We started with a clear brief: How might we carry and drink squash throughout the day without having to lug around a large bottle?From this, we developed Druice, a bottle featuring a separate chamber in the lid to hold concentrated squash or juices, with a button that lets users dispense flavour into their water on demand. Its distinctive shape not only makes it easy to grip but also helps it stand out among other bottles. Through close collaboration with users, we refined the design to balance functionality and style. The result is a practical, eye-catching bottle that combines hydration with convenient flavouring, perfect for any active lifestyle or daily routine.
Concept ideation
Prototyping & development
CMF
Rendering & visualisation
Animation
Design for manufacture
Manufacturer drawing set
A wide range of concepts were explored early on. Ideas included a separate attachment that could clip onto existing water bottles, as well as integrated chambers within the bottle itself. Various dispensing mechanisms were tested, such as push-button valves, twist caps, and squeeze systems. Ease of cleaning, spill prevention, and ergonomic design were key considerations throughout. Rapid prototyping and user feedback helped narrow down the options to the most practical and user-friendly solution.
To make the lid easier to produce, we split the top and bottom threaded sections into three separate parts, these parts are then joined together using high-frequency (HF) welding. This change made the moulding process simpler and helped reduce the chance of defects. While the lid is made of multiple parts, the design maintains the bottle’s full functionality and a reliable seal. Overall, this approach made manufacturing more efficient and helped keep costs down without sacrificing quality.
We collaborated closely with a trusted manufacturer to bring the concept to life. This partnership focused on achieving exact colour matching and selecting materials that reflected the bottle’s look and feel. Through ongoing dialogue and iterative reviews, we fine-tuned every detail, from the texture of the grip to the smooth operation of the dispensing button. The outcome was a prototype that faithfully embodied the design’s balance of style and practicality, ready to move confidently toward production.
Their professional approach not only to design, but also customer service and communication is second to none. If you're looking for a product design agency to work with, look no further - I can't recommend Aetha highly enough!