​​​​​​INGERSOLL RAND

Ingersoll Rand D Series Automotive Assembly Tools Won the Gold International Design Excellence Shared Team Award with Group 4. Strategy, Research, Industrial Design Innovation, Ergonomics, Human Factors, Marketing, New Product Development. Strategic Design Consulting.

STANLEY TOOLS

Heavy-Duty Electric Stapler/Tacker, Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Flush-Nose, Safety Interlock, Trigger Lock, Double Insulatation, New Product Development, Human Factors, Ergonomics, Models, and more. Photo by Charlie Merritt.

Schick Xtreme 3

We have had the opportunity to provide new product development innovation consulting services to many brands within the personal care category, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) including Schick Xtreme® 3 Razors. Services provided include strategy, research, new product development innovation consulting, naming, and consumer research focus groups - with J. Walter Thompson Worldwide - the advertising agency of record - to test positioning tagline statements and new product development and global packaging designs for Schick Xtreme® 3 Disposable Razors. Image via Charlie Merritt/Schick.

​​​BIddeford blankets

Keeping You Warm. The Strategic Design Corp. Teams have been working with Biddeford Blankets, Cannon, CVS Health, Pillowtex, Ralph Lauren, Sunbeam, Walgreens, Walmart, and more since 1994. Experience the adjustable warmth of a therapeutic blanket. Snuggle up under the warmth of a soft and cozy throw. Enjoy the comforting warmth of a heated mattress pad. The controllers have the latest innovations in technology.

ReaLemon

Structural Packaging Design, Brand Consulting, Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Models, Prototypes. Image via ReaLemon.

Central Garden & Pet, Central Life Sciences, CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Chet Loveland, Brand Manager. “Charlie is an outstanding professional. While providing packaging design consulting services, he managed the process superbly. An innovative packaging option dramatically improved our shelf presence, consumer appeal, and competitive advantage. A strong lift in year-over-year sales demonstrates the effectiveness of the packaging. Charlie was highly flexible and understanding of our needs as a manufacturer and made the project a fantastic experience.” Services provided: Strategy, research, structural packaging design, innovation, improved shelf presence & consumer appeal, increased sales. Photo via Charlie Merritt. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

CONTOUR PRODUCTS

Elevated Sleep Solutions, Inspiration Mood Board 3 of 6, Lifestyle, inspired by life, home decor, calming and minimalistic, relaxed palettes, and contemporary styles.

NYC X DESIGN FESTIVAL

Design is all around us. We are supporting and participating in the NYCxDESIGN Festival Week. May 16-23, 2024. For more visit https://nycxdesign.org Image via NYCxDESIGN. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

DOVE/UNILEVER

Congratulations to Dove for Winning My/Our Vote for the Best Super Bowl Commercial Messaging. We celebrate and support all women, “Keep Her Confident,” Body Confidence in Sports, and Dove Self-Esteem Fund. Image via Dove/Unilever.

sea ray, newport international boat show

STRATEGIC DESIGN® Strategic Design Corp. attended and supported client brands at the Newport International Boat Show, in Newport, RI. The Newport International Boat Show (NIBS), one of the country's largest and most prestigious boat shows, spans over thirteen acres of historic downtown Newport. Strategic Design Corp. has experience with Boston Whaler, Kenyon, Mercury, Motorola, OMC, Interlux Yacht Finishes, Raymarine, and Sea Ray/Brunswick Corp. Photo via Sea Ray.

TRACKER Off-Road by Textron

We are happy to have had the opportunity to work with TRACKER Off-Road brand manufactured by Textron, All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), Side by Sides Utility Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) as a certified sales consultant via White River Marine Group/Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Boating Center/Tracker Boat Center. For more visit https://www.trackeroffroad.com Photo via TRACKER Off Road. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

NITRO BOATS

STRATEGIC DESIGN CORP. REPORTS BETTER-THAN-EXPECTED SECOND-QUARTER RESULTS 2024. July 31, 2024, NEW YORK, NY. Q2 Results (April 1 - June 30, 2024) were better than expected. Gross Sales increased 100% over the same period last year. The teams in New York, NY; Southport, CT; Irvine, CA; Long Island, NY; Morrisville, NC; Maple Plain, MN; and Taiwan saw an Increase in Requests For Proposals and delivered profitable design consulting services. Services provided: Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Human Factors/Ergonomics, Design Engineering, Rapid Prototyping, Brand Identity, Graphic Design, User Interface Design, and Innovation Consulting. The focus was on medical devices and other products with new printed circuit boards utilizing advanced microchips/integrated circuits. Charlie Merritt also recently worked with NITRO Boats as a certified sales consultant via White River Marine Group/Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Boating Center/Tracker Boat Center. NITRO Boats are performance fishing boats (Bass Boats, Multi-Species, Fish and Ski). Also certified sales consultant for Mako, Tracker, Regency, Sun Tracker, Tahoe, and Ascend brands. For more visit https://www.nitro.com Photo via NITRO Boats. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

LUXE PACK NEW YORK 2024

We are attending and supporting client brands, while conducting packaging design trend research, at Luxe Pack New York. The premier trade show for creative packaging. May 8-9, 2024, Javits Center, New York City. The trade show platform is the sought-after B-to-B event for the largest U.S. luxury brands within all sectors (cosmetics, fragrance, wine & spirits, gourmet food, and tech) to explore and source new packaging suppliers, materials, and products. Image via Luxe Pack. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News, Events. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

ROCHE, hoffmann-la roche

Charlie Merritt’s team at Strategic Design Corp. was retained for two projects by Roche (Hoffmann-La Roche) for Pharmaceutical Structural Packaging Design, Drug Delivery Systems, Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Human Factors, Innovation, and Prototypes. Services were provided by the team members in Southport, CT; New York, NY; Irvine, CA; and Atlanta, GA. Photo via Roche.

