When Scotts set out to bring their Ortho Home Defense line of insect repellents indoors and expand beyond home improvement retailers, they partnered with Design Central to make it happen. As long-standing design and engineering collaborators, having worked on over 100 projects together, including the wildly successful Comfort Wand, we were uniquely positioned to drive this transformation. With a deep understanding of the Ortho brand and its customers, we played a pivotal role in researching and strategizing the transition. The result? A seamless evolution into a household-friendly product line, starting with the Home Defense Max Indoor Insect Barrier, designed specifically for indoor use.
The foundation of this project was built on in-depth market research focused on how to position a new line of Ortho products as the go-to solution for indoor use and how to get them into retail stores. Through consumer insights, we uncovered key factors that would reshape public perception and ensure a smooth transition from home improvement exclusivity to broader retail availability. Convenience emerged as the top priority: the design needed to be easy to handle, battery-operated for hassle-free use, and compact enough to fit neatly under a kitchen sink. These elements were crucial in transforming Ortho’s image from an outdoor solution to an essential indoor household staple.
With a clear vision in place, we moved into the design phase, beginning with conceptual sketching to explore various forms and functionalities that prioritized ease and convenience. Through multiple rounds of refinement, we honed the design to align with consumer needs. We then conducted color studies to ensure the product would not only stand out on store shelves but also seamlessly reflect Ortho’s brand identity. Prototyping played a crucial role, allowing us to test and fine-tune every detail. Our focus on ergonomics ensured maximum comfort and usability. We rigorously tested for hand fatigue and optimized spray angles to create a product that was both effective and effortless to use indoors.
A standout aspect of this project was our team’s ability to design with manufacturing in mind. With a 20-year partnership with Scotts and deep expertise in their manufacturing and fulfillment processes, we leveraged key elements from previous designs to streamline production. By reusing components from the Comfort Wand, such as the motor, nozzle, and trigger system, we not only reduced manufacturing costs but also ensured the new product maintained the trusted performance consumers expect, backed by over 200,000 successful deliveries. However, integrating a battery into the handle while preserving these familiar components was no small feat. It required precise engineering to maintain balance and ergonomics, ensuring a comfortable, fatigue-free user experience. These strategic efforts and long-standing partnership ensured that Ortho Home Defense Max Indoor is a uniquely designed, easy-to-handle, and highly effective product that aligns with Ortho’s established design language while optimizing production efficiency.