15 Product Design Examples That Solve Real Problems

The path to a successful product has several challenges: feature creep, unintuitive interfaces, or trying to solve a problem that doesn’t exist. Good design addresses both user needs and business goals.

We’ll explore 15 product design examples that solve real user problems in innovative ways. From simple everyday items to complex digital interfaces, these examples show how thoughtful design can make lives easier, more efficient, and more enjoyable.

What Is Product Design?

Product design is the process of developing and iterating on products to solve user problems or address needs. The product design process includes the entire product journey, from identifying a market opportunity to creating a solution. 

A good design provides a visually pleasing and enjoyable experience for its users. Here are some factors that contribute to that:

• Functionality: A strong design delivers its core purpose and avoids unnecessary complexity. Every element should contribute to how the product works in real-world use.

• Usability: Products that feel intuitive tend to reduce friction, helping people accomplish their goals with minimal effort or instruction.

• Aesthetics: Visual appeal can play a big role in shaping perception. A thoughtful look and feel often make a product more engaging and trustworthy.

• Accessibility: Considering a wide range of physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities helps ensure more people can benefit from the product.

• Consistency: Predictable patterns across features and platforms can make interactions smoother and build confidence in how the product behaves.

• Sustainability: Designs that account for materials, durability, and end-of-life recyclability can create less waste and align with environmentally conscious values.

• Emotional impact: Products that spark positive feelings such as delight, trust, or a sense of connection often leave a stronger and longer-lasting impression.

Consumer Electronics Product Design Examples

Consumer electronics combine technology and everyday usability, making design a critical factor in user experience. In this section, we highlight products that solve real problems while balancing functionality, aesthetics, and innovation.

1. Calix WiFi6 System

Service providers need reliable, high-speed internet, but devices also have to be functional and visually appealing. The Calix WiFi6 System meets these needs by combining advanced broadband technology with a user-friendly design, keeping human factors in mind.

StudioRed’s engineers helped shape the design language for Calix’s next-generation WiFi 6 systems. We conducted market research to help Calix stand out in a competitive landscape while addressing functional requirements, including thermal management. 

Collaboration with the ODM ensured the design could be manufactured as intended, resulting in a system that is both iconic and practical.

What this design teaches us:

• Good design balances aesthetics with technical requirements like thermal performance.
• Close collaboration with manufacturing preserves design intent.
• Adaptable guidelines support consistent, scalable engineering product development.

2. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5G

The Galaxy Z Flip 5G uses foldable technology to provide a full-size display that folds into a compact form, making it easier to carry without sacrificing functionality. The design also considers durability, hinge performance, and intuitive user interactions, ensuring the folding mechanism feels seamless and natural. 

What this design teaches us:

• Innovative form factors can solve practical user problems without compromising functionality.
• Attention to user interaction and ergonomics is crucial when introducing new hardware concepts.
• Design that balances novelty with usability encourages adoption and long-term satisfaction.

3. PlayStation 5

Modern gaming consoles have to juggle power, heat, and space — and most designs crack under the pressure. The PlayStation 5 leans into the challenge with a bold, futuristic form that makes room for advanced cooling while still looking like a centerpiece, not an eyesore.

Its vertical orientation and layered construction optimize airflow, reducing heat and improving performance without compromising aesthetics. The console also emphasizes accessibility, with ports and buttons positioned for ease of use, and an interface that makes setup and navigation intuitive.

What this design teaches us:

• Effective product design integrates technical performance and user experience seamlessly.
• Thoughtful spatial layout can enhance functionality while supporting visual impact.
• Balancing innovation with familiarity helps users adopt new technology comfortably.

Household Product Design Examples

Everyday household products should be functional, durable, and easy to use while fitting seamlessly into home environments. Strong design can simplify chores and make products more enjoyable to interact with. 

The examples below show how thoughtful design turns ordinary household items into practical, user-friendly solutions.

