Lemonaide Cane - Handle and Foot Design
In Short:
For an innovative startup redefining the traditional walking cane, I was brought on to develop the ergonomic handle and stylistically aligned foot component while the stem (containing an internal extension/retraction mechanism) was engineered by a mechanical specialist.
Inspired by elegant, organic architectural forms, the design direction prioritized both aesthetic expression and human-centered comfort. I began by hand-carving foam studies to explore and validate ergonomic form in real time, allowing immediate tactile feedback and rapid iteration.
Upon concept approval, I translated the foam study into advanced SolidWorks surfaces and produced 3D-printed prototypes for additional user evaluation. Final refinements in CAD resulted in a fully approved, production-ready handle. A complementary foot design, sharing the same design language, was also developed and validated.
After prototype approval, I delivered all CAD and documentation to the engineering team to support further mechanism integration and fundraising efforts.
Client
Category
Consumer Product
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Year
2024-2025
Skills Used
Hand sketching
Foam model making
User interviews
Solidworks
Keyshot
Approved form by client
Creating model in SolidWorks for 3D printing and integration into staff
First 3D print
Constantine (engineer) and I showing first prototypes to client
Back to sketching and model making
Foot ideation
Prepping prototypes for meeting with team
Mechanical engineer and I meeting with client and her business development team
Current stage
Our prototype was fully approved by the team and now Constantine (Engineer) is developing some needed mechanisms for a final prototype. With this, our client will conduct in depth user interviews, gather testimonials, pre-orders, and raise investor capital. At that point we will be helping her with her first manufacture run! More to come.