Design Thinking: Sleep Crown

(Logo courtesy of Sleep Crown)

In Graduate School, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables a company to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different companies to learn how the organizations apply Design Thinking into their market offerings. One such company is a pillow brand that encourages using pillows in an unusual way. I had the opportunity to speak with Sleep Crown’s Founder Julie Westervelt to learn more about the brand.

(Image courtesy of Sleep Crown)

1. What makes Sleep Crown different from other companies?

My company provides a different pillow experience. The pillow's intended use is to go over the face instead of under the head. The Sleep Crown allows you to do three things: block out light, mute nine decibels of sound, and provide gentle pressure over the crown of the head. The Sleep Crown provides a grounding experience for your body to prepare itself for sleep.

(Video courtesy of Sleep Crown)

2. Where does Sleep Crown draw inspiration during your products' design process?

My main inspiration was my sleeping habits. I would put a very thin down pillow over my eyes to block out the light as a child. My recent experiences provide a guiding light to the development of the product. As a yoga instructor with a background in restorative yoga, I teach the same elements to relax the body. I looked to fashion when creating the prototype. I wanted the product to look and feel like something the consumer has never seen in the market. So, I experimented with different materials, construction techniques, and shapes to create Sleep Crown's signature look and feel.

(Image courtesy of Sleep Crown)

3. How does Sleep Crown incorporate its mission and vision into its product offerings?

The company helps empower women to create and sustain proper sleep hygiene. The product is created by a small group of American artisans who infuse talent and love into the product.

(Image courtesy of Sleep Crown)

4. What is the future of the company?

I am so thrilled with the progress of Sleep Crown. We make a great product very well and are trying to continue to provide excellent product and customer service to our consumers.

(Video courtesy of Sleep Crown)