PartyLite Contempo Stand Candle Holder
A beautiful, stamped metal candle stand with weather resistant finish that gives the garden patio a modern glow with dark metallics and warm stone colors. These multi-functional pieces allow for versatility on the patio or deck for a calming and soothing atmosphere.
MY ROLE: User Researcher + Industrial Designer
TEAM: Marketing Director, Design Manager, myself.
TIMELINE: 18 weeks
EMPATHIZE
COMPANY PRODUCT HISTORY - To better understand past product offerings, I analyzed and compared the various functions, shapes, colors and pattern designs of the previous four years lanterns and hurricanes.
COMPETITIVE MARKET RESEARCH / JOURNEY MAPPING - In order to differentiate from competitive market product, I analyzed the successes and pain points of competitive outdoor patio products (tiki torches, fire pits, etc).
PERSONA + INSIGHTS - Creating a persona helps me build empathy and visualize the user’s environment and what they need/want.
The insights I gleaned from all three areas helped to build empathy and guide direction for the design.
DEFINE THE PROBLEM
Vision/trend boards inspire the team and help create the visual space, textures, materials, and colors used in the outdoor theme.
In the WGSN trends, I observed very natural colors, textures, and materials. Linear / geometric patterns were often used in furniture and accessories. I explored various size and pattern shapes on the various candleholder components.
Concrete was a big trend but the high cost of shipping this material prohibits PartyLite from using in products. I was ecstatic to find this textured metal and stone colored paint on a metal surface to mimic the concrete aesthetic.
How might we enhance the the outdoor space with a simple yet multi-functional candleholder / stand?
IDEATE
Keeping the key attributes in mind, I sketched many geometric patterns while figuring out the structure and how each piece stacked.
PROTOTYPE
Prototyping is key to validate functionality. During this concept development, I printed 100% scale paper models to figure out how each piece (hurricane sleeve, glass hurricane, removable tray, and hollow base) would stack together. I scoured the office for 3D samples to mock up when possible.
TEST
The factory makes handmade samples for our team to test and review size, shape, colors, and materials. I meticulously evaluate each piece against my original technical specification - each piece is the size and color I specified and that the fit and if the finish needs to be adjusted. I then create this visual critique to communicate to the factory how to improve next samples.
Clear and visual documentation is key to a smooth development process while working with our engineers and factory partners.
OUTCOME
Final product and marketing assets for our printed catalog and e-commerce site created a lot of buzz with our consultants and online social media.
The Contempo Stand, Hurricane, and Votive Holder Pair quickly sold out, earned over $600K over the last 2 summer catalogs. Consultants and customers were thrilled with the stand’s versatility - mix and match functionality.