Speck Design Delivers Solutions for Two Complex Consumer Products for Social Good

PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Complications during development led two product development companies to turn to Speck Design in recent months for an inventive approach and mechanical design that would deliver top-quality products on deadline.  The first product, Zamzee, had an external casing designed but they were stalled on the mechanical engineering and how to realize its intended capabilities.  The second, Vapore's MyPurMist, also had a casing but was in need of engineering refinement and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) with critical project elements unrealized.  Speck Design stepped into both projects seamlessly and developed solutions that exceeded expectations.

Zamzee is an online rewards program for teens powered by their physical activity. To earn rewards, teens wear the Zamzee meter, a three-axis accelerometer specially calibrated to record short bursts of movement as well as sustained activity. Physical activity recorded by the Zamzee meter will power a teen's online account at www.zamzee.com. Activity boosts a teen's status within the system and can be converted into spendable Zamz, a virtual currency used to purchase virtual and tangible rewards. Teens using Zamzee earn recognition and the ability to acquire things they want based on how much they move in the real world. They will also be able to take part in a range of online activities, powered by their real-world movement. Early research shows that the Zamzee experience increases physical activity in young teens by approximately 30% – the equivalent of running nearly an extra marathon a month. The small Zamzee meter had to appeal to style-fickle teens, and the inner workings needed to be not only tiny to fit into the casing, but also resistant to damage.  Speck Design helped to achieve all of those goals and also helped develop a durable clip so the device would work on any thickness of waistband to accommodate apparel from denim jeans to rolled-down sweatpants. Zamzee launches publicly in 2011. Initial research and development of Zamzee was conducted by HopeLab. (www.zamzee.com)

"Young teens are the experts when it comes to what works for them. In order for us to be successful in getting kids to move more, Zamzee needed to be appealing, reliable in its functionality, and completely intuitive. Speck Design was able to deliver on each of those requirements," said Jonathan Attwood, Zamzee's C.E.O.

Vapore, Inc. is the developer of medical and consumer products that use its patented Capillary Force Vaporizer (CFV) technology.  The company's MyPurMist device provides personal sinus and throat therapy, and was used at the 2011 Grammy Awards by performers backstage, who praised its "cool style and soothing effectiveness," said Kelly J. Brodbeck, Vapore C.E.O.  Vapore turned to Speck Design to make sure users would be able to effectively control heat and moisture, and required delivery against an immoveable deadline for release of the product at the high-profile awards event. Speck Design responded with a portable solution and an appealing appearance, easy for the consumer to use. (www.mypurmist.com)

"Speck engineers were integral to the successful development of MyPurMist, implementing significant safety and effectiveness advantages over our competition while also providing the product with an elegant design," added Brodbeck.  "Without doubt, the Speck team was critical to helping us get to market on deadline."

As a virtual extension of its clients' engineering teams, Speck Design makes it a priority to listen and understand the full spectrum of what each client needs the product to achieve. Designers work diligently, taking what a client imagines and turning it into reality.

"Where others see challenges and limitations, our team is fearless in identifying and exploring fresh possibilities," said Elisa Jagerson, Speck Design's Chief Executive Officer.  "Speck Design is set up to work in partnership on all aspects of a project, so that our clients can get to revenue successfully and for the long-term."

About Speck Design

For 15 years, Silicon Valley companies have turned to Speck Design for breakthrough work in medical, industrial, and consumer products as well as data communications systems.  Our growth comes from repeat business and partner recommendations, and our teams are staffed with trusted experts for a foundation that all of our partners rely on project after project, year after year.  Known for reliability, flawless execution by fearless designers, and solutions that help grow customer sales, Speck Design delivers a "partners by design" relationship at every stage of a project, from inception to research and strategy, through to delivery to market and beyond. To learn more, go to www.speckdesign.com.

SOURCE Speck Design