4. Hatch Rest 2

Parents often seek simple, effective ways to help their newborns sleep, but traditional sleep aids can be bulky, visually intrusive, or lack versatility. The Hatch Rest 2 addresses these challenges by providing a flexible, stress-free solution that supports healthy sleep routines with intuitive controls and soft-touch materials.

StudioRed collaborated with Hatch Baby on the Rest 2, building on the first generation’s success while introducing upgrades such as a tri-speaker system and expanded color options. This combination allows parents to personalize the device to their child’s sleep needs while maintaining the recognizable aesthetic of the original Rest.

What this design teaches us:

• Iterative design can enhance functionality while staying true to a successful product legacy.
• Personalizable light, sound, and alarm settings, plus app control, improve adoption and user satisfaction.
• Cohesive design language strengthens brand recognition across product generations.

5. Wayzn

Traditional pet doors often require cutting into doors or walls, which can create security risks and permanent damage. This also makes them a pain for renters or design-conscious homeowners. Wayzn solved this by developing a smart pet door system that attaches to an existing sliding glass door, converting it into an automatic, app-controlled entryway for pets.

StudioRed designed Wayzn with simplicity, safety, and trust in mind. The team engineered a universal form factor that fits 95% of standard sliding doors without tools or screws, while maintaining a clean, modern look that blends into any home. The result is a device that sets up in minutes, keeps your home secure, and gives pets freedom and flexibility.

What this design teaches us:

• Design can solve everyday frustrations without forcing users to sacrifice security or aesthetics.
• Universal compatibility expands market potential and improves accessibility.
• Simple, intuitive setup creates a seamless first-use experience that drives adoption.
  

6. AER Smart Hair Dryer

Most hair dryers trade mobility for power — you’re either tethered to an outlet or stuck with weak, battery-draining models. AER set out to change that by creating the first truly cordless, salon-quality hair dryer.

Our team reengineered the dryer from the inside out, optimizing thermal performance and airflow with a custom impeller designed and tested in-house using a wind tunnel. The impeller was tuned for quieter operation, while a dual AC/DC coil and custom LED control cluster improved usability and performance. 

The final design seamlessly blends advanced engineering with refined aesthetics, delivering a cordless experience that doesn’t compromise on power or style.

What this design teaches us:

• Reengineering from the inside out can unlock innovation in even the most familiar products.
• Balancing power, portability, and usability requires tight collaboration between design and engineering.
• Intelligently selecting materials and elevating subtle details turns function-driven tech into premium consumer products.

Energy Systems Product Design Examples

Energy products can solve complex problems like storing power efficiently or integrating with home systems, while fitting seamlessly into everyday spaces. The examples below show how thoughtful design can make energy solutions both practical and approachable.

7. Enphase Ensemble™ System

Home energy storage is increasingly common, but traditional systems are often large and industrial-looking. Enphase wanted to expand from one battery wall storage solution to a family of three that are visually appealing for everyday households.

StudioRed updated the design language to create a sleek, minimalistic lineup using high-end materials and refined finishes. The design makes the batteries feel lighter and more approachable, encouraging adoption of green technology. The updated aesthetic was also applied to related products, like AC combiners.

What this design teaches us:

• Design can reduce the perceived size and weight of technical products.
• Materials and finishes influence how approachable and desirable a product feels.
• Consistent design across a product family strengthens brand identity and user confidence.

8. Tesla Powerwall 3

The Tesla Powerwall 3 delivers a high-capacity energy storage system in a clean, compact form that can be wall-mounted for a minimal footprint.

Its streamlined enclosure hides complex electronics and smoothly integrates with home environments. A simple interface and mobile app let users monitor and manage their energy usage, helping homeowners reduce grid dependency.

What this design teaches us:

• Complex technology can feel approachable when presented in a clean, minimal form.
• Clear, user-friendly interfaces make advanced systems easier to control and trust.

9. SolarEdge Home Battery System

Home solar users often struggle with scalable storage systems that are awkward to place, complicated to install, or visually disruptive. The SolarEdge Home Battery System simplifies this with a slim, modular design that’s easy to integrate into residential spaces.

