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Team
Role
Timeline
Skills
Solo Project
Product Designer
Mar - Apr 2025
Sketching
3D Modeling (Solidworks)
3D Printing
Prototyping
Manufacturing
Photography
Context
Project Brief
This was a solo project developed for my Industrial Design studio course (ARTD 202), where the goal was to create a playful, functional candy dispenser with a working internal mechanism.
I began by exploring a variety of directions, sketching out different concepts and interaction styles. After considering several possibilities, I decided to focus on a design inspired by tactile, fidget-based interactions, aiming to create a satisfying, hands-on experience through both form and function.
My Design Process
Here are the steps I followed...
1. Ideate
2. Research
3. Develop & Refine
4. Reflect
Ideation
Brainstorming
I started the project by sketching out a variety of candy dispenser concepts, experimenting with different sizes, forms, and interaction styles.
Each variation helped me explore possible mechanisms and narrow down the direction I wanted to pursue further.
Through this process, I found myself gravitating toward more portable-sized products, as I have a particular interest in small-scale, interactive designs.
Final Concept Sketch
After exploring different ideas, I selected one concept to develop further and created a detailed concept sketch.
Research
Key Features
I began the research phase by studying the key features of the fidget cube to understand the various tactile and psychological interactions it offers to the user before incorporating it to my design.
CLICK
ROLL
GLIDE
BREATH
FLIP
SPIN
Functional Analysis
I took apart the fidget cube and documented its parts to learn how each mechanism worked. This process helped me integrate similar ideas into the internal working mechanism for my product.
Final Model
Fidget Cube Candy Dispenser
Development
Mechanism Exploration
I started off by sketching out the internal working mechanism that would go on bottom cube of the dispenser.
I came up with a spring-loaded push button that fits with the fidget cube features but is also in charge of dispensing the candy.
Form Refinement
After testing the mechanism, I made some adjustments in the second prototype for ergonomic purposes.
I mainly reduced the overall size and added more fillets to create a smoother, more natural interaction in the user’s hand, bringing it closer to the original fidget cube’s dimensions.
Prototyping
1. 3D printed all components with the updated dimensions.
2. Tested the added twist-lock mechanism that connects both parts of the product.
3. Sanded, and applied coats of filler and primer to all parts.
4. Spray painted.
5. Assembled all parts.
For the mechanism, I reduced the internal block's size to fit the new dimensions and avoid contact with the walls, which had caused friction and made the button hard to press.
Increasing the tolerance improved the smoothness and responsiveness.
I prototyped the mechanism on Solidworks and 3D printed it to be able to test it.
Reflection
What Have I Learned?
1. The importance of testing CAD models physically.
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Printed every iteration to test ergonomics and refine the twist-lock mechanism, learning that digital models don’t always translate accurately to real-world function.
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Improved the design through hands-on testing and continuous adjustment.
2. Being patient during the finishing process.
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Learned that sanding, filling, priming, and painting take time and precision, especially under a tight deadline.
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This process strengthened my time management and gave me a deeper appreciation for the detail required to produce a polished product.
3. Asking for feedback from others.
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Gained valuable insights by seeking feedback from professors, design peers, and non-designers.
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This helped me view the product from multiple perspectives and create a more user-friendly, enjoyable experience for my target audience.
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