pop up showing you the price and the benefits of the flavors you chose. You can then add vitamins, change the size of the cup, and confirm.

MANGOORANGE LEMON PEACH BANANA

APPLE CRANBERRY KIWI RASPBERRY PRUNE BLUEBERRY

LIME GRAPE CHERRY STRAWBERRY POMEGRANATE TANGERINE

WATERGREEN TEABLACK TEA LEMONADE

FLAVOR ICONS These iconswere designed to signify to the users that Ecowell’s drinks are healthy options. Each icon is a slightly

abstracted watercolor of the fruit flavor which contrasts most fruit icons seen for unhealthier choices.

HEALTHIER OVERALL SYSTEM To go along with the idea of creating a healthier system for all stakeholders involved, we wanted the repair and cleaning to be easier.

curved back makes the machineeasy to clean from all angles

hydraulic repair system with locking mechanism

OSHKASExploring toys’ personalities and physical appearances.

How does this affect childrens’ relationships with their toys? What about with other people?

To me, this is a problem. I wanted to explore how design can help break the connection between “mean” and “ugly” in dolls.“THIS IS THE MEAN TOY BECAUSE IT’S UGLY”

INSPIRATION

While sketching, I was concerned with how I was going to give these toys their personalities. I wanted to create an abstract shape to encourage imagination but I also wanted it to be somewhat recognizable to the children can relate to it.

HOLEY HOLLY CAREFUL CARRIE ICKY IZZY SLEEPY SARAH TINY TINA

CONTEXT & STORYBOARD

MEET THE OSHKA FAMILY

These dolls are all the same basic shape, but the interactions frame their personalities, making them completely different characters. The dolls are made of translucent plastic, so when stacked, you can see a gradient of colors.

THANK YOU!For questions or requests for more work please contact me!

leahwaitekus@gmail.com