Function Description
The overall function of my prototype is to provide a cost effective and simpler way of dyeing hair. It also provides an outlet for more creativity. This product is meant to be widely used and change the lives of thousands of people who spend far too much at the salon. For people who wish to color greying hairs, it is simple and convenient and saves elderly the hassle of leaving their houses. In order to use the product, there is only one application necessary until the roots grow out. The entire process coating the hair and shining the light could take less than 10 minutes! The consistency of the product is similar to hair dye and is a white/opaque color. The structure of the prototype is a cylinder with a twist off cap. It’s simplicity provides functionality. The light can simply be connected to your phone through an app which will control the color/tone you wish for the hair. This app gives the freedom of choosing any color from a range and the ability to lighten and darken. The light is also a cylinder shape but much longer and skinnier. There are three lights on the wand that turn on with the touch of a button. The wand is also reachable with connection to a USB cord for battery free usage.
Aesthetic Description & Justifications
The aesthetic look is chic and minimalistic without looking too high end (it could be something bought at target). The finish is a matte plastic. The product will have no noticeable scent, as to counter the obnoxious and irritable scents of many dyes. The matte finish is inspired by brands like Method and their body wash line. These products have a matte finish and have always stood out to me as a consumer. The texture is smooth and soft, it contrasts many other drugstore products. The finish will be matte on plastic. The finish can be classified as chromed, soft touch.The plastic is PP (Polypropylene) which will allow the container to have a good stiffness. The hair dye will have a combination of the chemicals ammonia and hydrogen peroxide. As this proposed color changing hair dye is quite different from traditional dyes, I felt packaging contrasting from others might stand out with the simply shaped container. The sticker labels are also more cost effective than printing directly on the products. The colors chosen for the prototype are muted and more pastel in nature in order to work with the minimalistic packaging. As said earlier, the purpose of the product is to be highly functional, affordable, and accessible. The colors will be a light teal blue and peach. The base of the container is a light teal while the lid is peach. The lettering on the label will also be peach with a transparent base.
Research
Leigh Bowery focused a lot on how fabrics were used and interacted with. His style and designs were known to be outrageous and to change daily. With this hair dye product, one can achieve a similar ever-changing look, bound to never get bored with their hair. Ursula Goff creates hair dye art based on nature like flowers and precious stones but even based some of her dye art off of famous paintings by artists like Monet. Hair dye can not only be for personal use, but in artistic expression. It can also be a way to change your look, and provide a boost of confidence with a fresh start.
Materials Description & Justifications
- Plastic containers
The use of plastic containers provides a cost effective solution to the prototype to limit excess costs. Instead of choosing a weighty and more costly material like glass, the containers will have a more practical use with transportation. The plastic is PP (Polypropylene) which will allow the container to have a good stiffness.
- Sticker labels
The sticker labels are also more cost effective than printing directly on the products. They will be plastic product labels which are oil- and water-resistant, and a more durable option for indoor or outdoor use. When labeling products that contain (or are exposed to) oil, lubricants or cold temperatures, this is a solid choice. The plastic was chosen instead of the vinyl labels to be more cost effective and due to the fact that the labels don't need the durability protection that the vinyl provides.
- Color changing hair dye
Although this is the product surrounding the prototype, it is difficult to come up with its chemical components due to the fact that it is fictional and may not be materialized today. However two common chemicals in hair dyes are ammonia and hydrogen peroxide.
- Dye enacting small lights
These lights will be from the LED variety but will have another component to the light emitted that will cause a chemical reaction with the dye that will change the color of hair. These lights are also fictional so are impossible to select and research a specific type to purchase.
- Aluminum Tube Stock (Metal rod that can fit rechargeable electronics and very small light bulbs)
When considering materials for the light stick, plastic was another cost effective option however to add a variety and more chic look to the wand, I found aluminum stock that wasn’t too expensive. The stock is hollow and will fit the rechargeable battery pack and lights.
Sketchup Model
