"THE PRECIOUS" - FUNCTIONAL PRODUCT DESIGN FOR TRADE FAIR DEMONSTRATION

Technology Partner |

RICO Elastomere Projecting GmbH

Sector |

Advanced Manufacturing Technology

Year |

2022 - 2023

Project Type |

Trade Fair Demonstrator & Manufactured Giveaway

THE CHALLENGE

RICO Elastomere needed a trade fair demonstrator that would showcase their multi-component injection molding technology while providing genuine utility to visitors. The challenge was avoiding typical disposable promotional items and creating a product that would demonstrate manufacturing capabilities, provide lasting value to recipients, and generate meaningful engagement at international trade fairs.

Concept development for waterproof multi-functional protective box as trade fair giveaway.

Design exploration from origami-inspired closures to surface texturing and final concept sketch.

THE innovation

"The Precious" transforms advanced manufacturing demonstration through functional design that visitors actually want to keep. The innovation combines:

Waterproof multi-purpose protective box for valuables (cards, keys, electronics)
Multi-component injection molding showcasing RICO's technical capabilities
Versatile mounting system enabling bike attachment and everyday carry
Sophisticated closing mechanisms derived from origami folding principles
Multiple color variations demonstrating material flexibility and precision

Final 3D concept showing multi-component assembly in brand colors. (Product rendering)

Color variation studies demonstrating material flexibility and manufacturing precision. (Product renderings)

THE DEMONSTRATION STRATEGY

The demonstrator makes injection molding technology tangible through immediate utility. Visitors receive a high-quality functional object that showcases material properties, precision manufacturing, and design innovation. The structured design thinking workshop approach identified optimal user needs while the detailed 3D modeling and photorealistic renderings enabled seamless engineering adaptation for production tooling.

Final manufactured prototype with client engineering adaptations. (Product photography)

IMPACT & VALIDATION

Manufactured live at K 2023 (World's No. 1 Trade Fair for Plastics & Rubber) as well as at Fakuma 2023

Became exhibition highlight under RICO's "Silicone Excellence Inside" campaign
Long queues formed as visitors waited to receive functional demonstration products
Successfully demonstrated fusion of technology showcase with practical design value
Proved that functional giveaways create stronger brand connections than disposable items
Generated sustained visitor engagement throughout trade fair duration

Live manufacturing demonstration at RICO Elastomere booth, Fakuma 2023.

DEMONSTRATOR POTENTIAL

Advanced manufacturing exhibitions
Plastics and rubber technology fairs
Industrial design showcases
Sustainable packaging conferences
Demonstrates premium giveaway strategy effectiveness
Shows design-engineering collaboration success
Proves visitor engagement ROI

TECHNICAL SPECS

Materials: Multi-component silicone injection molding
Production: Live manufacturing demonstration capability
Timeline: Design workshop to production-ready tooling
Applications: Electronics protection, outdoor gear, travel accessories, promotional products
Scalability: Injection molding enables mass production
User Value: Waterproof protection, versatile mounting, lasting utility beyond trade fair experience
Manufacturing: Showcases precision molding capabilities