Solo

Solo is an all-in-one solution that combines a fill station with a reusable water bottle vending station. In a post pandemic world, water fountains are becoming more obsolete as filling stations take their place, and reducing single use plastic waste is essential for our environment. Solo aims to solve these problems in a single, cohesive kiosk.

Year

2023

Timeline

Research | 1 Week

Design Development | 5 Weeks

Identifying an Opportunity

Despite being recyclable, over 74% of single use water bottles will end up in landfills, where they won’t decompose for approximately 450 years (via NDRC).

In a post pandemic world, drinking fountains are becoming less used and more obsolete, in favor of more sanitary bottle filling stations.

People are on the go more than ever, and if reusable bottles aren’t available, purchasing single-use pre-filled water bottles is often the fastest and easiest solution to staying hydrated throughout the day.

How can we encourage the use of reusable water bottles and filling stations instead of contributing to the immense waste cycle of single use plastic?

Solo Design Goals

Design an eye catching and approachable unit with both bottle vending and filling as public programs.
Design an accompanying reusable water bottle that promotes the brand identity of solo.
Design for the fast-paced 21st century we live in today, modernizing the existing drinking fountain.

Developing a New Usage Scenario

Since this kiosk is an entirely new public experience, to start I developed usage scenarios for those purchasing a new bottle to fill, and those who already have their reusable bottle with them. From here, I created a program division based on how much space both activities require.

Form Development

I was really inspired by strong linear pattern repetition on smooth, curvilinear forms when brainstorming concepts. Since this project had a very short timeline, I moved straight into ideation using patterning tools in Fusion 360.

I experimented with using both color and pattern to semantically communicate the difference in the two programs, concluding that a smooth, cylindrical form approachable from multiple angles worked well for the filling station, while the textured purchase station is accessible on a single side. This allows simultaneous interaction with the bottle vending and filling stations.

The Bottle Station

Usage Scenario

Use PIN pad to purchase bottle.

Retrieve purchased bottle.

Sliding glass door automatically retracts.

Follow signifiers to fill station & fill bottle.

The Fill Station

The Bottle

Designed congruently to the Solo kiosk, the solo bottle uses the same fluting and branding strategy in order to ensure their cohesiveness as a system of products. The fluting allows for easy grip, and the screw-top cap reduces spillage.

Make Solo Your Own

Solo in sporting arenas

With finish and color options, Solo can fit environments from office buildings to sports stadiums, and public parks to airports.

With these customization options, Solo not only provides environmentally friendly hydration, but can be used as a marketing tool for businesses and non-profits alike.