CASE STUDY
Finding Beauty in a Tool
User focused aesthetic and ergonomic direction
Fuji Spray is an award-winning Canadian manufacturer and designer of innovative and trusted spray systems for a variety of industries.
Client
Fuji Spray
Category
Beauty
Type of Work
User research
Product Development
Branding
Context
More Than just a Tool
Swave Studios was tasked with creating a hybrid material spray tan applicator that focused on improving the product experience for the tan technician.
Setting the Scene
Tan technicians were interviewed regarding their experiences with existing applicators and desired features. Focus was on the weight of the applicator, bottle capacity and more self-explanatory controls. Special note was taken with participant’s wishes for an applicator that looked less aggressive and mechanical.
User Insights
Understanding the User
Users want a lighter applicator that doesn’t sacrifice performance. The applicator should be flexible enough to meet hobbyist and professional needs. Features should be approachable for new technicians while maintaining a professional beauty product appearance.
Design Process
Making Discoveries to Lead the Development
Swave Studios started by interviewing the target audience and performing beauty studio visits, focusing on highlighting issues the technicians had with their current product and operations.
Focus was put on keeping the form of the applicator lightweight and simple. Heavy emphasis was put on the materials and finish. The final direction was a lightweight applicator with multiple bottle size options, a removable hook accessory and a new top-mounted fan control dial.
The Result
Fit for Purpose
The Fuji Spray FT-5 is a sleek and refined tan applicator that launched in 2024 with positive reception from Fuji Spray and the spray tanning community alike.
