A Unique, Refillable Solution to Skin Care Needs
Soft Services partnered with Doris Dev for the development of Theraplush, a sophisticated and refillable lotion pump. Founded by Rebecca Zhou, Soft Services offers a range of products, resources, and digital tools aimed at addressing skin care needs.
The goal of Theraplush is to enhance the Soft Services Overnight Repair Treatment experience with its stylish design, serving as a decorative addition to any bedside table.
Services Rendered
Innovation
Industrial Design
Engineering
Manufacturing
Freight
Soft Services I
Theraplush
ID Foundation
Exploring the Beauty and Wellness Landscape
The initial phase of the industrial design process for the Theraplush lotion pump involved an in-depth analysis of the brand's voice, the product category, and the competitive market. The research highlighted a significant issue in the skincare industry: most creams come in disposable plastic containers, which often results in the premature disposal of working pumps.Soft Services in collaboration with Doris Dev concluded that to be prominently displayed on a bedside table, the pump needed to double as a decorative object, with a vintage and precious aesthetic.
The goal was to bring the vision of a metal body to life, but that proved challenging for mass production. The team strived for a hand-carved, irregular, sculptural look to evoke a unique and one-of-a-kind feel. The solution was found in semi-transparent plastic, which offered a glass-like appearance that catches the light beautifully. Multiple rounds of material sampling led to the perfect choice. To streamline the refill process, a bottom-loading architecture was incorporated into the design. The result is an elegant acrylic round jar, inspired by vintage pieces, with a designated area to hold rings, making it a beautiful addition to any bedside table.
Crafting a Good-Looking Lotion Pump
Design Development
Engineering
The Science Behind the Style
The Doris Dev Engineering Team tackled the design challenges with meticulous attention to detail. They honed the design through numerous rounds of CAD modeling and prototype fabrication. The ribbed profile design presented challenges in maintaining consistent wall thickness, but the team selected a material that was less prone to deformation and cosmetic issues. The curvature was optimized to ensure a maximum wall thickness, and the internal gasket thickness and hardness were precisely dialed in to accommodate the full range of tolerance stack-up within the assembly, guaranteeing reliable pump pressure. The final design was a seamless match with stock pump geometry.
Manufacturing
Building a high-quality product requires partnering with the right supplier. The sourcing team at Doris Dev utilized their extensive network to find a manufacturer that was perfectly equipped to tackle the project's challenges. The manufacturing process presented several unique obstacles, but the team was able to overcome them, including precisely matching the color blend across three separate components to achieve a cohesive color, material, and finish (CMF).
Sourcing the Ideal Supplier for a High-Quality Product
The Results
The Theraplush lotion pump was met with widespread acclaim upon its launch in September 2022.
Customers rave about its sophisticated design and top-notch performance, with 93% saying they would highly recommend it to others.
View Other Projects
Biom
Loftie
Canopy
Blueland
