Packaging that cares about how it’s actually used
At Design Katte, we believe good design lives in the details — especially in how something is held, used, and felt. This project for Pankajakasthuri, a trusted Ayurvedic wellness brand, gave us the opportunity to rethink something people use often but rarely notice: the humble hair oil bottle.
The Design Problem
Hair oiling is a personal ritual for many, but applying it to the scalp is often a messy, awkward process. Bottles slip, caps go missing, oil drips in the wrong places. We asked: Can we design a better experience?
Our goal was simple — create a bottle that’s easy to grip, comfortable to use, and works better with applicators for scalp-directed oiling.
Our Approach
This was a complete industrial design project, starting from user research and ergonomics, right down to manufacturable 3D geometry.
We explored custom-designed applicator heads that could be screwed onto the bottle after removing the cap. These were shaped to gently part hair and guide the oil directly onto the scalp, improving control and reducing mess.
We also redesigned the bottle profile for better grip — thinking about hand sizes, oily fingers, and ease of use in everyday settings.
Balancing Design and Cost
While our original concept featured a custom applicator design, the client later opted for an off-the-shelf applicator due to manufacturing cost constraints.
We adapted quickly — tweaking the bottle neck and threads to accommodate the available component, without compromising on form or usability. This is where practical design meets real-world constraints.
Final Thoughts
A good product isn’t always about innovation for the sake of it. Sometimes, it’s about quiet improvements that make something feel easier, smoother, and better in the hand.
This hair oil bottle project reflects our approach at Design Katte — user-first, collaborative, and grounded in reality.
Have a product that needs to feel better to use?