Rx Slim
The Rx Slim is a project from a class called Make 10 focused on innovation and entrepreneurship at the Georgia Tech College of Design, where students work to design, prototype, and manufacture 10 products for sale.
I initially struggled with the open nature of the project & went through pages of sketches before I found focus through a personal connection— my younger sister, who at the time was managing her epilepsy symptoms through numerous medications.
I began to wonder how I might be able to help her find a sense of normalcy through a product that delivers medication that might spark more joy than conventional products.
Ideation
After racking my brain for ideas for hours, I decided to take a break and do what any older sister might do- go bother your younger sister. She was counting out her pills for the week when I hopped onto her bed, and the subsequent conversation sparked an idea that made me think more about designing with a specific audience in mind.
I hopped back into my sketchbook, but I wasn't really happy with what I came up with. While the designs were fun, they were much too niche and focused more on joy & play than functionality. Back to the drawing board!
Research
I interviewed my sister and mapped out a couple key points that were most relevant to her and others voicing their opinions online— what mattered most in a product like this? What bothered people most? How could I help them feel more empowered and joyful about an everyday chore?
Prototyping
One of the key principles of Make 10 is failing fast— nothing teaches you faster than trying. My first prototypes based on my research were made from chipboard. My goal was to explore a sleeker form than conventional pill organizers, which were bulky and overly function focused. As I carried it with me to and from class, I kept finding ways to improve on the existing form.
After getting a feel for a few more chipboard prototypes, I decided to take a stab at some branding & design on product renders.
I kept mulling over how I could make my design in plastic, but my access to manufacturing tools was fairly limited, and 3D printers weren't as readily available as they are now. If this product truly came to market, it would likely be a melamine plastic.
Nonetheless, after considering my skills and access to on campus tools, I settled on the idea of a more premium pill container- one where its materials & weight gave it permanence.
Manufacturing
To manufacture 10 copies of the same product, I turned to campus resources- the CNC machine in the shop and the waterjet in the Invention Studio. I also developed a different line of branding, leaning into a slightly playful "rex" / rx homonym.
Market
It was a mad dash to get each product completed in time for the Make 10 market, especially considering all my other classes and commitments. To make sure my product was easily visible & understandable, I created a few promotional marketing posters to help explain the product and its purpose.
When it was all said and done, my manufacturing costs were fairly low, though I forgot to calculate for my own labor time. Should've sold them for a higher price! Alas.
Make 10 Marketplace Photos
I was honored to be awarded 1st place by event sponsor Orange Sparkle Ball amongst my peers, for demonstrating well-rounded product design, innovation, manufacturing, marketing/branding, and storytelling .
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