Frictionless UX for High-End Hand Sanitizer

vaask sanitizer with control app on a macbook

The Story

Using Stakeholder-Centered Design to Prepare a Concept for Market Launch

In their product development journey, Vaask, a company that produces high-end touchless hand sanitizing dispensers, reached a pivotal moment. Armed with a promising design and a functional prototype, they turned to M3 to help further develop and refine their product ecosystem to prepare for market launch. M3’s focus? Streamline the dispenser’s internal structure and develop the mobile app that would be used for installation and device monitoring. Using our stakeholder-centered design process, we were able to optimize the journey for all relevant stakeholders, from manufacturing to installation and setup, to ongoing monitoring and servicing.

The Ecosystem

Connecting the dots between product touchpoints

The Vaask product ecosystem consists of the dispenser itself, as well as a mobile and web app. The mobile app serves as a guide for device setup and installation, allowing the dispenser to be paired with Bluetooth to enable ongoing monitoring. The web app provides real-time information on dispenser status and flags any servicing needs to technicians, tracking multiple units at once. All these elements work together to reduce friction throughout the product's lifecycle.

Our Solution

A Touchless Hand Sanitizer Designed with Every User in Mind

Utilize our stakeholder-centered design process to identify needs of users throughout the product journey.
Reimagine the internal architecture of the dispenser to optimize for production and installation activities.
Design a cross-platform digital solution that features real-time tracking of connected devices and simplified device management.

"I was immediately intrigued because they were such nice-looking fixtures. When we understood how easy they were to install and maintain, we were sold." TJ Ju Lead Architect, Nashville International Airport

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The UI

Wireframing a frictionless mobile app experience

Working through journey-mapping exercises, we identified pain points and opportunities in the product lifecycle. We discovered the monitoring process for hand sanitizing dispensers like Vaask was inefficient, with time-consuming manual checks for gel levels leading to delayed refills.

This insight led to the development of a digital solution—a web app—that monitors and reports device status to maintenance staff. But, to enable efficient communication with the web app, dispensers needed to be paired with Bluetooth during installation. So, we also worked to develop a mobile app for setup and on-the-go monitoring by maintenance staff. The dual implementation of both web and mobile apps allows users to tailor their experience to meet their unique needs.

Our app design, inspired by the product's physical elements, incorporates the signature curved bracket shape found on all Vaask dispensers. Icons, illustrations, and animations simplify setup and reinforce the Vaask brand. Collaborating with the development team, we maintained design integrity throughout the implementation process. The result is a well-designed digital user experience and an expanded visual library for Vaask's brand across different touchpoints.

The Engineering

Solving critical technical problems to enable system function

To support the digital experience, it was imperative the hand sanitizer itself functioned as intended and was easy to use. To achieve this, our engineering team focused on three key objectives: reducing manufacturing costs, enhancing serviceability, and refining internal subsystems to align with the premium aesthetic of the product's exterior.

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The Engineering

Optimizing the internal architecture

To achieve cost efficiency, we drew upon our extensive material science expertise to meticulously select materials and manufacturing processes that would optimize each component. The final internal architecture incorporated a diverse range of materials, from die-cast aluminum to blow-molded plastic.

To streamline maintenance procedures, our design enabled the removal and replacement of every internal part while the dispenser remained mounted in the wall. This innovation eliminated the need for technicians to uninstall the device, enhancing overall service convenience.

And finally, our focus on elevating the internal environment involved a thorough cleanup of the layout, simplifying the flow path. We also implemented internal labels and QR codes to provide maintenance staff with clear how-to information.

Throughout the development process, we collaborated closely with manufacturing resources to ensure that the design intent seamlessly transitioned into production, maintaining the product's integrity.

The Results

An integrated product suite that aligns with the high-end feel of the brand

A product experience designed with all stakeholders in mind that resonates with users throughout the product lifecycle.
An inside and out product design that sets the stage for a modern class of clean and a digital suite to support the product’s mission.
A splashy product launch that brought media and industry eyes to the brand, including multiple product and design awards.

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