Ben Kübler Portfolio

portfolio Ben Kübler // Product Designer 2015 Portfolio

Product | Toy | Packaging | Graphic

KÜ BE

Welcome to my portfolio......

Ben Kübler © 2015

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Table of Contents //

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PHOENIX

// FINAL MAJOR PROJECT

ECOPLANETS // TOY DESIGN

PERFECTIONIST CAFE // PLACEMENT WORK

LEGO MINIFIGURES // TOY DESIGN

COVENTRY ID DEGREE SHOW // GRAPHIC DESIGN

METHOD DROP

// PACKAGING DESIGN

1 Phoenix // Final Major Project Re-designing the fire helmet

Product - Firefighters Helmet Topic - Product Design Completed - 2014 - 2015 Time Scale - 9 Months alongside various other projects.

The Brief // Design or Re-design the fire helmet to improve the firefighters ability to communicate while improving the adjustability and comfort of the helmet making it accessible to all. The designed solution should be as light as possible while remaining intuitive and exhibit high levels of performance.

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THE RESEARCH // PROBLEM FRAMING Problems

Firefighter Interviews // Helmet Testing

Key Findings

Too Heavy, Lack of Adjustment, Negative impact on mental state, Lack of communication, Not suitable at non fire incidents such as crashes and floods.

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THE RESEARCH // DEVELOPMENT Problem Framing Project Direction

Research Synthesis

Synthesising research questionnaires and surveys to determine key points.

Aesthetic Influences

Determining what makes a fire helmet, highlighting styling features to be included in the helmet.

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DEVELOPMENT // INITIAL SKETCHING Style-board

Aesthetic Influences

Fire helmet ideation

Initial sketching targeted towards the development of 6 concepts that would be evaluated against the brief.

INTEGRATED

ARCHED BACK

DEFINED RIDGE 5

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DEVELOPMENT // INITIAL SKETCHING Concept Development Project Direction

Concept evaluation Project Direction

Elements to take forward Combining designs.

“Has more distinguishable features than the other helmet designs. But the Aesthetic of the helmet could be improved and styled towards traditional helmets more” Andrew Kübler, Phillips 66

FUTURE HELMET // 2020

CHOSEN DIRECTION

“I like the integrated respirator but more work is needed on how it attached and detaches” Kieron Mason, Coventry University

ENCASING SEPERATE GOGGLES

INTEGRATED // MODULAR

“The throat communicator is a really interesting feature but how do you control it? We don’t have the time to keep raising our hands to the helmet” Neil Flynn, West Midlands Fire and Rescue

COMMUNICATE // THROAT COMMUNICATOR

INTEGRATED RESPIRATOR

THROAT COMMUNICATOR

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REFINEMENT // SKETCH MODELLING Modelling

Testing the aesthetics and function of certain parts and elements of the helmet.

Sketch Refinement

Combining the chosen elements, utilising the lessons used in the sketch modelling.

TOO MILITARY

WIDER VISOR

GOOD PURCHASE

DYNAMIC

TOO BIG 8

FINAL DESIGN // INTRODUCING PHOENIX In situ Render

Back of the helmet features

What’s Inside?

The chinstrap and other internals

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PHOENIX FEATURES // KEY PARTS 1. M5 Fibre Shell 6. Respirator Front 10. BOA adjustment System 13. Removable neck guard Improved impact absorption (40-60% better than Can be removed and given to colleagues if a respira- Provides quick/easy adjustment while wearing Nomex (111A) can be quickly attached/detached Kevlar KM2), Improved thermal resistance. tor failure or breakage occurs. gloves as well as providing a quick release function. using Velcro providing ventilation if needed.

2. Visor Mechanism 7. Single Visor (Apec FR) 11. OLED Lighting 14. Throat Communicator Initial rail mechanism pulls the visor from the shell. Improved thermal resistance. Provides ballistic Gives a beacon for other firefighters to follow, allowing Clearer and faster communication. Does not affect protection while improving peripherals in the process. them to locate each other in smoke. the respiratory function of the respirator.

T-nut and elevator bolt rotate the visor.

3. Torch Mount 8. The Goggles 12. Reflectors Standard rail mount allows a varied selection of Contains Project Tango and BIM providing improved Reflect light from flash-lights and torches giving the flash-lights to be mounted. navigation and guidance while at incidents. firefighter more presence at incidents.

9. Silicone Back 4. Respirator Mount PBI clips hold and protects the snap fixings that hold Differentiates from the main shell. Provides a softer the respirator in place. touch feel when operating the mechanisms.