​​​Rubbermaid, Carex health brands

Fortune 500 Client Industry: Durable Medical Equipment. Strategic Design Consulting.

Channels are

• Durable Medical Equipment Dealers
• Home Health Care Products, Mass Market
• Global Online, Amazon, Omnichannel

Overbed Tables, Adjustable, Convenient, Multipurpose Designs.

• Research & Strategy
• Focus Groups & One-On-One Interviews
• Innovative Patented Product Industrial Designs
• Mechanical Engineering Designs
• Prototyping & Production, Trade Shows Designs

CONTOUR PRODUCTS

Elevated Sleep Solutions, Inspiration Mood Board 5 of 6, Organic, eco-friendly & safe, organic ultra-soft cotton, linen fabric, bamboo fabric covers, organic textiles, cotton-filled products, contour gel memory foam, organic textiles and simple patterns, and safe, organic wool covers.

NATIONAL CHEESEBURGER DAY 2024, BURGER KING

Happy National Cheeseburger Day on September 18th! Charlie Merritt and the Strategic Design Corp. team members enjoy eating cheeseburgers while helping client friends like Burger King, Hardees, and more. Photo via Burger King. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

design services for the STRONGEST COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.

LU BISCUITS

Fortune 500 Food Consumer Products. #1 Premium Imported Cookie Line of 20 SKUs, Sales Increased 16% in the first 26 weeks via upscale, premium, and appetizing brand identity design with MNA Creative. Unified, on-shelf brand blocking is easier for consumers to find.

Pullman & Comley

Strategy, Research, 20-page Marketing Brochure Design with Attorney Bios for a Leading Law Firm, Writing, Photography, Printing, and more. Successful Throwback Thursday. Photo by Anatoly Loshmanov for Charlie Merritt. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

TAHOE BOATS

Fun working with TAHOE Boats as a certified sales consultant via White River Marine Group/Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Boating Center/Tracker Boat Center. TAHOE Boats are (Family Fishing, Sport Runabouts, Deck Boats with Mercury Motors). Also certified sales consultant for Mako, Tracker, Regency, Sun Tracker, Nitro, and Ascend brands. For more visit https://www.tahoeboats.com Photo via TAHOE Boats. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

LIME ROCK PARK

STRATEGIC DESIGN® Strategic Design Corp. and Charlie Merritt support the Lime Rock Park Trans Am Memorial Day Classic. Photo via Lime Rock

DIAGEO

Key Performance Indicator (KPI) Charts for Global Brand Management, Quarterly Financial Reviews. Strategy, Research, Financial Analysis, Graphic Design, Integrated Marketing, Written Text Editing, Chart Printing, Innovation Consulting. Brands include Baileys, Buchanan's, Captain Morgan, Cîroc, Crown Royal, Don Julio, Guinness, J&B, Ketal One, Jonnie Walker, Smirnoff, Tanqueray, and Windsor Reserve. Photo via Diageo.

CONTOUR PRODUCTS

Elevated Sleep Solutions, Inspiration Mood Board 4 of 6, Premium, sophisticated fabrics & patterns, velvet and soft cotton, velvet fabric, elegant patterns, premium carrying case, satin fabrics, lightweight knit comfort, memory foam, cooling gel, and natural crushed pearls, bold classic texture, and organic cotton foam.

EARTH DAY 2024

Celebrating Earth Day 2024 today and this week from The Pavilions at Penfield Beach (Penfield Pavilion), Fairfield, CT USA on Long Island Sound. An annual celebration honoring the achievements of the environmental movement and raising awareness of the importance of long-term ecological sustainability. Photo via Charlie Merritt. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News, Events. Strategic Design Corp., STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

​The Home Depot

Fortune 500 Client Industry: Home Improvement, Specialty Retailers.

Channels are

• The Home Depot has 2,200 Stores in the USA, Canada, Mexico
• Global Online, Amazon, Omnichannel

Ceiling Fans Research & Development for 8 Product Designs.

• Research, Strategy, Buy/Install Experience Designs
• Product Industrial Designs
• Marketing & Price Point/Lifestyle Positioning Designs
• Assembly & Control Drawings Designs
• PowerPoint Presentations Designs for Management

RUBBERMAID

Strategic Design Corp. has developed over 120 Rubbermaid products including Storage and Organization Containers, SUV Storage, Shelving, Housewares Products, Bathroom Caddies, Hardware Products, Cleaning Products, Brushes, Brooms, Pails, and more. Photo via Rubbermaid.

CONTOUR PRODUCTS

Elevated Sleep Solutions, Inspiration Mood Board 3 of 6, Lifestyle, inspired by life, home decor, calming and minimalistic, relaxed palettes, contemporary styles.

