Izabelle H. Andersson
All My Work

Sustainable Design · Product Development

LTU Bottle Redesign

An LTU merchandise bottle redesigned for longer use, easier everyday handling and a more sustainable product life cycle.

Original black LTU merchandise bottle shown beside the white clay prototype and its separate lid components.

Final clay prototype shown beside the original LTU merchandise bottle.

Project type
Sustainable Design · Product Development
Course
Design Process and Method
One of several projects completed during the course.
Year of study
Year 1 of 5
Duration
Team
Team of four
My role
Research, idea generation, sustainability analysis and concept development
Tools & methods
Research · Benchmarking · Survey · Braindrawing · SCAMPER · Prototyping · Life cycle analysis
Prototype
Final concept prototype made from reusable modelling clay
01

The challenge

LTU asked us to review one of its merchandise products and redesign it from a broader sustainability perspective. We chose a small aluminium bottle and considered material, production, transport, use, durability, reuse and what happens at the end of the product’s life.

02

Research & insights

We analysed the existing bottle across its product life cycle and compared different bottles, materials and existing solutions. A survey helped us understand what users valued most. Material, size and a secure screw cap were important, and most respondents preferred a metal bottle with a capacity between 0.5 and 1 litre.

03

Design process

  1. 1

    Analysing the existing bottle and its product life cycle

  2. 2

    Researching and comparing materials and existing products

  3. 3

    Surveying user preferences

  4. 4

    Developing ideas through braindrawing and SCAMPER

  5. 5

    Building the final concept prototype in reusable modelling clay

04

Final outcome

We developed a larger insulated bottle intended to be made mainly from recycled stainless steel, with a lid made from biodegradable plastic. It has a wider opening for easier filling, improved durability and separate components that can be changed or personalised. The bottle was designed for both hot and cold drinks so that it could be useful in more situations and remain in use for longer.

The final prototype was made from reusable modelling clay as part of the course. It represents the final shape, size and separate components of the concept, but not the intended production materials.

Hand sketch of the bottle with all parts assembled, including the inner cap and outer lid with handle.
Concept sketch by a team member, showing how the bottle and lid components fit together.
Final clay prototype showing the bottle body and separate lid components.
Final clay prototype showing the bottle body and separate lid components.
Shaping the clay prototype in the workshop.
Building the final clay prototype during the workshop.
Clay prototype held under a tap over a bathroom sink.
Exploring the scale, grip and intended use of the final concept.
05

Key learnings

  • Sustainability involves the full product life cycle, not only the material.
  • A product that works in more situations has a better chance of staying in use.
  • User preferences and environmental goals need to be considered together.

Next project

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