2017 DS Shader - Business SA Design for Export Awards
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
Celebrating
South Australia's
Design-led
Exporters
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AWARDS > 2017 Gallery
2017 SHORTLIST
SHADER
SHADER AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
Category
PRODUCT DESIGN
SPORTS & LIFESTYLE
Design
SHADER DESIGN TEAM
About
Shader is a compact, portable shade device, made to protect our faces while we enjoy the sun. It is designed to be able to adjust and move with the sun, as you need it to. Shader is perfect for men, women and children of all ages. Shader will lay flat when not in use, but will open up fully to cover your face entirely, offering you shade and privacy. Shader also offers protection from wind and that troublesome sand that always seems to find a way to ruin your day.
Design Challenge
How to create a product that can be both functional and practical, whilst also being aesthetically pleasing.
The functionality needed to allow the user flexibility and choice. There may be times when sun and warmth on the face was desired and other times, when not. We needed to consider that the sun is constantly moving and therefore the product needed to deal with that. The practicality needed to factor in ease of use and portability, whilst giving consideration to comfort and the extra accessories to really make it an experience for the user. We needed to make it easy to disassemble, to allow for greater portability and also allowing for future design flexibility. We also needed to factor in pricing and ensuring that we can solve all of these challenges in design and still keeping it affordable for the end user.
Design Solution
The solution was a product that we feel we has successfully met and exceeded all of the design challenges. Shader is extremely portable, it lays down flat taking up minimal room and comes in a carry bag that also allows room for all other beach and outdoor accessories. The functionality of the hood as it moves through its stages is smooth and easy. The hood is made from UV resistant material and the base is made from strong injection moulded glass reinforced plastic. The cushion is made from thick memory foam, giving optimum comfort and the hood has a patented complete 180° range of movement. The accessories cover all areas of enjoyment for the user and help create a unique and enjoyable outdoor experience. The solar panel power bank, USB fan, chill pack pillow, sunbed strap, internal phone pocket, and the drink receptacles moulded into the base, really take Shader into the next level.
Design Impact
It is early days into market penetration but following a very successful viral campaign, which saw our video being viewed over 100 million times and receiving hundreds of thousands of shares and comments, shows the social impact that this product will have. This product may very well bring about real change in the way that people enjoy the outdoors. The support that we received on our kick starter campaign helps to show the enthusiasm from the public for a product like this. We are set up with our business model being that export to the US will be our major focus. We have retail stores and distributors waiting for stock prior to Christmas. These changes include ace hardware, Dicks sporting good's and Costco. Our staff will need to grow to accommodate this and we are putting strategies in place, including using a local marketing agency here in South Australia and also employing a sales manager.
