Product Design Internship: Columbus, Ohio
As a design intern at Bath and Body works, I worked with the Wallflower and Diffuser Design Team to conduct trend research, mood board creation, and concept ideation for upcoming products. I collaborated with designers and cross-functional partners in merchandising and strategy to align creative direction with business objectives. I applied insights on attracting younger customers to develop a mock-up diffuser design aimed at engaging the younger demographic and aligning towards the business’s goals for the future.
Personal Project:
To explore how emerging trends among younger audiences can inspire a new design within the Wallflower product line that is:
Trend Space Research
analyzing trends through a collection of popular brands that resonate with younger audiences
graphics
fashion
interior decor
beauty
What’s the common thread amongst the younger audience?
These are key characteristics to utilize as a strategy to create a successful final product.
Lighting Trends
aura effect, blended colored lighting causes a moody and ambient effect
explained: light with a form of colorful ambient projection that transforms a space or creates a specific mood
How can lighting techniques apply to the trends and create a memorable experience?
Sustainable Material Research: rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate)
PET is one of the most common types of plastic in the world. It is typically used for beverage bottles, food containers, personal care packaging, and even textiles.
Most PET plastic products end up in the landfill where it takes about
450 years to decompose.
However, PET plastics can be
100% recycled and reused.
rPET is already used in electronic housings, automotive interiors, and high-performance textiles. It is rated and known for its safety and versatility.
If approved by UL and safety standards, rPET could serve as a more sustainable material for wallflowers.
This could potentially enhance customer appeal and adhere to the trend of environmental mindfulness
Exploration and sketching
ideating through different design ideas based on prior research and design trends
thinking through different textures and techniques to allow the light to shine through in unique ways
further sketching various profile ideas for the fixture that will connect onto the wallflower
developing ideas based on trend relevance and use of color
Color Palette and Chosen Designs
aligning on a color palette and materials based on trend research and applying it to the chosen designs
Light and colorful with some neutrals for balance.
Construction: The two diffuser cover halves will snap together and meet in the center of the diffuser plug-in.
Lighting Experimentation
Utilizing different objects to experiment with lighting techniques to create a variety of effects
Exploring unique lighting techniques the wallflower team could utilize in the future.
I discovered using the dichroic film layered over the bulb was an extremely simple and efficient way to create an interesting lighting affect.
CAD Modeling and 3D Printing
modeling the chosen designs and seeing how it translates into 3D and lighting interaction
modeling and adjusting tolerances so parts fit together on the diffuser
3D prints illuminated on an “up down” diffuser leg with two different color LEDs up and down.
Lightly brushed the prints with color.
testing dichroic film effect
Final Renders
final imagery showcasing the design and its lighting effects
Design 1
Design 2
