SPiiDER GRiiP ATTACHABLE PHONE GRIP
This project started with an individual inventor contacting Brownlie Design to develop a secure, versatile, and comfortable grip for smartphone users. The goal was to design a premium product that prevented dropped phones, rotated 360°, had a kickstand, and would lie flat when not in use. Starting with nothing but words, Brownlie Design developed a wide range of mechanisms that were reviewed and down selected. Several rounds of prototyping and testing yielded a final design that was then fully engineered for production. The concept was so distinctive that it was granted both design and mechanical patents.
UNDER ARMOUR LACROSSE GLOVE
Tasked with defining the next generation of Under Armour Lacrosse gear, lacrosse legend Paul Gait and 22 Lax came to Brownlie Design looking for ideas that would extend Under Armour's appeal to a younger demographic. Competitive analysis, trend studies, and brainstorming sessions fed into concept development, where three separate visual strategies were identified. In addition to redefining the brand's aesthetic vision, Brownlie Design incorporated cutting-edge molding technologies and manufacturing processes to further differentiate the new equipment from competitors. The effort culminated in the Charge line of advanced, high-performance-grade lacrosse products, including gloves, arm pads, and upper-body protective gear.
KNICKERBOCKER EMBRACE BED FRAME
Brownlie Design has designed many products for the Knickerbocker Bed Company. The client identified a need for steel bed support systems that could be quickly assembled without tools and had an upscale appearance and performance.
The emBrace Bed Support System combines the strength of steel with the versatility of composites. Developed to improve the speed and ease of assembly, the components are light. easy to handle, and made to drop in and interlock. The recycled railroad steel core is completely jacketed in composite plastic to provide protection against bumps, squeaking metal, and snagged bedding. The soft forms are simple, understated, and integrate with any style of bedroom décor.
WATERPIK FOOTSPA
Waterpik’s foot spa line launched a new product category for the company and provided a focal point for a series of new products in the home beauty and personal health care market. Brownlie Design developed many innovative features, including ergonomic contouring, integrated handles, and foot-activated controls. These, along with advanced appearance detailing, provided Waterpik with a single platform from which five additional products were created. Brownlie Design provided a complete development package from the initial concept generation and ergonomic studies to model construction, detailed CAD design, functional prototypes, and comprehensive communications with offshore tooling vendors.
THOMPSON LACROSSE HEAD
Originally in the business of stringing for other lacrosse head manufacturers, T19 Sports teamed up with Mike Thompson to develop their own lacrosse head. Thompson Lacrosse then approached Brownlie Design to develop a universal specification design that would incorporate the best modern stringing features and also honor the historic traditions of the sport. Brownlie Design developed the form of the head to meet the requirements for both high school- and college-level play, and worked closely with Ty Thompson on specific performance features. Drawing from T19’s extensive experience with the stringing of the heads, a unique eyelet configuration was incorporated. Finally, the Iroquois Six Nations symbol was integrated into the sidewall. The result was a unique appearance and top-notch performance.
NALGENE N-GEN BOTTLE
The original Nalgene one-liter water bottle, known for its durability and no-nonsense appearance, has achieved iconic status among outdoor enthusiasts and college students. Nalgene saw an opportunity to expand its customer base by offering a new product to people reusing store-bought bottles of water, which leaked and chemically broke down over time. The challenge for Brownlie Design was to create a new bottle that wouldn’t take away from existing sales.
With a soft grip overmold, the lid is easy to twist on and off. The loop, sized to fit a finger or carabiner, means the user can clip the bottle to a pack or hold the bottle with one finger while leaving the thumb and other fingers free. The 750 milliliter N-Gen bottle is just enough of a departure from Nalgene’s laboratory roots to reach new markets.
TESSY PLASTICS CLEANSER DISPENSER
Tessy Plastics, a global contract manufacturing company, has partnered with Brownlie Design when they have been asked to provide industrial design services for their customers. This facial cleanser dispenser project began with a study of the movements and hand positions of the cleansing process, as well as sanitation and storage needs. Forms were developed with both CAD and physical models to provide the client with visual as well as tactile concepts to review. The files were transferred to Tessy for further development.
BROWNLIE DESIGN MEDIA CENTER
Advances in computer functionality and decreases in hardware size suggest a future where the only dictates to design form and user interface will be lifestyle and usability. This concept for a hands-free computer and media player can be worn continuously, allowing users to multitask while staying connected. It is a voice-activated device that is extremely lightweight and conforms to the user’s ergonomic contours. The device projects directly onto the retina, providing high-resolution imagery and maximum privacy.
FISHER-PRICE SWING
Brownlie Design frequently acts as a skunkworks for Fisher-Price, exploring next-generation concepts for their extensive children’s product line. When asked to look at baby swings, Brownlie Design explored product form, transport and storage, and controls placement, as well as ease of parent access, swing motion, and baby position. This process provides Fisher-Price with features, if not complete designs, that can be incorporated into their new product lines.