let's all raise our cans to a brighter, spill-free future!
SAVE-MY-CAN
Role
Project Management
Lead Designer
Physical Prototyping
Duration
9 Weeks
Overview
Teammates
WenYu Bi
Stacy Shimanuki
HanZhang Li
THE PROBLEM
As consumer demand for sustainable packaging rises, driven by the alarming production rates of over a million plastic bottles sold per minute, the challenge is to innovate canned beverages, addressing usability and safety issues for a more enjoyable, eco-friendly experience.
Tools
3d Rhinoceros, V-Ray, Photoshop, Physical Prototyping, 3D Print
OUR GOAL
How can we develop an innovative solution to improve the usability and safety of canned beverages, while enhancing the overall drinking experience for consumers?
^ Documenting Diego’s Experience
INSIGHTS
Rapid loss of fizziness in canned drinks after they have been opened
"You know, I'm always placing a LaCroix on my desk, but here's the deal – I'm so forgetful. And within an hour of cracking it open, that fizziness? It's outta there, and suddenly, my drink's just not as enjoyable."
Research
INTERVIEWS & VISUAL DOCUMENTATION
To arrive at our product, we began by deeply engaging with potential customers. This meant conducting ethnographic interviews and visually documenting their experiences as they encountered the specific problem we aimed to tackle. Here's how we went about it:
Conducted interviews and focus groups to gain deeper insights into customer desires and expectations regarding canned beverage usability and safety.
Observed usage patterns and pain points in real-life scenarios.
Examined market research and trends related to beverage consumption and consumer preferences.
Difficulty identifying opened cans at social gatherings
"Whenever we're at my friend's house parties, it's like, chaos in a can. I mean, in no time, there are open cans all over the place, and nobody can figure out whose drink is whose. It's a total mess, and we're wasting tons of cans."
Difficulty of transporting canned drinks without spilling them
"I mean, every time I'm sipping on a can, it's like a race against spillage, especially when I hop on my bike. It's like, 'Chug it all down or face the mess!'"
"And honestly, biking's not the only challenge. Even just strolling around, I'm a total klutz when it comes to keeping a canned drink from spilling."
^ Summarizing Interviews
Resealability
Help make transport easier
INITIAL DESIGN CONCEPTS
Option 01: All-Age Lid
Versatile lid for kids and adults
Easy handling and drinking
Direct sipping from the can without lid removal
LOW FIDELITY PHYSICAL PROTOTYPES
DESIGN
CORE USER NEEDS
User 01:Leo
Enhance Product Enjoyment
Keep original qualities of the drink
Option 02: On-The-Go Lid
Ideal for pocket or backpack storage - collaspible design
Prevents spills effectively
USER TESTING
After developing our two proof-of-concept prototypes, we conducted user testing to validate our hypotheses. Our hypotheses encompassed the following aspects:
The lid should be easy to use without explicit instructions.
It must securely fit on cans, forming an airtight seal.
Adaptability to various can sizes and styles is crucial.
Users should easily understand the interchangeability of the smaller inner cap.
Option 03: MyLabel Lid
Customizable labeling
Available in various colors
Compatible with cans of different sizes
The string should be practical for holding and handling the can.
Users should recognize the design's reusability.
The lid attachment/detachment process should be intuitive.
3D Print Test #01
inge connection tolerance needs to be adjusted so parts don’t break as easily
Mouthpiece is too loose for the o-ring
Compact & Fun
Can be easily carried around
User 02:Chey
3D Print Test #02
Hinge connection needs more refinement
Mouthpiece can be designed to a higher resolution
Universal Fit
Compatible with different sized cans
Option 04: Spill-Proof Lid
Prevents liquid spillage from cans
Effective when cans are upright or laying flat
Withstands shaking and movement
Users liked the Save-My-Can concept, especially the rope handle and reusability. They also appreciated the fun design. However, they found it unclear that the smaller inner cap is removable and expressed concerns about material waterproofing. In response, we'll change the inner cap's color for clarity and experiment with waterproof materials.
ALPHA PROTOTYPES
After developing two proof-of-concept prototypes and conducting user testing, we used the valuable feedback to inform the design of our alpha prototype, which we 3D printed.
Included below is a rendering illustrating the key components of our proposed product, along with three 3D printed prototypes for assessing overall fit and tolerances:
3D Print Test #03
Hinge connection has improved significantly and there’s no breakage
Mouthpiece geometry refined
FINAL SOLUTION
01 IMPROVED TRANSPORT CONVENIENCE
Simplifies the task of carrying opened cans.
02 ENHANCED PRODUCT ENJOYMENT
Helps maintain the original qualities of the drink, including flavor and carbonation.
03 COMPACT DESIGN
Designed for easy and fun portability, fitting conveniently in your pocket.
takeaways
Save-My-Can featured at UPenn Design Fair 2022
KEY PROJECT INSIGHTS & AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT
Understanding the Significance of User Research
Every interview offered unique perspectives that added depth to our brainstorming sessions. Moreover, simply observing how individuals interacted with cans allowed us to pinpoint additional pain points that might have eluded us during interviews alone.
Potential Expansions on the Horizon
A promising avenue for future development involves expanding the product's compatibility beyond beverage cans to include other canned goods like pasta sauce, which come in varying diameters. This expansion could offer a more comprehensive solution and elevate the overall quality of the project.