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5. Integrated Respirator Gives the helmet improved visibility while also creating a more spacious feel.

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FINAL DESIGN // INTRODUCING THE GOGGLES How do they work?

The System.

The features behind the goggles. The goggles will be controlled using a central hub located on the respirator control unit. This gives the firefighter a single place in which to control all of his equipment.

How can the technology help?

Dual Lens // Integrated depth sensing and motion tracking camera power project tango. Providing a 3D scan of the environment around the firefighter, providing improved navigation.

Dual Visor // APEC FR polycarbonate provides ballistic protection while a 60% transparent OLED screen displays BIM and Project tango

Building Information Modelling (BIM)

Project Tango

Informs of the building layout prior to fire entry

Real time model provides a 3D scan for navigation

Elasticated Strap // Dual buckle elastic strap provides quick and easy adjustment.

Vents// Provides ventilation, stopping the visor from steaming up.

Padding// Provides a comfortable fit on the face.

BIM Model can be used to inform repairs and assess the structural integrity of building

Updates BIM model with the damage caused to the building

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FINAL DESIGN // THE HELMET INTERNALS

M5 Fibre Shell //

Compression Moulded with a inflatable mould. Machined and laser cut to remove material for visor.

The helmet’s layers.

Phoenix utilises a triple layer of protection, allowing it to absorb impacts more efficiently.

VISOR MECHANISM //

T-NUT AND ELEVATOR BOLT HINGE Sorbothane Layer //

Glued to PBI Casing. Provides initial shock absorption (visco elastic polymer).

PBI Casing //

CASING SNAP FIXES

Provides a hub for the other internal layers to attach to. Snap fixed into body, allowing easy removal and repair

Polyurethane Foam //

Secondary absorption. Glues to plastic casing. Provides a softer, more comfortable fit on the head.

Netting //

THE CASING CLIPS/GROVES

Stitched to headband, cradles the head.

Headband //

Clips into groves in the casing.

Compresses with the Boa system.

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DEGREE SHOW // PLINTH AND DISPLAY The Main Display

A picture showcasing the final display of the helmet at the 2015 Coventry Industrial design degree show. Awards // Best Digital Visualisation In Show, Outstanding Contribution to the department.

Details

Booklets and brochures. Final model showcasing the main shell.

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PROJECT REVIEW // FIREFIGHTER VIEWS Firefighter Quotes Views on the helmet

“The utilising of new materials paves the way for new designs” Baz, Phillips 66 Refinery

“Integrated the respirator, removes the need for the helmet to be removed when respirators are needed at incidents” Firefighter 15 years (Hampshire)

“The helmet re-design addresses many of issues with the helmets we use. I love the integrated respirator and the throat communicator” Andrew Kübler, Phillips 66 refinery

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2 Eco Planets //

Sustainable packaging for toys Product - Toy Spaceship Topic - Toy Design Completed - 2014 Time Scale - 3 months alongside two further projects

EcoPlanets

The Brief // Design or re-design a consumer toy and its product packaging to minimise waste and environmental impact.

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PROBLEM FRAMING // KEY STATS Waste from toys?

Project Direction

3 MILLION TONNES OF WASTE CREATED AT CHRISTMAS.

Sustainable Materials

Innovative materials that could potentially be utilised in the toy market.

PLANTIC // STARCH BASED POLYMER THAT CAN

Project Direction Combining designs.

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Problem- Toy packaging will generate over 800,000 tonnes of waste this Christmas. A lot of this will take decades to biodegrade.

BE WASHED AWAY WITH WATER

CREATED AT CHRISTMAS. Target- To design and create a consumer toy that adheres to sustainable principles from its packaging to the object itself.

800,000 TONNES CREATED BY PACKAGING ALONE

PLA // WIDELY SEEN AS GREEN REPLACEMENT FOR

ABS DUE TO ITS MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES

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Wish- Create an engaging story based around the product and its packaging. Creating something that is long lasting in the process.

CAN WE STILL CREATE SOMETHING EXCITING?

STARCH BASED POLYMERS // UTILISE

STARCH RATHER THAN PETROCHEMICALS.

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PROJECT FOCUS // TARGET MARKET Key Words // Themes The Problems.

TOY’S ARE OFTEN

OVER PACKAGED

LACK OF SUSTAINABLE

THINKING

Key words // themes The Goals.

