Consumer

Touchless Hand Sanitizer

Tobi looked to SGW Designworks to build a production-like prototype for its residential hand sanitizing unit, with a design that would need to balance form and function.

Client:

Tobi

Services provided:

Prototyping

Product Design

Mechanical Engineering

Date:

2020

project summary

SGW Designworks provided concept development for a functional prototype of Tobi’s beautiful new hand-sanitizing unit.

Challenge

Product Vision

Tobi had a concept for a freestanding hand sanitizing unit for the home and needed a functional prototype for its fundraising campaign.

Hand sanitizing stations are nothing new. But Tobi sought to develop a premium unit, one with custom components — and a look and feel that would be appropriate for residential applications (as opposed to the office or other commercial settings). And, because a startup’s needs often change frequently based on investor feedback, projects like this one often require smart, risk-based decision-making.

Like most devices of its kind, this unit would need to contain parts like a peristaltic pump, along with an appropriately positioned infrared sensor that would register hand movement (while protecting the user from excess hand sanitizer spray). However, because this particular project entailed building a production-like prototype using additive methods, sourcing high fidelity parts from the right partners would be another challenge.

delivery

Final Outcome

SGW Designworks developed a functional prototype that is aesthetically pleasing, intuitive, and provides a pleasant user experience.

After building an early mockup of the hand sanitizing unit using custom components, SGW conducted UI/UX testing of its overall aesthetic and electronics. This testing provided the client with valuable insight into what features to include in the working prototype. The final result is a unit that is strong in both form and function.