​​​​​​​CVS Health

ePatch Electronic Heat Therapy Patch Designs.

• App Screen Graphic Designs & User Interface Designs

CONTOUR PRODUCTS

Elevated Sleep Solutions, Inspiration Mood Board 1 of 6, Natural, comfort-oriented, silky smooth, waffle woven fibers, quilted effect, wood neck support, tweave dura stretch fabric, natural look fibers, bamboo fibers, and understated comfort.

STANLEY TOOLS, CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Bob Gautsch, Brand Manager, Senior Product Development Manager. “I have collaborated with Charlie on several projects when I was with The Stanley Works. Charlie was the “go-to” person who ensured that the project was on message, on target, on budget, and on time. He was a pleasure to work with and would highly recommend him.”

ingersoll rand

Electric Assembly Tools

New york international auto show

March 29-April 7, 2024, Design Services for the Automotive Industry, Strategy, Research, Trends Analysis, Industrial Design/Marketing Consulting

SUNBEAM

The Sunbeam Mixmaster Hand & Stand Adaptable kitchen mixers, with 6-speeds and 210 Watts of power, are some of the best-selling mixers of all time- throwback Thursday - with millions of units sold to happy consumers. The primary Industrial Design team members included Charlie Merritt, Doug Grambush, and Art Martin. Sunbeam + Oster: Mixmaster Hand & Stand Adaptable Mixers, Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Prototypes. Services provided: Strategy, research, industrial design, human factors, user experience, new product development, ten-year design language, and working prototype models. Team members supported client friends for the 28th year at The Inspired Home Show, March 4-7, 2023, McCormick Place, Chicago, IL. Design Services for Home + Housewares, Clean + Contain, Dine + Décor, and Wired + Well. Photo by Dorothée Ahrens for Charlie Merritt. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

​​​​​Rubbermaid

Fortune 500 Client Industry, Home Equipment, Furnishings.

Channels are

• Pet, Petco, PetSmart, Specialty Retailers
• Mass, Walmart, General Merchandisers

Rubbermaid Bird Feeder Line of 35 Products. Strategic Design Consulting.

• User & Category Research, Innovation Strategy
• Revitalized & Repositioned Line in Trilingual Form
• Designs for 35 Package Structures & Packaging Graphics
• Refinement Designs, Documentation, Implementation
• Merchandiser Structures Designs/Graphics, Display Designs

​​​​​strategic dESIGN Experience

cvs health

Strategic Design Corp. consulted with Multitech Medical Devices USA LLC (MTI) for CVS Health on the Accu-Heat Heating Pad Line of 7 New SKUs in Series 100, 300, 500, and 700. These highly successful products achieved increased sales of millions of units within CVS Pharmacy stores.

HAIER AMERICA

STRATEGIC DESIGN® News, Events. Strategic Design Corp. Charlie Merritt and the team are celebrating the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), Co-located with the (NAHB IBS) International Builders Show, on February 27-29, 2024, in Las Vegas, NV. Client brands: Haier/GE, American Standard, Delta, and more. The show is North America’s largest trade show dedicated to kitchen and bath design. Photo via Haier America. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

HAIER AMERICA, BLACK & DECKER brand

Haier America, Black & Decker Brand: Air Conditioners, Strategy, Brand Packaging Design, Implementation for 34 Products.

BERNZOMATIC

Hand Torches, Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Innovation, 20 Gas Match Concepts, Child Safety Mechanisms, and New Product Development. Image via BernzOmatic.

KIRIN LIGHT BEER

Strategy, Research, Brand Identity, Label, and Packaging Design for Six Packs with Line Extension Marketing Consulting.

BROOKLYN BOTTLING, Best health

Best Health Gourmet Soda - Successful Throwback Thursday - Retro Brand Identity increased 1st-year sales by 62%, won Beverage Packaging Design Finalist Award. Gourmet Soda Line (Raspberry, Vanilla Cream, Diet Cola/Twist of lemon flavor, Black Cherry, Diet Triple Berry, Root Beer). Working closely with Brooklyn Bottling senior management, Strategic Design Corp. developed the retro brand identity and label design system commemorating and celebrating the 6oth anniversary of the Best Health brand. Drawing from extensive research conducted with the Brooklyn Historical Society, the restaged look successfully captures and reflects the heritage of Brooklyn's proud past. Photo by Strategic Design Corp.

Cross

Fine Writing Instruments. Global Brand Packaging/Merchandising System, Research, Design Development Consolidation Strategy for 750 Products. Reduced costs by 40%, in 60,000 stores, within 140 countries. Photo via A.T. Cross.

​​​Shell

Fortune 500 Client Industry: Automotive, Energy, Petroleum Refining. Strategic Design Consulting.

Channels are

• 44,000 Shell Stations & C-Stores in 70 Countries

Shell Stations & Convenience Stores Strategic Design Consulting.

• Research, Brand Marketing & Design Strategy
• Visited 390 Shell Stations & 17 Competitors
• Interviewed 565 Employees in 33 States
• Documented with 12,000 Photographs
• Brand Experience & Retail Merchandising Strategy Designs

STRATEGIC DESIGN CORP. CELEBRATES 30 YEARS!