Target Age Range

The target market in which the toy will fit.

CONCISE AND

SIMPLE

BOYS // AGED BETWEEN 5-8 YEARS OLD.

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN DURING

PACKAGING // TOY POCKET MONEY // TARGETED AT LOW COST

POCKET MONEY TOYS.

PACKAGING ISN’T UTILISED

PROPERLY

PACKAGING HAS A USE

WITHIN THE STORY MYSTERY PACKAGING // TOYS WITH

MYSTERY PACKAGING GIVING GREATER EXCITEMENT.

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DEVELOPMENT // SKETCH DEVELOPMENT Mood Board Key Images

Sketch Development

Initial sketching targeted towards spaceships and planes.

COOL

EXCITING

SPEED // AGILE 18

Designs To Take Forward?

CAD Development

CONCEPT 1 // DUAL ENGINED MICRO FIGHTER

CONCEPT 2 // DUAL ENGINE STAR FIGHTER

CONCEPT 3 // CARGO/TRAVELLING SHIP

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REFINEMENT // CAD DEVELOPMENT Developing the story?

The Final Designs

A good toy needs a story...

The whole set. The 3 lost spaceships.

The Cargo-ship//

This ship would make expeditions to the other ships exploring space, re-stocking supplies and refuelling them ahead of their trips.

1.WE CONTINUED TO MAKE TOO MUCH WASTE AND GREEN HOUSE GASES

3.WE LOOKED TO SPACE, TO TRY AND FIND A SOLUTION, WITH DIFFERENT FACTIONS SEEKING PLACES TO LIVE.

4.THE SEARCH CONTINUED FOR A SUSTAINABLE PLANET THAT COULD CATER FOR LIFE.

2. UNTIL THE PLANET BECAME INHABITABLE, CAUSING US TO SEEK AN ALTERNATIVE.

5.BUT MANY OF THESE SPACESHIPS BECAME LOST IN THE VERY PLANETS THEY WERE SEEKING.

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Designs To Take Forward?

CAD Development

The Scout //

A dual engined spaceship that would seek far into space seeking potential planets that could harbour life. This would then relay the info back to the larger ships.

The Explorer //

This spaceship would make expeditions into the deepest reaches of space, taking samples of planets that were suitable.

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FEATURES // THE SPACESHIP FEATURES Universal Details

The Final Designs

These details are universal across all of the spaceship designs.

Moulded In Details

Tampo Printed

Ship insignia gives the ship more personality

The set with the packaging.

Living Hinge

Gives the wing some articulation, adding play value

Cockpit //

Clear Plastic cockpit can be removed through simple snap fixings allowing the child to give the ship a driver.

Engine Detail

Each spaceship comes with different engines and power.

Packaging //

The individual spaceships are held within the planets. These are attached on a series of supports which degrade when water is added.

Body //

PLA plastic body can be fully recycled and turned into other plastic products

Finish //

Metallic finished plastic gives the body parts better distinction and aesthetic.

Insignia //

All of the spaceships come with different insignia’s, representing different factions within the storyline.

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How does the Plantic Work?

Packaging design // The planets themselves would be placed within a large container, allowing the child to grab them out, adding to the mystery.

Planet //

Plantic planet comes with different textures and colours. Representing different planets and terrains.

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Plantic Planet comes with a outer layer of paper. Protection /graphics

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Remove paper layer through peeling and ripping. Add to recycling.

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Once the paper is removed the planet will be ready for water. Run under a tap for a couple of minutes till the plantic begins to degrade.

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The plantic will degrade under the water, washing its self away in the process.

Any excess can be added to the recycling. Your toy is now ready.

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3 Internship Work // Placement The Perfectionist Cafe by Seymourpowell

Product - Shop Signage Topic - Product Design Completed - 2014 Time Scale - During a 3 month Placement at Seymourpowell.

The Brief // One of the projects I worked on during placement at Seymourpowell was a sign piece for Heston Blumenthal’s perfectionist cafe.

Within this project I worked as part of a team on different aspects of the project and its design from visualisation through to sketch modelling.

© © 2015 seymourpowell © 2014 The Fat Duck Group

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DEVELOPMENT // PHOTOSHOP DEVELOPMENT The Features

A Photoshop visual explaining the sign’s features including the features I worked on.

Mechanical Key

Rotates within the mechanism, when the knife swings from left to right.

Main Gear’s

One of the items I had direct input on within the project, was the design of the main gears. These were designed to better fit the aesthetic of the knife while a sketch model was produced to ensure the mechanism still rotated correctly.

