Overview
SmoothStick is a semester-long consumer product concept focused on rethinking lotion application to be cleaner, faster, and more convenient. The project moved from early research and concept exploration into physical prototyping, market validation, and a refined final pitch.
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The outcome was a functional product prototype, a clearer value proposition, and an award-winning final presentation recognized with a $3,000 first-place prize.
The Problem
Traditional lotion requires users to rub product in by hand, leaving greasy palms that interrupt everyday tasks.
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Greasy hands after applicaiton
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Hard to immediately return to typing, driving, gaming, or handling devices
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Travel inconvenience
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Accessibility issues for users with limited mobility
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Research & Insights
Research, market segmentation, and early testing shaped the product direction.
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Convenience and cleanliness matter most.
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Young professionals and frequent travelers showed the strongest early fit.
Solid-stick application felt cleaner, more controlled, and more portable compared to traditional lotion formats.
Design Process
I followed a structured process from opportunity identification to prototyping and pitch refinement.
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Explore
Conducted research, reviewed competitors, and validated main pain points.
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Prototype
Explored multiple form factors while collecting user feedback to iterate designs.
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Refine
Developed the final prototype concept, value proposition, and pitch narrative.
Final Design
AI rendition of what the end product might look like.
Improved, dual-lid design to cover the applicator pad separately.
An initial sketch of a lotion device.
AI rendition of what the end product might look like.
Embedded video or presentation
Final Presentation Video
Along with my one other team member, I presented the slide deck (below) during TECH 340's Design and Innovation pitch competition.