Smart Design

BUSINESS PLANNING & TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

In developing the Vicks underarm thermometer for children, (New York City) spoke with parents and children about their use and experiences with similar products. The company's design team visited people at home and also asked people to come into the office for interviews and simulations of use. One thing that was observed during this process was that more than one parent, prior to using a digital thermometer, would shake it down. The action is a holdover from mercury thermometers, in which the mercury needs to be sent back to the bottom. Faced with such an affinity for tradition, was challenged to find room for innovation. By understanding the physical and perceptual needs of both the parent and child, the company reenvisioned the underarm thermometer. No longer based on the stick-shaped mercury thermometer form, the Vicks underarm thermometer is easier to position and read than traditional thermometers.

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