Strategic Design Corp. Celebrates 30 Years! On this day in 1994…Charlie Merritt officially founded Strategic Design Corporation. Since then, we have become recognized worldwide for our excellent client service. We thank our clients and their iconic global brands for the past 30 years, full-time employees, part-time employees, interns, consultants, counselors, advisors, and strategic alliance partners. We appreciate your dedication and loyalty to our organization. Thanks to Ken Adolphson, Dorothee Ahrens, Bill Anderson, Peter Antipas, Jason Arena, Mark Baldyga, John Battiloro, Grant Bell, Eric Beyer, Matthew Birmingham III, Lucy Blagg, Jennifer Bowles, Cathy Breen, Keith Brightbill, Bob Bruno, Mark Bunger, Brian Caldwell, Debbie Caldwell Lake, Alisha D. Chaffin, Bill Chura, Monica Cianfrano, Greg Cook, Vince Cook, Seth Cooper, Steve Cooper, Kathe Couch, Jon Craine, Anne Crieger, Scott Davis, Brooke Davis, Shiva Dhanapal, Rich DeFilippo, Judi Denault, Carolyn Dennis, Walker DiCarlo, David Dombrowski, Russell Durand, Rich Edelman, Zoltan Eszlari, Wallace Forbes, Lawrence Frank, Al Fressola, Jamie Garcia, Bob Gautsch, Ed Gleason, Bonnie Gleason, Eric Glerum, Robert Goldberg, Christine Gonzalez, Doug Grambush, Tom Green, Elizabeth Gross, Shari Grossman, Kristine Grunsted, Sonnie Hall, Marty Hochstadt, Darren Horst, Andy Hughes, Mike Jacobs, Ali Johnson, Bob Jones, Steve Jones, Jefre Keeler,  Susie Keeler, Greg Keferl, Pamela Kehlenbach, Kathleen Kilkenny,  Wendy Knothe, Walter Koda, Suzanne Konstance, Scott Larsen, Mack Leask, Walter Leask, Nick Leddy, Mark Lee, Tony Lee, Denise Lefebvre, Norm Leferman, Janet Leonard, Alicia Lewis, Stuart Lewis, Anatoly Loshmanov, Chat Loveland, Steve Lurcott, Michael Luzzi, Fran MacGregor,  Samuel Masterson, Robert Maniscalco, Wendy Marciano, Art Martin, Agostinho Martins, Gregory Mauriello, Charlie Merritt, Doris Merritt, George Merritt, Margaret Merritt, Robert Merritt, Signe Merritt, Barbara Miller, Pamela Mohr, Bob Monro, Jeff Mullally, Dan Murphy, Matt Murray, David Nicholson, Ron Noren, Bob Norris, Michael Normyl, Fritz Ober, Lael Porcelli, Son Nguyen, Giovanni Pagnotta, Bob Pedros, John Philion, David Pitney, Phyllis Nickerson Power, Patti Jo Provenzale, William Restmeyer, Randall Rhinesmith, Karen Stults Richwine, Natalie Ruscito, Paul Ruscito, August Sarno, Jennifer Shaefer, Christina Rice, Michael Ridley, Michael Santoro, Rudy Schroeer, David Schweitzer, Donn Greco Scott, Ethan Segal, Lisa Scully, Linda Sheintop, John Sikes, Andy Smith, Michael Solomson, Bob Staubitz, Caitlyn Sprinkle, Kathy Sterling, Frank Stirna, John Stoner, Peter Tepper, Juan Uribe, Mike Vollero, James Wardlaw, Bob Ware, Matt Webb, Christopher Weedon, John Weiss, Dr. Benkt Wennberg PhD., Dorothy Wennberg, Rick Whittey, Therese Williams, Amy Wilson, Michael Yang, Bob Zaragoza, and many more. Photo via Tower 49® 12 East 49th Street, New York, NY 10017 #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

TRACKER BOATS

We enjoyed working with TRACKER boats as a certified sales consultant via White River Marine Group/Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Boating Center/Tracker Boat Center. TRACKER boats are America’s #1 selling aluminum fishing boats. Also certified sales consultant for Mako, Nitro, Regency, Sun Tracker, Tahoe, and Ascend brands. For more visit https://www.trackerboats.com Photo via Tracker Boats. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

Hellmann's Mayonnaise, Unilever

Brand Equity Research, Retail Brand Presence, Packaging Equity Research for New Brand Extensions, Applications to New Products, and NASCAR Race Car Promotions. Photo via Hellmann's.

MICROLIFE

The Strategic Design Corp. team has worked with Microlife on Bluetooth blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and respiratory care products. Services provided: strategy, research, new product development, models and prototypes, human factors, ergonomics, user interface, branding, packaging, and design consulting. Photo via Merritt. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

WALMART, equate

Fortune 500 General Merchandisers. Congrats to our global client teams for successful sales of the New Equate™ by Walmart, Targeted Pain Relief Heating Pads. The patented technology is engineered for user comfort in 30 seconds or less and provides relief from back, menstrual, arthritis, and muscle pain. Strategic Design Corp. Teams have provided services for Walmart partners including Strategy, Research, Packaging Design, Brand Identity Design, Graphic Design, Merchandising Design, Product Industrial Design, Design Engineering, Marketing, Innovation, and more.

