Design a versatile nightstand organizer designed to significantly reduce clutter and disorganization on nightstands.
BALANCE BOX
CONTEXT
Nightstands play a key role in the quality of your sleep, as they impact the mental and emotional atmosphere of your bedroom environment.
“Mess is stress. Humans have limited bandwidth, and it isn’t easy to focus on essential tasks when we are in messy or unclean spaces,” -Jourdan Travers
PROBLEM
People with cluttered nightstands often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and cortisol compared to those with tidier spaces. This clutter can trigger a physiological response to stress, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
According to a National Sleep Foundation survey,
80% of Respondents...
Report that a clean, comfortable bedroom is essential for quality sleep.
HOW WE MIGHT
How might we design a nightstand organization solution that reduces clutter to support a more restful, efficient sleep environment?
TOP AMAZON SELLERS
USER PAIN POINTS
Reviews from the top Amazon sellers revealed common pain points: missing parts, damaged parts, unstable parts, and misaligned parts.
Missing Parts
Users frequently report missing parts, which requires additional effort to source replacements or make do with incomplete components.
"It looks nice but it’s missing a bunch of stuff...like the instructions to put it together."
"Soooooo, you have to put it together and unfortunately I can't because I'm missing some pieces!"
Damaged Parts
Users frequently report common damages including broken shelves, detached hinges, and cracked parts, making assembly difficult.
"The cellphone piece was broken. Got a replacement and the same piece was broken."
"Upper lid was damaged. Back part with hinges was torn. Once opened, it was obvious the back board, and faux leather cover were damaged. Holding the lid, the hinges fell out."
Unstable Parts
Users frequently report unstable and flimsy parts, with components often wobbling or failing to fit securely, requiring additional measures like gluing for stability.
"Even once screwed together, the pieces move around/shake, which is frustrating because it can make a lot of noise when you’re putting something on it/taking something off."
"The backboard only uses one screw so it is very flimsy, wobbly"
Misaligned Parts
Users frequently report misaligned parts, with components not fitting properly, leading to difficulty in assembly and a less secure, functional product.
"I was disappointed in how misaligned the back piece was from the base. It’s bowed slightly and doesn’t sit snugly into the frame."
"The holes on the bottom piece seem like they're too far forward, as the screw holes being aligned would cover the charger cable hole and the 2 pieces don't fit flush."
USER NEEDS
REDUCING CLUTTER
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LOCATING ITEMS
Users with messy nightstands found that having a nightstand organizer helped reduce clutter by providing convenient storage on their bedside tables.
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Commonly gifted to individuals who were observed having scattered items.
"It's perfect for all of hubs bedside items that were scattered amongst multiple catch-all bowls/trays."
Users rely on nightstand organizers to locate items, especially when feeling forgetful during rushed mornings before work.
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Reduces the risk of misplacing items.
"Prior to getting this stand, my husband was searching every morning for all the things he needed for work... I think this is such a great product and has made mornings so much quicker and less frustrating."
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CENTRIALIZED STORAGE SPACE
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COMPACT DESIGN
Users value docking stations for helping them keep their essential items organized in one convenient location.
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Having a designated spot for items increases organization.
"He has a place for all his things that are usually thrown around the house on different counters."
Users appreciate the compact design of nightstand organizers for maximizing space, allowing room for other items while keeping essentials organized.
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Can provide vertical storage.
"I got it mainly to... not take up a huge footprint on my countertop while also providing a lot of additional functionality and the drawer space underneath."
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DEMOGRAPHICS
Based on the Amazon top seller reviews, most buyers are self-purchasers, with a smaller portion buying for spouses, fathers, or other family members on holidays and birthdays.
Gender Demographics
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Female reviewers/buyers predominate.
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Male voices appear mainly as gift recipients describing use.
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9.1%
Buyer Demographics
1.8%
18.9%
7.9%
62.2%
Wives Buying
for Husbands
Husbands Buying
for Wives
Children Buying for Dad
Self Purchasers
Unspecified Gifting
Occasion Demographics
Father's Day
Birthdays
Christmas
Housewarmings
NIGHTSTAND ITEM TRENDS
PLACEMENT AREAS
The majority of users place their organizers on nightstands, though
some place them on side tables, counters, or office desks.
NIGHTSTANDS
SIDE TABLES
COUNTERS
OFFICE DESKS
Hydration
Several people keep water bottles nearby to stay hydrated, as it’s beneficial for their health.
Health Issues
People with respiratory or mobility issues keep water nearby to avoid dryness, headaches, dehydration, and difficulty moving when groggy.
Medication
Some people keep a water bottle by their bedside as a reminder to take their medication.
Convenience
People who prefer not to get up and go to the kitchen when thirsty often keep water bottles on their nightstands for convenience.
Habit
Many people carry a water bottle with them as a habit, taking it wherever they go.
Thirst
People often wake up feeling thirsty in the middle of the night or morning, so they keep a water bottle nearby.
REASONS FOR WATERBOTTLE USAGE ON NIGHTSTANDS
Observations from online discussion forums suggest that keeping a water bottle on a nightstand is a common habit shaped by personal routines and needs.
WATER BOTTLE SPILLS
Upon observing online discussion forums, people have shared different approaches and challenges related to accidentally knocking over water bottles.
FLOOR PLACEMENT
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People place their water bottles on the floor at night as a way to prevent accidentally knocking it over.
BOTTLE DAMAGE
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People have experienced dents in their water bottles after accidentally knocking them over.
CAT INTERFERENCE
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Cats frequently try to access or knock over water bottles, causing spills or disruptions.
ACCIDENTIAL SPILLS
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People sometimes unconsciously knock over their water bottles while sleeping leading to frustration.
DESIGN CRITERIA
Innovations
Water Bottle Holder
​Must Have
Cable Management System
Designated Compartments
Drawer
Stable base
Compact
Nice to Have
Color Options
Non-Slip Base
​
AESTHETIC INSPIRATION
Balance Box is inspired by Scandinavian design, blending cozy aesthetics with hints of elegance to create a calm, organized space.
IDEATION
WATERBOTTLE TRENDS
While Americans still use disposable plastic bottles, branded reusable ones have become everyday essentials and part of people’s routines.
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Americans use 50 billion plastic bottles annually, averaging 13 per person per month. (Earthday)
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Stanley is the most searched-for water bottle brand in 19 states. (Customink)
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Its popularity is especially strong across the South and Midwest. (Customink)
3D EXPLORATION
3D EXPLORATION
Following current water bottle trends, this assessment includes the Stanley tumbler, a disposable plastic bottle, and a budget-friendly reusable option to capture a variety of everyday preferences.
WATER BOTTLE
ASSESSMENT
CAD MODELING
The nightstand organizer, designed in Fusion 360, features a water bottle holder, glasses compartment, phone stand with a charger slot, and drawer.
MATERIALITY
Modeled in Fusion 360, rendered in Keyshot.
RENDERS
