I saw something

— Developing Connections; Observing, Awareness, and Insights

I’ve often been asked of in previous job interviews, “So, how do you make observations in your life relevant in the way that you design?” I often answer with, “this is actually my guilty pleasure whenever I walk into a store.”

Imagine your strolling through Target, looking for a new water bottle, and a young adult enters into the same isle as you. In a couple of seconds, you may not even remember what this individual was wearing but you catch them picking up a water bottle in the isle. Observing a person interact with a water bottle in a store is an initial observation – simply recognizing their actions.

Now imagine if this individual in the isle with you unscrews the water bottle cap and removes it, only to place it onto the same bottle that is a completely different color. If this observation stays with you, it becomes an awareness, especially if the interaction is distinct or catches your attention.

An insight, in this scenario, might involve recognizing a deeper significance in how the user engages with the bottle. In this instance, let’s say the user didn’t want to purchase a dented water bottle, so they made swap themselves ensuring they take home a standard or above standard product they desire.

Recently, I've noticed individuals getting creative in stores by swapping colors of straws and caps from Owala water bottles, crafting their own unique color combinations right there in the store. This kind of insight sheds light on the personalization and unique preferences users bring to their interactions with everyday objects.

In the realm of product design, understanding these nuanced interactions with everyday objects becomes pivotal. I’ve and clients approach me seeking a product that not only fulfills its intended purpose but also resonates with users on a personal level. Observing how individuals engage with products in a store, such as customizing their water bottles on the spot, emphasizes the significance of personalization and the desire for unique experiences.

This insight informs my approach to product design, highlighting the importance of creating items that not only function well but also cater to the user's individual preferences and style. Whether it's the tactile feel, color options, or innovative features, recognizing and integrating these aspects into the design process ensures the end product aligns with the user's desires. It's about going beyond the surface-level observations and developing designs that resonate deeply with the user, fostering a stronger connection between the product and its owner.

A solution to seeing how individuals are customizing their products in store with no regards to designed color ways put out there by Owala themselves, would be to offer a collaborative experience with retailers to create in-store customization stations. These stations would serve as a space where individuals can mix and match components to assemble their ideal water bottle. This interactive experience enhances the connection between users and the product.