Its enclosure is compact and visually neutral, helping it blend into garages or utility spaces. The system works with SolarEdge’s monitoring platform, giving homeowners clear insight into energy production, storage, and use all without overwhelming them with technical details.

What this design teaches us:

• Modularity and scalability support long-term product flexibility.
• Simplified user monitoring builds confidence in complex energy technologies.

Wearable Product Design Examples

Since wearables are worn on the body, their design should consider size, weight, materials, and comfort. The examples below show how thoughtful design helps technology become something people want to wear, not just use.

10. Token Ring 2

Secure login methods have a reputation for being a headache. Passwords are easy to forget, one-time codes often interrupt workflow, and hardware dongles? Well, good luck keeping track of those. 

TokenRing wanted to reduce frustration by creating a simpler, safer authentication experience that meets modern FIDO2 security standards — all without leaving users juggling sticky notes or extra devices.

We worked with TokenRing to create the Token Ring 2, a smart ring with an integrated fingerprint sensor for passwordless access. The team redesigned the ring’s ergonomics for long-term comfort, reduced manufacturing cost, and fixed durability weaknesses from the previous model. 

What this design teaches us:

• Comfort and durability are as important as security in wearable tech.
• Early material and manufacturing decisions impact performance, cost, and reliability.
• Rigorous testing prevents failure points before a product reaches users.

11. Fitbit

Remember when tracking your steps and heart rate meant juggling clip-on pedometers or scribbling numbers in a notebook? Fitbit simplified it all with a slim, lightweight wearable that continuously monitors movement, heart rate, and sleep while staying comfortable and discreet.

The design features an unobtrusive screen and soft, interchangeable bands that fit different lifestyles. By avoiding visual clutter and keeping the interface straightforward, Fitbit makes health tracking feel approachable to a wide range of users.

What this design teaches us:

• Comfort and wearability are critical when technology is worn daily.
• Minimal, distraction-free design encourages regular use and broad appeal.
• Personalization options (like interchangeable bands) make products adaptable to individual style.

12. Apple Watch

The Apple Watch pairs advanced health tracking and smart features with a clean, customizable design that feels like a premium watch.

Its rounded square face has a recognizable aesthetic that maximizes screen usability. The Digital Crown and simple interface make navigation intuitive, and the range of sizes, materials, and band options let users adapt the watch to their personal style.

What this design teaches us:

• Combining high functionality with a polished, familiar form factor drives mainstream adoption.
• Intuitive controls and a clear interface help users feel confident with advanced features.
• Design flexibility (sizes, bands, finishes) broadens the product’s appeal across audiences.

Wellness Product Design Examples

Wellness products aim to improve health, relaxation, or daily habits while remaining easy to use and visually inviting. Strong design, often informed by medical device prototyping and iterative testing, encourages users to consistently engage with the product. 

The examples below show how thoughtful design turns wellness tools into practical, enjoyable experiences.

13. Hatch Baby Grow

Tracking a baby’s growth between doctor visits can be stressful. Standard changing pads offer no data, and standalone infant scales are awkward and hard to use safely. Hatch Baby set out to combine the comfort of a changing pad with the accuracy of a smart scale to give parents reliable, real-time insights at home.

StudioRed leveraged expertise in medical technology development to develop the Grow, Hatch Baby’s lightweight, second-generation smart changing pad. The team tested foam geometry to cradle a baby securely, reinforced the base to prevent sagging under a 50 lb load, and designed a ribbed structure to hide wiring and electronics. 

Ergonomic hand grips were added for easy handling, and the foam was overmolded to create a seamless, durable surface. 

What this design teaches us:

• Early prototyping and load testing prevent safety and usability issues.
• Integrating tech into soft goods requires close design-engineering collaboration.
• Manufacturing choices (hidden wiring, seamless overmolding) directly impact durability and user experience.