Knife Blade

Swings from left to right, controlled by the gears which get power from a rotating screw.

© 2015 seymourpowell © 2014 The Fat Duck Group

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The Finished Article

The completed signage piece.

Wood Handle

Stained wood handle helps recreate the look of a standard knife while also adding to the rustic appearance.

Screw Insert

Power to the mechanism is derived from a screw. This screw rotates the gears, which in turn move the blade.

Š 2015 seymourpowell Š 2014 The Fat Duck Group

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4 Lego Minifigures // Personal Degree Show book and other materials

Product - Lego minifigure Topic - Toy Design Completed - 2015 Time Scale - 2 weeks in-between final major project

The Brief // For this project I created different elements and accessories for the standard Lego minifigure to develop a new character for the minifigure series.

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IDEATION // SKETCH DEVELOPMENT Initial ideation

Initial brainstorming of ideas targeted at developing a theme to design within.

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Aesthetic Influences

Real life representation of the planned characters.

Character Development

Illustrator drawings developing the details within a selection of characters.

WING-SUITER Cardboard Box Guy

Knife thrower

WINGSUIT GUY

STOP

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

FORENSIC SCIENTIST

RUGNY PLAYER

LOLLIPOP LADY

CROSSING GUARD 31

DEVELOPMENT // SKETCHING Development Sketching

The chosen characters were developed through further sketching, targeted at adding character to the drawings.

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CHARACTER 1 // WING-SUIT GUY The story

Wing-suit guy

Background

CAD models were created to help visualise the design.

This helped give the designs more realism and character.

Helmet // Like the graphics, the helmet was inspired by extreme sport helmets.

Wing-suit attachment // Goes under head to secure in place and features a studded back to secure wing-suit in place.

WING-SUIT GUY “I believe I can fly!”

The Wing-Suit Guy has always wanted to fly and has finally found a wing-suit that can allow him to fulfil his dream. He’s been through extensive training to master the art of flight and knows all there is to know about wind speeds and directions required to fly.

He likes nothing better than climbing and exploring to find the perfect location where he can experience flight.

All he has to do now is jump, and fly with the wind.

Graphics // The minifigure graphics were created by simplifying the aesthetics of existing wing-suits.

Leg studs // A further double sided stud system has been used to secure the wing-suit to the legs allowing the fabric to move with the legs.

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CHARACTER 2 // CROSSING GUARD The story

Crossing guard

Background

This character was designed to fit within more traditional Lego city sets.

Graphics // Lollipop graphics have been created to fit within the world of Lego.

Hat // A round bowler hat has been used rather than a constable hat to give the crossing guard more identity.

CROSSING GUARD “STOP! Minifigures are crossing” There’s no one more dedicated to safety than the crossing guard. She has helped minifigures cross the road safely for years, and works tirelessly to ensure the safety of the roads and crossings are upheld.

Come rain or shine the crossing guard will be there to help scared minifigures across the road.

Lollipop // This has been designed to fit in with current minifigures and traditional Lego bricks.

Coat // Fabric coat has been used to add more realism to the minifigure and create an accurate representation of the character..

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CHARACTER 3 // CARDBOARD BOX GUY The story

Cardboard Box Guy

Background

CAD models were created to help visualise the design.

This helped give the designs more realism and character.

Box // The eyes of the box have been hollowed out, helping to create a more accurate representation of the character and his shyness.

Paint Brush// A paint brush has // Like the graphics, the helmet been added toHelmet the character. wasaround inspired by extreme sport helmets.

With this he goes painting new faces and boxes.

Wing-suit attachment // Goes under head to secure in place and features a studded back to secure wing-suit in place.

CARDBOARD BOX GUY “Wait! I need that Box�

The cardboard box guy is very shy and very rarely seen without his collection of cardboard boxes. He seeks the perfect box to paint on his perfect face. This quest has led him all around the world.

Armed with his paint brush, he explores the world, painting different faces in his quest to find the perfect box and face. Although shy, if you get in the way of one of his cardboard boxes, he will get angry and unleash his angry side with the use of his angry face box.

Graphics // The minifigure graphics were created by simplfying the aesthetics of existing wing-suits.

Leg studs // A further double sided stud system has been used to secure the wing-suit to the legs allowing the fabric to move with the legs.

Evil Box // Jagged edges have been applied to this box to create a more sinister look, further adding to the character and story.

