COMING SOON!
Ergonomics of Expression

Project Preview, My Role, and Direction

Ergonomics of Expression is an upcoming solo thesis project focused on accessibility, beauty, and physical interaction design. The project responds to a gap in mainstream cosmetic packaging, which often assumes steady hands, strong grip strength, and precise fine motor control. For users with tremors, arthritis, cerebral palsy, neuropathy, age related dexterity decline, or temporary hand injuries, everyday makeup application can become frustrating, time consuming, or inaccessible.

The project reframes makeup application as more than a cosmetic task. Beauty routines are often tied to identity, confidence, dignity, self expression, and professional presentation. When packaging or applicators are difficult to hold, open, or stabilize, users may simplify routines, avoid certain products, waste product through smudging, or rely on assistance. This thesis asks how design can reduce that friction without asking users to give up the brands, formulas, shades, and products they already trust.

The current concept is a universal, brand agnostic cosmetic stabilizer designed to work with existing mascara and lipstick products. Instead of creating one accessible makeup product within a closed brand system, the stabilizer changes the physical relationship between the user’s hand and the product. The system is being explored through three main features: a weighted stabilization core to reduce tremor disruption, an enlarged silicone grip to reduce strain and slipping, and a low force stabilizing channel that securely holds cosmetic tubes without requiring difficult twisting or pinching.

As the solo designer and researcher, my role includes problem framing, accessibility research, competitor analysis, concept development, prototyping, user testing planning, and final product direction. I am currently developing early forms, testing grip ideas, and preparing research methods for users with limited fine motor control. Upcoming work includes prototype fabrication, material testing, controlled usability sessions, and iterative refinement based on task completion, grip readjustments, fatigue, errors, and user reported confidence.

The goal of this project is to create a functional MVP that allows users to insert a preferred cosmetic product, grip the stabilizer comfortably, apply makeup independently, and complete the task without assistance. While still in development, Ergonomics of Expression is grounded in a clear design belief: accessible beauty should not be a niche accommodation. It should be part of everyday product design, giving more people the ability to participate in routines that support confidence, identity, and independence.