Robin Pickering
Product Design
I design for joy and in the hopes of improving quality of life, which is why I look to bring engaging ideas into reality.
Final year project
Octopo - a toy, container and applicator to care for childhood eczema
FYDP// The full Octopo product range
My final year project focuses on promoting adherence to topical treatments. The Octopo Product Range includes the Emollient Octopo (left) and TCS Corticuttle (right) Container 'Heads', with an exploded view of the casework (centre).
Octopo in 'Play' mode and 'Decanting' mode
The Octopo in 'Play' mode (left) is ready for a child to handle and play with. In the soft blue base of the twisty tentacles, there are built-in touch-activated lights. Likewise, to further promote 'safe scratching', then to soothe aggravated skin a Peltier chip can be turned on to provide active cooling.
In 'Decanting' mode (right), the Octopo is ready to place a measured and consistent dose of emollient on the child's skin with a simple twist, reducing any chance of further aggravating irritated skin with undue pressure on the skin.
Each decanted dose falls in the shape of a star, which can be seen in the foreground.
Mid-project ideation
The first iteration of Octopo
Tentacle twists
The Octopo and Corticuttle containers utilise different threads to decant the correct dose of emollient (1g per star shape) or medication (0.5g per heart shape). The twisting mechanism stays the same between the two, with each 1/5th turn clicking into place so the user can feel that the dose has been delivered.
Design Week - Little Lungs
A week-long render focused project, based on the concept of monitoring air pollution.
Blue Bird - connection beacon
From ideation to user testing, manufacturing and rendering. This second-year IOT project explored sleek bird-like forms to represent the connection that can still be had between parents and children, even when the 'bird has flown the nest'.
Robin Pickering
Final year project
Octopo - a toy, container and applicator to care for childhood eczema
Awards
'20 Worldwide top ten finalist - Adobe Airbnb Creative Jam (UX design focus)
Work Experience
2020 to 2021// ITL Group (medical device design consultancy and manufacturer) - Mechanical Design Engineer Intern with R&D.
2020// Goya Design Studio (consultancy) - Digital Design Intern focusing on project Tether.
2020 to present// Cosmourse (EdTech startup founded in lockdown) - Virtual Art Teacher, live streaming art classes for children around the world.