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5 Coventry Industrial Design Degree Show 2015 // Degree Show book and other materials

Product - Advertisement and Marketing Topic - Graphic Design Completed - 2015 Time Scale - 9 months alongside final major project

The Brief // Alongside my colleague Lee Gold, I was part of the team that edited and created the 2015 Coventry Industrial Design degree show book. As members of the committee, we were also responsible for the organisation of fundraising events and the overall organisation of the show.

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DEVELOPMENT // THE BOOK The Book

Student directories were added within the book to help seperate the different courses, while also allowing quick navigation throughout the book.

The Graphics and layout?

Sponsors were actively sought through meetings and correspondance with potential sponsors past and present.

The Main Logo // The logo was designed to create a single logo

that represented all of industrial design. With each colour symbolising a different course.

The Cover // The front cover with the logo showcased on the

front.

The Logos // Alongside the degree show logos, sponsor logos were also added to the book.

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DEVELOPMENT // THE BREAK PAGES Break Pages

Coloured break pages were added on a thicker card to allow people to easily locate the different courses/sections within the book. Images relating to the course were also added throughout the book to give the various sections room to breathe.

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DEVELOPMENT // THE INSIDE PAGES Grid layout

To insure a good level of consistency throughout the book, a grid layout was developed for the placement of images.

Instructions were created to show people how to use the layout and how to package files within InDesign.

The layout in situ?

An example of how the layout can work for different projects and images.

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DEVELOPMENT // THE BREAK PAGES Break Pages

To maintain branding throughout the show, A1 foamex boards were created from the break pages within the book. These helped maintain the degree show branding throughout the show and building.

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6 Method Drops // Packaging Creating Sustainable Packaging

Product - Washing Up Liquid Topic - Packaging Design Completed - 2014 Time Scale - 3 months alongside two further briefs.

The Brief // Re-design consumer product packaging to minimise waste and environmental impact.

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PROBLEM FRAMING // KEY STATS The Problems?

Key Findings

Washing up liquid market?

Things to take forward.

TOO MUCH WASHING UP LIQUID IS USED

200 MILLION BOTTLES SOLD IN THE UK EACH YEAR

APPROXIMATIVELY 1875 TONNES OF PLASTIC WASTED

90% OF PETE BOTTLES END UP IN LANDFILL

NEW BOTTLES NEEDED EACH TIME LIQUID RUNS OUT

PEOPLE USE TOO MUCH WASHING UP LIQUID

PORTION CONTROL TESTS

CONSUMERS DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH IS NEEDED

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PROBLEM FRAMING // STYLE AND THEMES Problems

Method Brand board

Problem words

The key words behind Method.

WASTE

GREEN

OUTDATED

SIMPLE

LACK OF

IDENTITY

Method Brand board

The key words behind Method.

CLEAN // CONCISE

NATURE // SIMPLE

NATURAL

FAMILY

SIMPLE

BEAUTY

STYLISH FUN

SIMPLICITY 45

DEVELOPMENT // SKETCH MODELLING AND SKETCHING

Sketch Development?

Form development

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Sketch Modelling

The Process

Ergonomic and form testing

Method drops use small spheres containing a concentrated formula of washing up liquid.

STEP 1 // Buy Filled with tablets.

HOW BIG ARE THE DROPS? STEP 2 // Twist top cap to dispense

SIMPLE FORM

FOOT? STEP 3 // Refill when empty. Refill packet uses paper packaging which can be recycled when empty.

SCALE TESTS AND FORM DEVELOPMENT

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FINAL IMAGES // CAD IMAGERY Final Design

Features // The method drops contain 5ml of concentrated formula. This was chosen after running tests and through research.

PLA (polyatic acid) // Screw top and twist cap mechanism Twist Cap Door // Twists clockwise, opening the chamber dispensing a tablet in the process.

PET // Standard clear PET bottle provides a clear finish allowing the consumer to see when bottle is empty

Branding // Embossed branding.

Drops // The door and inner chamber only allow a single drop to dispensed when open.

Polyethanol // Dissolves in water. Containing 5ml of concentrated formula.

Aesthetics // Method bottle design fits in with the method brand and Identity.

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Removable top // Top cap screws off in order to refill the main bottle with drops.

Foot // Plastic foot at the bottom of the bottle keeps the bottle from falling off.

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Thankyou for your time.

P: +44 (0) 7983 617 128 E: benkubler@hotmail.com In: linkedin.com/in/benkubler

KĂœ BE

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