Saponification - Blog 1

Overview 

The Saponification Challenge explores different soap recipes. Four divisions were assigned to produce the "best" version of a soap product, using a unique fat blend and additive. Once the divisions each systematically and scientifically produce the best product from the formulation of fat blends, the individual team may formulate the final product containing an additive (texture, color, scent). I play the role of Lead Marketing Analyst. My job focuses on the aspects of product marketing. It mainly includes producing the product's advertisements and generating a cost analysis. 

Introducing Our Team 
My team includes Isabella Duan (Lead Product Manager) and George Gikas (Lead Scientist). As earlier mentioned, I am the Lead Marketing Analyst. We are the owners of Orange.

Process
Below is an embedded Google Document that shows some of our work, including research and additional ideas.




Work Day 1 

Me making soap

Friday, January 8th, was the first time we got to experiment with fat quantities. Our division chose shea butter to mix with lard. Our team started with testing a 60% shea and 40% lard mixture. There were some additives displayed today; we were able to smell each of them to see if we'd like to use any in our final product. Ideally we would make our soap smell like oranges, especially since we have a mold shaped like the fruit, but if not, we will find some other fruity or citrusy scent. Either will do.

Previously we 3D printed three different mold designs. Because our company name is "Orange", we went with an orange theme....

Choice Reflection 
What have you liked? 
I liked how we were assigned group members. Although working with close friends is always fun, this gives us a good opportunity to get to know more of the SLC. I also liked that we were able to decide on which role we would take on. This allowed us to chose based on our strengths, setting the stage for the best soap product possible.

What has been challenging? 
The amount of independence in the project is definitely the most challenging. Although this leaves us with some freedom, it is hard to see how the next week will play out. We also have little background in the matter. In the past year of STEM, we have never learned the skills we are about to use in this challenge. For example, we have never wired and built our own mixer, nor have we made our own chemical mixture. In order to be successful, we will need to plan ahead and conduct reliable research. 

What are you excited about next week? 
 I look forward to seeing how our product comes out! This being said, I am also excited for creating the advertisement for our product. In the past I have taken a "Design and Invention" class where we had to market our invention, and I had a great experience. I will be able to reapply the skills I obtained in the past to the current challenge.