Mr. & Mrs. T bloody mary mix, Cadbury Schweppes

Bloody Mary Mix, Strategy, Research, Successful Packaging Structure Design Development, Industrial Design, and 3D CAD. Image via Mr. & Mrs. T.

Tylenol

Structural Packaging Design, Brand Consulting, Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Models, Prototypes. Image via Tylenol.

Schick Quattro

Titanium-Coated Four-Blade Razors, Strategy, New Product Development Innovation Consulting. We have had the opportunity to provide new product development innovation consulting services to many brands within the personal care category, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) including Schick Quattro® Razors and Schick Xtreme® 3 Razors. Services provided include strategy, research, new product development innovation consulting, naming, focus groups - with the advertising agency of record - to test positioning tagline statements and new product development for Schick Quattro® Razors and global packaging designs for Schick Xtreme® 3 Disposable Razors. Image via Charlie Merritt/Schick.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​STRATEGIC DESIGN®​

TRANS AM BY PIRELLI

We are excited about attending and supporting the Lime Rock Park Trans Am Memorial Day Classic https://www.limerock.com May 24-27, 2024, in Lakeville, CT. Photo via Lime Rock Park. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

BATH & BODY WORKS

Strategic Design Corp. worked with Bath & Body Works to design 25 products including Structural Packaging for Home Fragrances & Air Fresheners, Body Care & Massage Products, and Gift Sets. Services provided: Strategy, Research, Structural Packaging Design, Forms, Closures, Models, Prototypes, Branding, and Industrial Design Consulting. Photo via Bath & Body Works. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research # design #marketing #innovation #branding

NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL BOAT SHOW 2024

Charlie Merritt and Strategic Design Corp. team members are attending the Newport International Boat Show, Sept. 12-15, 2024, and supporting client brands with Design Services for the Marine Industry, Boats, Electronics, Motors, Products, Brand Identities, Graphic Design, Packaging, and Retail Merchandising. For more visit https://www.newportboatshow.com Photo via Newport Boat Show. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

STANLEY TOOLS, CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Andy Hughes, Global Product Line Manager. “I first collaborated with Charlie while at Stanley Tools. He was not only creative but always did his homework on your product line before your first meeting. While modest in his delivery, his work was always on budget, on time, and on target. When needing quality design work after working for Stanley, Charlie was the first person I would call."

2024 SUMMER FANCY FOOD SHOW

We are attending and supporting clients and brand friends again this year at The Summer Fancy Food Show, June 23-25, 2024. Javits Center, New York, New York. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

STANLEY TOOLS

Ergo Tape Rule Industrial Design Platforms by Charlie Merritt and the Strategic Design Corp. Design Teams. Global Measuring & Layout, Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Human Factors, Ergonomics, New Product Development, Innovation, 52-page report presentation, and more.

​contour products

System Ergonomic Parameters, Applied Human Factors and Ergonomics.

MAKO BOATS

We are grateful for having had the opportunity to work with Mako Offshore & Inshore Saltwater Boats as a certified sales consultant via White River Marine Group/Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Boating Center/Tracker Boat Center. It is a great time to buy a new Mako. For more visit https://www.makoboats.com Photo via Mako Boats. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

I’m excited to share that my son Robert Merritt and my daughter-in-law Lucy Blagg are going into the studio tomorrow (April 17, 2024) to record their debut album! They created a fundraising page to help offset recording costs and are making great progress toward reaching their goal. If you’re interested in learning more, the page has more information about the project. Thanks for your support! https://www.gofundme.com/f/butterfly-musics-debut-album-and-tour?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&utm_term=CP_SSS_variant 

MEDEVICE BOSTON 2024

We are attending the MEDevice Boston Expo 2024 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, Sept. 25-26, 2024. MEDevice is a meeting place for designers, engineers, and business leaders from MedTech, biotech, and pharma, to inspire and collaborate on the next life-changing medical device innovation. For more visit https://www.medeviceboston.com Photo via BCEC. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

​INGERSOLL RAND

Ingersoll Rand D Series Automotive Assembly Tools Won the Gold International Design Excellence Shared Team Award with Group 4. Strategy, Research, Industrial Design Innovation, Ergonomics, Human Factors, Marketing, and Innovative New Product Development.

ASHCROFT + AHR SHOW

STRATEGIC DESIGN® News, Events. Strategic Design Corp. Charlie Merritt and the team supported the AHR Show in Chicago, Illinois, January 22-24, 2024. For Ashcroft we created, printed, produced, and delivered 20,000 brand-building rulers for hiring events and trade shows. The team has provided research and design services for precision instrument brands like Ashcroft, Honeywell, Microlife, Weiss Instruments, and more since 1994. Photo via Charlie Merritt. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

Hiram Walker & Sons, Pernod Ricard

Liqueurs Strategy, Research, Design, Marketing, and Innovation Consulting.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

We are grateful for the opportunity to work with The Met on special design projects since 2008. Services provided: The Met Stores at Fifth Avenue and Rockefeller Center, Window Bays Panel Graphic Brand Development Design, Visual Merchandising, Decals, Gift Cards, Wayfinding to the Holiday Shop, and Met Kids store. For more visit https://www.metmuseum.org Photo via The Met. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

