KATHERINE LABONTE
Experience Designer
Cross Functional Teams:
STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT
ROLE: MARKETING &
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
For this project we worked with the American Red Cross Chesapeake chapter. Our multi-disciplinary team analyzed their goals and pain points to develop feasible, viable solutions.
In my role I encouraged the team to consider the Red Cross under a new mantra of “a consistently smart investment” to target the under-engaged market of young professionals. Through employers’ wellness programs, we offered a “keep the change” model for employees to donate volunteer hours, money and blood. I also facilitated brainstorming and visualizations, storyboarding, and presentation materials for the team.
To meet the additional challenge of overall decreasing demand for blood in the healthcare industry we suggested the Red Cross provide a blood management consulting service. Using a subscription pricing model and reducing wasteful practices at the hospitals they already work with. Conservatively, this blood management program would break even in its 3rd year, help hospitals reduce operating costs, and annually increase the ARC bottom line by 4%.
BIOMIMICRY PLUNGER
ROLE: BEHAVIORAL MARKET RESEARCH &
CREATIVE CONSULTANT
Addressing this embarrassing but essential object, my role considered unsung buyers and users: independent women looking for an effective, easy to use, cool tool. To answer this challenge, our multi-disciplinary team reverse-engineered the micro structures of a frog’s toe pad. Using a millipore substrate and silicone, van der waal forces hold the plunger tightly sealed inside the bowl. Further this pad self cleaned as it peels away from a surface, and dirt particles are released. The remaining surface of the plunger head is based on the texture of the lotus leaf. The lotus leaf has superhydrophobic properties This surface allows the plunger to instantly dry itself after use. We created our own super hydrophobic molds modeled directly off of lotus leaves. Another benefit of the uniquely slick nanostructure of the lotus leaf is that it resists germs and pathogens attaching to its surface. Lastly the ergonomic handle comfortably fits the hand and allows the user to achieve and sustain a more powerful grip regardless of experience.