Ferticare

DATE

2016-2017

CLIENT

Reflexonic Inc.

DELIVERABLES

Research & Strategy

Brand Identity Design

Industrial Design & Development

Prototyping

Mechanical Engineering

Electronic Engineering

Design (for manufacture) of a Sexual Health Device

Urologists have been treating paralysed patients with the Ferticare medical vibrator for almost 3 decades. Whilst a one-of-its-kind in the market, the existing unit was complex, heavy, large, noisy, expensive to produce and broke often.

Play&Co redesigned the complete package from the inside out. Optimization for mass production, ease of assembly and serviceability were key objectives in our approach. A new software-based electro-mechanical platform was developed, and the mechanical movement was completely redesigned into a simplified architecture comprising fewer moving parts, highly durable and frictionless materials.

The resulting product is cheaper to produce, quieter, and far more reliable. Ergonomic improvements were also achieved through a smaller and narrower form factor.

User-Centric Design

Our aesthetic sensitivity and user-focused approach were the 'icing on the cake'. Extensive human factors research and interviews with leading spinal cord and brain injury clinicians informed the final design concept. A detachable assistive handle was added for patients with limited motor skills, a range of alternative detachable heads was also designed for recreational users, and a range of color options were explored to widen the product’s reach beyond the clinical space into the recreational market.

Throughout the design process, we envisioned a wide range of concept expressions, details and features. As the project evolved, a leading concept was curated to emphasise simplicity, portability, convenience and exude a fun personality. From sketches to prototypes to color and material specification, we drove critical design decisions that fuelled a compelling marketing narrative that felt at home on social media.