CONTOUR PRODUCTS

CPAP CoolFlex Pillow, Therapeutic Cooling & Soothing CPAP Comfort. Congratulations to our client friends at Contour Products on the success of the new innovative Contour CPAP CoolFlex Pillow. The pillow features a revolutionary FlexZone and provides users with therapeutic cooling & soothing comfort. Services provided: strategy, research, industrial design innovation, human factors, ergonomics, brand language inspiration, and new product development CAD. Photo via Contour Products Inc. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands.

testimonial

Peter Antipas, Creative Director.“I have known Charlie Merritt for the better part of twenty years, and have collaborated with him on many projects. His impeccable approach to business, to his clients, and to designers creates an environment where people do their best work, and relationships are lasting. Charlie brings an innate sense of strategic thinking to every challenge, along with an intuitive feel for how design influences marketing. Calm under pressure and a true gentleman, Charlie is that rare individual you look forward to partnering with — he goes the distance for people. I unreservedly recommend Charlie and Strategic Design Corp.”

​​walgreens

Fortune 500 Food & Drug Stores. Congratulations to our global client teams on the successful sales of the New Walgreens Fast-Heat Plush Therapy Blankets. Satisfying thousands of new happy customers each week. Easy-to-operate, Ergonomic Controller Industrial Design, Design Engineering, Prototyping, and Production Tooling CAD by Strategic Design Corp. The Therapy Blanket delivers soothing heat to relieve muscle tension. The machine washable design is specially calibrated for temperature consistency and accuracy, providing even heat throughout the entire wrap.

3M + INGERSOLL RAND

Ingersoll Rand Cyclone (Lightning) Grinders Strategy, Research, Industrial Design Innovation, Ergonomics, Human Factors, Naming & Nomenclature, Color-Coded Labels, and more. Sales increased by 165%, new product development time was cut from 3.5 years to 12 months, cost reductions improved profit margins by 200%, and market share tripled. The teams at Ingersoll Rand and Group 4 received and shared recognition awards from the Industrial Designers Society of America - Special Mention for Good Design Innovation - and recognition press in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Corporate Design Foundation 23-page case study article, Caterpillar Today publication of the employees of CAT, Best Products of the year in Business Week Magazine, A McGaw-Hill Publication, and featured in the Ingersoll Rand Annual Report Investor Relations story for stockholders.

RUBBERMAID

Happy National Industrial Design Day! March 5th. Thanks to the Industrial Designers for contributing to this Rubbermaid design program: Art Martin, Charlie Merritt, Rich DeFilippo, Bill Chura, Doug Grambush, Steve Jones, Jeff Mullaly, and Eric Beyer for the first model/prototype. Other team members: Janet Leonard and Kristine Grunsted. Rubbermaid/Carex Client: Darren Horst, Keith Brightbill, Shiva Dhanapal, and more. Rubbermaid: Overbed Tables, Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Ergonomics, Human Factors, Engineering, New Product Development. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding #NationalIndustrialDesignDay!

ROOM WITH A VIEW 2024

We highly recommend attending the 29th Annual Rooms With A View - Design for The Greater Good - at Southport Congregational Church, Nov. 8-10, 2024. A Fundraiser That Benefits 19 Local & Regional Charities. Featuring the works of 12 talented designers/architects. For more please visit https://roomswithaview.org. Image via Rooms with A View. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

​HUSQVARNA + Jonsered Chain Saws

Fortune 500 Client Industry, Industrial Machinery, Forestry.

Channels are

• Outdoor Power Equipment Dealers
• Specialty Retailers
• Global Online, Amazon, Omnichannel

Husqvarna + Jonsered Professional Chain Saws Research & Development Designs.

• Field/User Research & Strategy
• Product Industrial Designs Development
• Ergonomics, Human Factors & Safety
• Models & Prototypes, Exhibit Designs

PEPSICO

Fortune 500 Food Consumer Products. New Product Development, Innovation, Research, Large Group Multiday Ideation Sessions, Brand Identity.

CONTOUR PRODUCTS

Elevated Sleep Solutions, Inspiration Mood Board 2 of 6, High Tech, smart textiles, 3D printed textiles, elastic silicone fiber, breathable mesh, hyper-elastic polymer, ceramic coated fabric, embedded light fibers, neuro fabric, and cooling gel.

​INGERSOLL RAND

Ingersoll Rand Mining Equipment, S&S Coal Scoops. Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Applied Human Factors, Seating Design, Operator Compartment Controls. Strategic Design, Operator, and User Interface Design. Prototype model development for client presentation in Virginia.

DICK's, sears, ROADMASTER

Treadmills, Strategy, Research, Industrial Design, Human Factors, User Experience, and New Product Development for 5 different treadmills.

THE FIRST YEARS, TOMY

Product Industrial Design Consulting, New Product Development, Strategy, Research, and Innovation. Image via The First Years, TOMY.

