Havaianas vending machine

I'm proud to say I invented the world's first Havaianas vending machine. After Havaianas sent me to Tokyo on a retail trends mission, I came back convinced we needed to put the humble flip flop in a vending machine. I was told someone tried and failed and it couldnt be done for under $50k. Two months and $12,000 later, it was alive.

As a project manager, I had the pleasure of bringing a captivating idea to life through my creative design expertise. Here's a glimpse of my journey:

• Conceptualization: I played a key role in developing exciting and innovative concepts that formed the foundation of the project.

• Supplier Collaboration: I worked closely with vending suppliers to ensure we had the perfect fit for our project, sourcing the most suitable machines.

• Testing and Packaging: I had a hands-on approach, testing and refining packaging options to create an exceptional product experience.

• Eye-catching Branding: I led the design and production of visually striking branding elements that adorned the vending machine facades.

• Rooftop Lightbox: I oversaw the creation of a captivating rooftop lightbox, adding a touch of magic to the overall design.

I also prepared compelling concept proposal documents, securing approvals from notable entities like Havaianas Brazil, General Pants Group, Bondi Icebergs, and Westfield shopping centres.

Beyond design, I took care of logistics, transportation, setup, and ongoing maintenance during the testing phase. One of the highlights was the successful launch at the 2010 Splendour in the Grass Festival in Woodford, Queensland. Collaborating with General Pants, we created a memorable experience for 30,000 festival-goers, introducing them to the joy of purchasing a fresh pair of Havaianas from a vending machine for the very first time.

What started as a vibrant marketing campaign quickly gained traction. The concept eventually founnd a home at The Galeries and Broadway Shopping Centre in Sydney. Today, this successful endeavor has been rolled out across South East Asia, making it a thriving retail outlet for the Havaianas brand.

By combining my strategic project management skills with a passion for creative design, I transformed an exciting idea into a visually captivating reality, leaving an everlasting imprint on the brand's retail landscape.

All photos shot by me except the first and last one.