PACIFIER + TEETHER HYBRID = BUILT TO LAST LONGER

Design Challenge

Our design challenge was to create a silicone pacifier that meets three key criteria: being food-grade, lightweight, and reflecting our company's commitment to saving wild koalas from the Australian fires.

RESEARCH

We conducted thorough research on various pacifiers and teethers available in the market. Each product was carefully analyzed based on qualities, functionality, and materials used, allowing us to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.

COMPLIANCE AND SAFETY

Collaborating closely with Compliance engineers, we delved into global safety lab requirements to ensure our pacifier met all necessary safety standards. We assessed risks, considered the pros and cons, and worked diligently to create a product that prioritized safety.

SCULPTING AND MODELING

To bring our vision to life, we enlisted the expertise of a talented freelance sculptor, Jon May. Through multiple rounds of 100% scale models, we refined the design to perfection. The final version was then sent to an overseas team for precise 3D scanning and drawing, ensuring accurate replication.

Throughout this process, we remained dedicated to delivering a silicone pacifier that not only fulfilled its practical purpose but also reflected our commitment to the well-being of wild koalas.

Contribution

1. In my role, I actively collaborated with cross-functional teams such as Engineers, Marketing, Costing, Packaging, and PD Management on a daily basis. Taking charge of the entire industrial design process, I led various key activities including ideation, competitor research, material exploration, sketching, prototyping, 3D CAD construction, 3D rendering, design proposals, CMF specification, and sample reviews.

2. An important achievement was the creation of a fresh pacifier style for the company. I introduced a design concept featuring simple shapes complemented by soft pastel colors, aiming to provide a visually pleasing and soothing experience for babies. Despite a demanding timeline, I successfully managed the project to deliver sales samples within the established timeframe.

3. Collaborating closely with the Compliance team was crucial in ensuring product safety. We engaged in multiple rounds of safety testing and made necessary design updates to meet the pass reports provided by an external lab. This commitment to compliance and safety was an integral part of the overall design process.

DESIGN

The pacifier features an adorable and playful design, resembling a cute koala clinging to a tree trunk. This toy-like form factor is intended to appeal to both parents and children, creating a visually engaging and endearing pacifier.

FUNCTIONALITY

Designed as a one-piece, lightweight pacifier, it ensures the safety of tiny teethers. The top portion of the pacifier is crafted from a harder graded silicone, allowing the koala handle to double as a teether, providing relief during the teething phase.

SAFETY

Crafted from durable, 100% food-grade silicone, the pacifier prioritizes safety and is free from harmful substances. Parents can trust the product's material composition for their child's well-being.

SUSTAINABILITY

By utilizing silicone as the primary material, the pacifier showcases a commitment to sustainability. Silicone is highly durable and considered more ocean-friendly than plastic, contributing to a more environmentally conscious product.

QUALITY

To ensure optimal performance, the pacifier is made using precise liquid injection molded silicone. The innovative over-molding technique combines two different durometers, with the top half of the product being harder to cater to teething needs, while the bottom half is slightly softer, providing a comfortable latch and suckling experience for the baby. This attention to detail guarantees a high-quality and well-designed pacifier.

AMAZON CUSTOMER REVIEWS

• Very well-made pacifiers that your little ones will love. I recommend these pacifiers because they are one-piece, nipple, and handle. One-piece pacifiers prevent choking hazards. These are made of good quality material and aren’t heavy for your child’s mouth. I was able to heat sanitize them and they did not get ruined. Another thing that I liked about these is that they support a koala charity In Australia.” (by Georgiana)

• “These koala pacis are so adorable! The koala is raised so you can feel it and it's so cool because the texture grabs baby's attention right away. I also love that it supports koala charities. I love supporting animals with my purchases. This is great!” (by E&E0715)

MINDFULNESS:

Supporting koalas is not only crucial for the conservation of an iconic and unique species native to Australia, but it also plays a significant role in raising awareness about broader environmental issues. By actively contributing to the preservation of koalas and their natural habitat, we not only help ensure the survival of these beloved creatures but also promote the importance of protecting and preserving natural habitats as a whole. This, in turn, inspires individuals to take action and make sustainable choices in their daily lives, fostering a greater sense of environmental responsibility and contributing to a healthier planet for future generations.

CREDIT: Created with Internal PD Team of 4 other members (VP of Product, Director, Out-sourced hand-sculptor, and an Engineer). Product Ownership of Munchkin Inc. Copyrighted by Munchkin, Inc. Photo Credit by Munchkin Brand Design Team. Packaging design by Munchkin structure and brand design teams.