14. Orrb Wellness Pod

Modern workplaces and public spaces can be stressful, leaving little room for privacy or mental reset. The Orrb Wellness Pod addresses this by offering a fully enclosed space where users can step away, meditate, or recharge without distraction.

Its curved, cocoon-like form creates a sense of safety and calm while reducing outside noise and visual clutter. The interior integrates lighting, seating, and audio to guide relaxation sessions, helping users disconnect from busy environments and refocus their energy.

What this design teaches us:

• Physical form and environment strongly influence relaxation and focus.
• Combining privacy with inviting aesthetics can encourage use in busy spaces.
• Integrated sensory elements (light, sound, comfort) enhance the overall experience.

15. Forme Smart Mirror

Home fitness equipment can be bulky and visually intrusive, making it difficult to blend into living spaces. The Forme Smart Mirror solves this by turning a full-length mirror into an interactive workout station that looks like a high-end home accessory when not in use.

Its slim, elegant design hides advanced hardware, while the large touchscreen provides guided workouts and real-time feedback. Doubling as a functional mirror, it integrates seamlessly into bedrooms or living rooms without disrupting décor.

What this design teaches us:

• Multifunctional design can help technology fit naturally into everyday spaces.
• Sleek, furniture-like forms make advanced products feel less intimidating.
• Blending performance with aesthetics increases long-term use and acceptance.

How to Apply the Lessons from These Product Design Examples

Successful products are built on clear intent: solving the right problem and creating something people want to keep using. The following principles can help turn good ideas into market-ready designs:

• Start with the problem: Define the exact pain point you’re solving. Research real user behavior and frustrations before exploring features.
• Prioritize usability: Map the user journey and remove unnecessary steps. Test early prototypes with real users to uncover friction points before committing to costly tooling or development.
• Balance form and function: Choose materials, finishes, and shapes that support performance. For example, ensure ventilation for thermal management or grip surfaces where handling matters.
• Design for inclusivity: Consider different physical abilities, hand sizes, grip strengths, and sensory needs. Aim for controls, displays, and interactions that work for as many users as possible.
• Keep it consistent: Establish a design language — color, typography, control placement — and apply it across models and updates so users instantly know how to interact with new versions.
• Think long term: Plan for manufacturing scalability, easy maintenance, and future upgrades. Select durable materials and modular components so the product can evolve without needing a full redesign.

Let StudioRed Help You Design with Purpose

Great products don’t happen by accident — they’re the result of understanding users, solving real problems, and refining every detail. The product design examples we’ve shared show how companies transform insights into market-ready solutions that delight customers and stand out on shelves. 

If you’re looking for more inspiration, explore our product design portfolio to see how we’ve turned complex ideas into award-winning products.

Contact us to learn how we can bring your vision to life.

Product Design Examples FAQ

We’re used to working with top designers and leaders, providing product design examples and guidance. Here are a few of the most common questions we are asked about the design process.

How Does Product Design Influence Consumer Behavior?

Product design shapes how consumers perceive and interact with a product, influencing both purchase decisions and long-term satisfaction. 

Elements like aesthetics, ergonomics, and usability can make a product feel intuitive, trustworthy, and desirable, while poor design can frustrate users and deter engagement. Thoughtful design also communicates brand values, reinforcing loyalty and encouraging repeat use.

How Do Designers Incorporate Sustainability Into Product Design?

Designers integrate sustainability by considering materials, energy efficiency, durability, and end-of-life recyclability. Decisions like choosing recycled or renewable materials, minimizing packaging, and designing for modular upgrades help reduce environmental impact. 

Sustainable design also extends to manufacturing and logistics, ensuring that the product’s lifecycle aligns with ecological and social responsibility goals.

How Is Technology Integrated Into Product Design?

Technology is embedded into product design to enhance functionality, usability, and user experience. Designers collaborate with engineers to integrate sensors, connectivity, displays, or software seamlessly into the product’s form. 

The goal is to ensure that technology feels intuitive, supports the product’s purpose, and adds measurable value without overwhelming or confusing the user.