Gotcha

What it does

My device helps people with limited hand or arm mobility open makeup products independently. An electric clamp holds makeup products in place so they can be opened using only one hand. An electric suction cup at the bottom keeps the device stable.

Your inspiration

I worked in beauty retail for 3 years with major beauty brands Benefit Cosmetics and Charlotte Tilbury. I applied makeup to hundreds of people and helped educate them on how to use the products so they could be more confident wearing makeup. While working in beauty retail I started to notice that people wouldn’t use certain products as they were too difficult to open. This lead to me doing my own reserach on the topic and realising that people with disabilities are being exluded from the beauty industry and they don’t always get to experience makeup the same way I do. This sparked a desire in me to make a difference.

How it works

My design is a one-handed makeup opener created for people with limited hand or arm mobility. The device uses a strong suction cup base that sticks to flat surfaces like a countertop, keeping it stable during use. On top, there’s a soft clamp that gently holds different makeup products like lipsticks, mascara or foundation bottles so they don’t move while the user opens them. A small motor inside moves the clamp towards the makeup product with the press of a button. Sensors that detect force are in the clamp to avoid over-tightening the product between the clamp and causing damage. They hold the makeup products tight enough to allow them to be opened with ease. The user does not need to hold the product with both hands. Once it’s clamped in place, they can open or close it using just one hand. This design gives users more independence and makes the makeup process easier.

Design process

I began my design process by researching and observing people with physical disabilities using makeup products. Based on research I decided to focus on people with upper limb disabilities and ensure my product was suitable for people with only the use of one hand or arm. I began sketching many ideas and narrowed it down to three concepts to research further. This is when I decided to pick Gotcha. My first prototypes focused on manual clamps to hold products in place. I experimented with different shapes and materials to find a secure but gentle grip for various makeup items. Through testing, I realised that while manual clamps were useful, an electric version would be more efficient and user-friendly especially for users with limited strength or dexterity. When researching different types of clamps I came across an electric suction cup which was perfect for the stability my device needed to allow one hand use. The clamp was inspired by an electric jar opener. I combined these two technologies with a few tweeks to make Gotcha.

How it is different

My product stands out from what’s currently on the market because it’s specifically designed for people with limited arm or hand mobility. A need that is largely unmet in the beauty industry. While some general purpose jar openers or assistive devices exist, they are not tailored for makeup products, which come in a wide range of small, delicate, and uniquely shaped containers. Unlike bulky kitchen aids, my product is compact, discreet, and designed to fit into a personal routine without drawing attention. It uses a suction base for stability and a gentle clamp to securely hold makeup items allowing users to open them one-handed without extra tools or assistance. This focus on beauty, dignity, and ease-of-use makes my design both inclusive and empowering, filling a gap in the market for assistive devices.

Future plans

The next steps in the future include creating a fully working electrcical prototype of gotcha to test with potential users. Unfortunately given the timeframe I was not able to reach this step. I also would like to create more modular magnetic clamp covers so Gotcha can clamp even more types of makeup products.

Awards