Faucet Extender

Helping Little Hands Reach Water

Brand: Munchkin
Launch: 2018

“No more standing on tippy-toes to reach the faucet, because a helping hand is within reach!”

A must-have for little ones who need a little help when washing their hands or brushing their teeth. The flexible attachment is designed to work with practically any faucet, bringing the water flow closer than ever before.

CHALLENGES

  • Designing a Universal Fit: Study common US faucet designs and use adjustable elements to fit 80% of faucets.

  • Avoiding Patent Infringement: Review existing patents and introduce unique features to differentiate the product.

  • Meeting Target's Request: Develop a detailed project plan with clear phases and sufficient resources to deliver in 9 months.

  • Navigating Design Challenges: Prioritize key elements, use rapid prototyping, and maintain open team communication to meet the two-month design deadline.

DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH
Developed survey questions to gather data on individuals' bathroom sink measurements, aiming to uncover variations and identify potential challenges.

RESEARCH
Conducted research by reviewing IRI data to identify the best-selling faucets in the US. Subsequently, procured diverse samples and meticulously measured every detail prior to commencing the design process.

IDEATE
In a collaborative team environment, generated and refined ideas while mentoring design interns, fostering creativity and collaboration on early design concepts.

3D CAD MODELING
Produced multiple 3D CAD models to assess fit dimensions, enabling comparison through the creation of 3D printed samples.

ENGINEERING
Collaborated with a mechanical engineer to devise a silicone structure capable of retaining its shape while offering the necessary flexibility around the fitting on faucets.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Developed a universally adaptable design for the faucet extender's opening, ensuring compatibility with the majority of faucets available in the market.

PROTOTYPING & TESTING
Produced multiple prototypes and iteratively modified the design to ensure optimal compatibility with various faucet types, validating functionality through physical testing and adjustments.

UTILITY PATENT
Created detailed drawings for the Legal team to submit utility patents. Patent number: US 20200217053

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT
Collaborate with cross-functional team to deliver the final product and was able to sold to Target stores in less than 9 months of design to manufacturing phases.

FEATURE

SIMPLY FITS ONTO 80% OF BATHROOM FAUCETS
Effortlessly fitting onto 80% of bathroom faucets, this innovation ensures compatibility and convenience for a wide range of users.

MADE OF TWO SIMPLE PARTS
Crafted from just two simple parts - stretchable silicone and flexible polypropylene spout - this intuitive design offers ease of use and durability.

BLENDS IN WITH THE REST OF BATHROOM
Designed with a minimalist aesthetic, this product seamlessly integrates into the bathroom environment, avoiding any jarring contrasts. This strategic approach broadened the customer base beyond parents with kids, appealing to a wider audience seeking both functionality and aesthetic harmony in their living spaces.

Accomplishments

  • Over 16500 reviews on Amazon.com with above 4.5-star rating.

  • Millions of dollars in revenue per year.

  • Most sought-after faucet extender in the market, sold at Amazon, Target, and Walmart stores.

  • Received utility patent.