MAISO (2020 - 2022)
A premium water bottle brand designed for your home: www.maiso.co
Maiso was a project to launch my personal idea to market. My goal was to gain a holistic understanding of taking a product to market, from concept development to reaching the end customer. I’ve always been curious in exploring the areas of manufacturing, product development, business, and marketing strategies. I was also very particular with my water bottles, so I believed that a water bottle would be the perfect medium to pursue this project.
Opportunity
Most insulated water bottles on the market are designed primarily for outdoor use. As a result, they often feature a rugged, sporty aesthetic that has become the norm. However, many people use their water bottles in more everyday settings, such as at home or at work, where such a design may feel out of place.
With this in mind, I set out to create a water bottle that offers a more refined design direction, one that blends seamlessly into its surroundings, particularly within the home.
Construction Research
My goal was to figure out the construction methods, weld positions, and general assembly of the insulated double-walled stainless steel. This led me to cut open a majority of water bottles on the market with an angle grinder.
Prototyping
After designing the initial silhouette, I focused on refining the proportions and sizing of the water bottles. Using 3D printing, I finalized on two sizes, 17 oz and 9 oz. as they offered the best balance for daily use. The 17 oz is ideal for carrying water, while the 9 oz is well-suited for coffee and tea. Both are comfortable to hold, easy to carry in a bag, and work harmoniously as a set.
Product Development & Manufacturing
After finding a verified supplier, I went through process of sampling, quality control, and reviewing assembly line processes. It took about 6 rounds of prototype samples to complete the finished product. From color matching to alignment, I discovered the challenges when creating consistent products in large quantities. I helped the supplier in creating consistent manufacturing solutions, as well as solving compromises in order to keep the product’s overall design intent.
Finished Product
Inspired by the warmth and character of ceramics, wood, and other natural materials around my home, I designed the bottle to sit comfortably alongside everyday objects.
A key decision was to conceal the metal within the bottle, as its reflective finish clashed with the soft, neutral palette. This created a cleaner exterior with fewer material transitions, giving the bottle a more natural appearance. Thoughtful details include a contoured drinking lip shaped to follow the mouth, concealed internal threads, a wide opening, and a silicone base that rests gently on surfaces.
Name & Branding
Maiso derives its name from the French word maison, meaning “home,” reflecting the brand’s focus on creating water bottles for the home. Its natural, sophisticated aesthetic evokes a sense of wellbeing and balance in everyday life. I designed the logo with a minimal, blocky sans serif typeface that remains legible at smaller scales. Styled alongside stone, sand, and other natural materials, the bottles reinforce the brand’s connection to nature.
Web Design
The design of the website had to be cohesive to the brand identity of the water bottle. I designed the website with a minimal feel, incorporating a light muted gray color palette. The goal was to create a sophisticated and luxurious feeling website that complemented the design of the water bottle.
Creative
Creative and marketing assets created for the product. To tie in with the brand identity, I implemented neutral tones, playing with textures of stone, shadows, and reflections. The photos and renderings are made to feel a sense of zen, with sophisticated undertone.