The Inspired Home Show 2024

Happy First Day of Spring! Cheering for client friends exhibiting at The Inspired Home Show, March 17-19, 2024, in Chicago, IL. Photo via Inspired Home Show. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

RUBBERMAID, CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

Darren Horst, Vice President of Sales & Marketing.
“Charlie is an exceptional partner…who offers out-of-the-box creative thinking to every project we have worked on together. I appreciate his willingness to work and understand my business, and then develop creative solutions against the assignment to deliver results beyond expectation.”

THERMOS

Product, Packaging, and Brand Design Consulting Experience. Image via Thermos.

CONTOUR PRODUCTS

Elevated Sleep Solutions, Inspiration Mood Board 6 of 6, Contemporary, modern & stylish, premium pillow fillings, Bently patterns, copper infused, modern bedroom, cooling leg wedge, layered foam, bedroom color scheme, neck relief firm foam, and modern wallpaper.

LOG CABIN SYRUP

Brand and Packaging Design Consulting.Successful Throwback Thursday. Photo by Dorothée Ahrens for Charlie Merritt.

FOOTJOY + PGA GOLF MERCHANDISE SHOW

FJ Golf Gloves & Golf Sock, Strategy, Research, Brand Identity Design, Packaging Design, Merchandising Design, Design Services Consulting. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News, Events. Strategic Design Corp. Charlie Merritt and the team supported the PGA Golf Merchandise Show in Orlando, Florida, January 23-25, 2024. The team has provided research and design services for golf brands like FootJoy, Spalding, Top-Flite, Toro, and more since 1994. Photo via FootJoy. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

INDEPENDENCE DAY 2024: FLAG DESIGN

Happy Independence Day, 4th of July 2024. USA Flag Design: The Flag of the United States of America symbolizes freedom and liberty to which Americans pledge their allegiance. The flag design consists of 13 alternating red and white stripes representing the 13 original colonies (Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia), and 50 white stars on a blue field, each representing a state. The colors of the flag represent Red: Valor and Bravery. White: Purity and Innocence. Blue: Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice.

H-E-B grocery

Charlie Merritt and the Strategic Design Corp. team worked with the H.E. Butt Grocery Company, H-E-B Own Brand Development in San Antonio, Texas, to research and design the Structural Packaging for their line of All-Natural Salsa. Salsa Picante Hot, Salsa Picante Mild, Cilantro Salsa Picante Medium, Lime & Garlic Salsa Picante Medium, and Habanero Salsa Picante Extra Hot. H-E-B Salsa is the packed-in-Texas dip that serves up the perfect combination of zest and fresh taste. Bursting with flavor, it's perfect for adding to fajitas, burgers, enchiladas, soups, salads, and more. Services provided: Design Needs Analysis Packaging Research for Understanding. Visited many retail stores for shelf audits in Texas, while obtaining package samples. Searched patents in Washington D.C. via an Intellectual Property law firm for packaging shapes, sizes, and closures. Collaborated with food and ingredient suppliers like Van Der Walle Farms, and San Antonio Farmers to review glass suppliers, metal caps, labeling, and packaging filling line needs. Worked with food brokers, and brand-building partners like Daymon Worldwide for input. Created lifestyle image and marketing positioning visuals to build team consensus. Designed thirty (30) compelling and festive structural packaging concepts to meet client criteria. Refined structural packaging design based on client approval. Developed full-scale package models for form and size studies. Created clear Lucite models, and prototypes for production.

NEW YORK COMIC CON SHOW 2024

We enjoyed attending the first day of the New York Comic Con (NYCC), at the Javits Center, New York City, Oct. 17-20, 2024. (NYCC) This annual pop culture convention celebrates comic books, publishing, television, films, anime, manga, video games, etc. For more visit https://www.newyorkcomiccon.com Cover art by Alessandro Cappuccio & Jesus Aburtov, MARVEL. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

​​​​​​​​The Home Depot

Ceiling Fan Marketing & Price Points/Lifestyle Positioning Designs. Strategic Design & Marketing Consulting.

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, NEW YORK CITY

Charlie Merritt attended the Syracuse University, Design Senior Portfolio Showcase - to meet the latest graduating seniors - at the Fisher Center, New York City, May 7-8, 2024, 5-8 pm, 19 East 31st Street, New York, NY 10016. https://lnkd.in/e8feXd8j The event featured amazing work by talented students from Communications Design, Design Studies, Design M.F.A, Interior and Environmental Design, and Industrial and Interaction Design. Thanks to Don Carr, Ralf Oliver Schneider, Emily Stokes-Rees, Ph.D., and David Major for hosting the event. We highly recommend that organizations hire these talented students - photo via Syracuse University.

SUNBEAM

Form and Function: The Sunbeam Health at Home Moist Heating Pad Controllers – with advanced technology, smart, auto-off controls with four temperature settings fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and enjoyed most of the market share – Selling Over 34 million Units - throwback Thursday success series. The primary Strategic Design Corp. Industrial Design team members included Charlie Merritt, Doug Grambush, Steve Jones, Rich DeFilippo, and Bill Chura. Sunbeam: Digital Heating Pad Controllers, Industrial Design, Ergonomics, Prototyping. Services provided: Strategy, research, industrial design, new product development, ergonomics/human factors, three different appearance models, and rapid prototyping. Patented wire technology by John W. Weiss and produced by MTI, Michael Yang, and his team. Photo by Anatoly Loshmanov for Charlie Merritt. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

​INGERSOLL RAND

Ingersoll Rand 2131 Impact Wrench Won the Gold International Design Excellence Shared Team Award with Group 4. Strategy, Research, Industrial Design Innovation, Ergonomics, Human Factors, Marketing, and Innovative New Product Development.

