We sat down for a quick Q&A with OttLite product manager Kelly M. to get the scoop on our newest products, our handheld magnification line!
Tell me about the new OttLite handheld magnification line.
We are always looking for ways to bring helpful and fun products to our customers. As a product designer, my mission is to help our customers do what they love –longer and better. So, our new line of magnification was a natural extension of our line. The new line brings together optical-grade magnification and LED lighting making it great for seeing every detail clearly.
How long did it take for the product idea to become a reality?
Start to finish …it took about 12 months to go from ideas to a finished, packaged, ready-to-sell product.
Are there any special features you want to point out?
The way a product feels is really important. You’ll notice comfort rubberized grips, which make the product really comfortable to hold. Another great feature is the rimless magnifiers on many of the products. A lot of the magnifiers you’ll see in the market place have a plastic frame around them –Which interrupts your view. We consciously made rimless magnifiers, so your eye can easily go from your work space into the magnifier without interruption. We think that it is important for users to have a continuous line of vision when they’re creating their favorite projects.
Are they available anywhere else besides OttLite.com?
They will be introduced at
Joann.com,
Amazon,
AC Moore, and
Hancock Fabrics. By 2015, there will be even more retailers carrying our magnification line.
How many products are in the line?
We introduced 14 this year.
Which one do you think you’ll use the most and what will you use it for?
One product that I can see myself using is the little OttLite Pop-Up LED Magnifier. It has a light incorporated and you can even fold it up. I have really been wanting to create a necklace, so I think this will be the perfect tool to use in that venture.
What’s you favorite part about your job?
Creating and perfecting products that help people enjoy doing the things they love is the best part for me. It gives me a great sense of pride knowing that I helped make that possible for our customers. And, I enjoy the creative part of my job. I love trying to work out the kinks. Bringing a product from an idea on paper to reality is challenging and really rewarding. It's really a team effort though — we all enjoy discovering new ways to incorporate OttLite products into people's everyday lives.
Where did you go to school?
I am a graduate of Florida State University. I was in the business school there where I earned a degree in marketing and finance.
What do you do when you’re not at OttLite?
I manage two young girls, Kate (age six) and Emily (age eight). Being a full time wife and mother keeps me pretty busy, but when it is football season I can always make time. We are avid college football fans and absolutely love the ‘Noles. We like to drive up to the games. I also love to play tennis and read. I am currently reading the Divergent series. Life is all about keeping everything balanced.
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