Overview

SmoothStick is a work-in-progress consumer product developed over a semester-long course focused on innovation, market validation, and physical prototyping.
The project explored how to redesign lotion application to be cleaner, faster, and more convenient, ultimately producing a functional prototype and high-fidelity product concept.
Our team’s final pitch won $3,000 in the course’s competitive final showcase.

 

Problem

Traditional lotion requires rubbing it in by hand, leaving users with oily palms that interfere with daily tasks like typing, driving, gaming, and handling devices.
Through research, we found consistent frustrations:
• Greasy hands after application
• Inability to immediately resume tasks
• Travel inconvenience
• Poor accessibility for users with limited mobility

These issues pointed toward the need for a cleaner, portable, hands-free alternative.

 

My Role

I contributed to:
• Conducting market research, competitor analysis, and segmentation
• Facilitating user interviews and early testing sessions
• Sketching product concepts and exploring multiple form factors
• Developing the value proposition and pitch narrative
• Co-creating wireframe-level visuals for packaging and marketing
• Building the final business plan and delivering the pitch presentation

 

Key Insights

From user research, market segmentation, and early prototype testing:
• Convenience and cleanliness are major decision drivers
• Young professionals and frequent travelers showed strongest adoption potential
• Users prefer solid-stick formats because they avoid mess and reduce over-application
• Competitors rely heavily on petroleum bases or cluttered ingredient lists
• A lotion solution must feel natural, be portable, and look aesthetically modern

These insights informed SmoothStick’s design and messaging.

 

Solution

We developed SmoothStick: a solid lotion stick with a soft silicone applicator pad for hands-free spreading.

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Core Features
• Clean, no-mess application
• Travel-friendly, compact form factor
• Seven natural ingredients with a beeswax base
• A silicone “product-saving pad” that helps melt lotion smoothly into skin

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Prototype Exploration

• Multiple concepts were explored (cap idea, roller stick, pump accessory, solid stick), with the solid-stick emerging as the strongest based on testing and feasibility.

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Market Positioning
SmoothStick offers a premium yet affordable experience:
• Estimated manufacturing cost: ~$1.60 per unit
• Expected retail price validated through user testing: $10.99
• Unique differentiators: natural ingredients, hands-free, hygienic, aesthetically minimal

 

Impact

The project resulted in:
• A functional prototype tested with target users
• A refined, research-validated product concept
• A full business model, segmentation analysis, and cost structure
• A polished final pitch deck and marketing plan
• First place & $3,000 award in the final pitch competition

This validated both product desirability and market viability.

 

Next Steps

• Continue prototyping to refine twist mechanism and applicator durability
• Explore manufacturability and sealing methods for solid lotion
• Conduct broader testing for scent, formulation, and skin-sensitivity considerations
• Develop early branding and packaging
• Test initial sales channels (Etsy, TikTok Shop, campus pop-ups)

 

Documentation

• Team Charter
• Product Design Brief
• Market Segmentation Study

• Project Financials

• Final Pitch Deck & Prototype Narrative