​​​​​CVS Health

​Fortune 500 Client Industry: Health Care, Pharmacy.

Channels are

• CVS Retail in 9,900 CVS & Target Stores Nationwide
• CVS Global Online, Amazon, Omnichannel

DISCOVER BOATING NORWALK BOAT SHOW 2024

We enjoyed attending the Discover Boating Norwalk Boat Show from September 19-22, 2024. It was nice to experience exciting new products from Beneteau, Boston Whaler, Chris Craft, Garmin, Grady-White, Jeanneau, Mercury, Sea Ray, and more. Photo via Norwalk Boat Show. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

MOTT'S, CADBURY Schweppes

Apple Juice and Apple Sauce, Discovery Focus Groups, Packaging Structure Design, Design Ideation, Packaging Innovation, Consumer/User Purchase Priorities, Positioning Statements, Bottle Shapes/Materials, and Packaging Design Tonality.​ Photo via Mott's.​

INGERSOLL RAND + WORLD OF CONCRETE

STRATEGIC DESIGN® News, Events. Strategic Design Corp. Charlie Merritt supported client friends at World of Concrete 2024, Jan. 22-25, Las Vegas Convention Center. Design Services for Construction and Demolition Tools, Material Handling, and Safety Equipment. Our team members have designed products over the past 40 years for Ingersoll Rand, ARO, 3M, Stanley Black & Decker, DeWalt, Bostitch, Craftsman, Honeywell, Doosan, Fiskars, John Deere, Mack, Caterpillar, SKIL Bosch, Toro, Husqvarna/Jonsered Chain Saws, and more. Image via Charlie Merritt. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

the toro company

STRATEGIC DESIGN® Strategic Design Corp. Helps client brands at the International Landscape, Outdoor Living, and Equipment Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. This is the largest trade show for outdoor power equipment, lawn, and garden equipment. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands, that our team has experience with include The Toro Company, business segments: Golf, Professional Contractor, Underground Construction, Rental & Specialty Construction, Sports Fields & Grounds, Agriculture, Homeowner, Government, and Irrigation. Photo via Toro.

Southport, CT. Design and Build

Our expertise extends beyond design into real estate. We have successfully managed comprehensive investment and improvement projects for 35 luxury residential and commercial properties across Connecticut (CT), Massachusetts (MA), New York (NY), and Vermont (VT). The strategic architectural designs and interior renovations have delivered a high financial Return on Investment (ROI). In 2022, this 4,266-square-foot, 6-bedroom home, sold for $1,525,000. Merritt’s multifaceted contributions demonstrate his commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction. Photo by Charlie Merritt. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

EQUIP EXPOSITION 2024, HARDSCAPE NORTH AMERICA, TORO

We are grateful and enjoyed supporting client brand friends during the Equip Exposition and Hardscape North America again this year, at the Louisville, Kentucky Exposition Center, Oct. 15-18, 2024. The team has worked with Toro to research and design Walk Power Lawn Mowers. Service provided: strategy, research, industrial design, human factors, new product development, management consulting, innovation, and UX. For more visit https://www.equipexposition.com  Photo via The Toro Company. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

APEX USA 2024

Charlie Merritt and Merritt Strategic Design (Sister Company of Strategic Design Corp.) enjoyed attending APEX USA (American Property Exhibition) Sept. 3-5, 2024, at the Javits Center in New York City. The high-value interactive experience for local and international market players in the real estate community prominently highlights their industry-leading brands, properties, and services to global consumers. For more visit https://www.usproperty.show Photo via APEX USA. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

BATH & BODY WORKS

Home Fragrances & Air Fresheners, Strategy, Research, Created Six New Structural Packaging Design Solutions, Glass Forms, Closures, Models, and Prototypes. Image via Strategic Design Corp.

LIME ROCK PARK, HISTORIC FESTIVAL 42, 2024

Charlie Merritt and team members are attending and financially supporting the Lime Rock Park Historic Festival 42, featuring amazing racing and sports cars. August 30-September 2, 2024, Lakeville, CT. For more visit https://www.limerock.com Photo via Lime Rock. STRATEGIC DESIGN® News. Strategic Design Corp. STRATEGIC DESIGN® Brands. #strategy #research #design #marketing #innovation #branding

​​​CVS Health

ePatch Electronic Heat Therapy Patch Designs.

• Research, Strategy, Innovation
• Concept Designs & New Product Development Designs
• Brand Development, Brand Identity Designs & Naming
• Packaging Graphic Designs & Package Structure Design

LIQUID NAILS

Charlie Merritt provided Liquid Nails® and other adhesives marketers and manufacturers (3M, Elmer’s, Loctite/Henkel), with Strategy, Research, Brand Identity Architecture, Brand Positioning, Packaging Design, Merchandising Design, and Brand Consulting. The Liquid Nails® Brand is the most recognized brand in construction adhesives, offering a full line of products formulated to offer the best possible performance for a given project. Image via Liquid Nails.