The process for developing this system was multi-faceted, with multiple rounds of design, research, iteration, prototyping, and development. We bought every DIY system out there, and I built them all. We worked with contractors, pro organizers, sales associates, and users to find every need and address it.
We begin with general market research, identifying storage systems for closet, kitchen, and laundry being a primary pain point with our market. The need was established for a floor-based, super customizable system that's really easy to reconfigure, requires little to no tools, can be assembled in a few hours by even a novice, and ensures a user will install it safely. At a mass market price point. Easy peasy, right? Round one sketches focused on a few ways to accomplish that end goal, at a high level. The details were not worked out, but we presented panels with a handful of different approaches for how a closet system could in theory tackle these issues. (sketches generated by multiple designers)
I translated the results of those high level concepts in 4 iterations of the winner form round one. These 4 approaches all met the needs we identified, and were all different iterations of the version selected by our panels. These were both rendered for quantitative online research, and prototyped for qualitative.
Once we had results from that, we were on to working out the system details. We had an idea, now we had to make it work. I lead a series of brainstorm session to focus on both the structure of the system itself, as well as the components and modular accessories therein. T
Those led to a refined set of concepts that were sketched out. (sketches generated by multiple designers)
Once I developed the final concepts, I worked with our Engineer and vendor to create a works-like, looks-like prototype. And then presented the concept along with 2 current market leaders in our targeted pricing segment in another qual and quant round of research.
We had a winner, but now needed to finesse the design. I dove into the finer aesthetic details, from the drawer fronts, color and hardware combinations, and design of the frames and support structures. This led to, you guessed it, more research! We needed to resonate with our customer, and heard that voice at every stage.
That's a big story to tell. I know, I wrote it. How do you sell that to customers in aisle though? We developed a highly visual in store display that helps customers easily identify what components they are buying and intuitively walks them through the shopping journey. Once again, user research allowed us to get this right.
For the online experience, I developed a series of animations to show how the multitude of innovations work, and just how versatile the system is.
All accessory components attach with a shared drop and lock bracket, so all components can install anywhere along the height of the system, and can be moved around and reconfigured in seconds.
The drop and lock anti-tip mechanism is fool proof; it needs to be installed in order to complete assembly, and with the slide and lock system, guarantees you'll hit a stud and secure your system with minimal effort, and no erroneous drilling.
How easy it is to put a shelf in and out.
How the shelf secures into place, yet remains easy to remove.
The world of possibilities with the system.
Closets by Liberty uses simple but strong aluminum extrusion frames that have no front or back, top or bottom, so they are incredibly easy to assemble. Each frame has recessed side channels to conceal the accessory holes while also forming a snap in channel, used for assembly an accessory attachment. The system takes just a couple hours to install, and only needs a handful of screws to assemble, and the incorporated anti-tip makes sure it will install safely. All accessory components attach with a shared drop and lock bracket, allowing for easy reconfiguration throughout the entire height of the system.
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Liberty Hardware - Closets by Liberty
Closet organization is a constant struggle, and a massive market. And yet so many solutions seem to really miss the mark for the mass market consumer. A unique opportunity was presented to Liberty; a large retail partner approached and asked us to develop something new and better. I was assigned as the Design Lead for this new category for Liberty, part of a small group of 2 marketers, one engineer, one graphic designer, and myself. In 2.5 years, we dove deep into where other DIY systems fall short, what consumers really desired, and produced a truly innovative system unlike any other, at an approachable price point. Closets by Liberty received the 2020 Platinum ADEX award for Design Excellence, and was included Design Journals Best Products of 2020. You can learn more about the system at www.closetsbyliberty.com.
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