StepNLock is a hands-free sliding door security system that is fully foot activated and controlled. Pillar worked alongside StepNLock founder Jimmy Wanichsukombat to create and the develop the product. The project launched on Kickstarter in Fall 2025, raising over $65,000 and being named one of Kickstarter's favorite projects.
Pillar worked with XOOT from product inception through development of prototypes to create their innovative XOOT Pro Arm system for tablet displays. The goal was a purpose-built solution for digital artists using large pen displays, something that actually addressed the real ergonomic shortcomings of the generic monitor arms that were already out there on the market. The result was the XOOT Pro, a heavy-duty steel arm system with electromagnetic locking, full tilt and rotation adjustability, integrated cable management, and sliding feet that let users reposition the whole display across their desk with minimal effort.
Pillar was brought in at the very beginning of the MUi leash, and we stayed with it all the way through to production. The central design challenge was developing an original magnetic locking mechanism from scratch, something that hadn't really been done before in this space. What came out of that process was a patented dual-magnet system built into a heavy-duty climbing rope leash, letting owners clip in one-handed without fumbling with a traditional clasp. Simple idea, but getting the hardware right took real engineering work to nail down.
Green Flash is a patented, instantly deployable mobile jobsite desk designed for builders, trades, and inspectors working inside open framing during the construction phase. It drops onto any standard 2x4 or 2x6 stud using a gravity mount with rubberized grip, requiring no tools or fasteners, and provides a powder-coated steel work surface with tethered rare-earth magnets to hold plans, specs, and tablets in place. Pillar worked with Green Flash from napkin sketch idea through engineering all the way to production.
Pillar worked with Seattle Urban Farm Co. to create a modular trellis system for urban gardens.
OtterSpace is a patented, portable blackout curtain system that delivers 100% darkness on demand at home or on the go. Pillar partnered with OtterSpace from the very beginning, helping shape the initial concept and carry it through prototyping and into managing full-scale production. That partnership continues today, with Pillar and OtterSpace still working together to refine and grow the product.
Pillar partnered with PPG and Homax to redesign the company’s aerosol nozzle system from the ground up. The result was a distinctive, modern design that established a new visual and functional direction for the product line. The TexPro system features a cap that rotates from a locked position to the spray setting, a flat-top profile for efficient pallet stacking, and color-coded components that clearly differentiate product types. The nozzle provides three adjustable spray patterns, coarse, medium, and fine, improving application consistency across the Homax aerosol product line. The complete assembly consists of only four parts and uses interchangeable orifice components. This simplified architecture reduced manufacturing costs while improving durability and reliability compared with previous solutions. The Homax TexPro texture gun is now sold through major hardware retailers nationwide.
Ignik came to Pillar with a concept and a hard deadline tied to a major retail launch. Pillar took it from there, leading industrial design, CAD, and all the iterative development work needed to get the product ready for manufacturing. The FireCan was designed to give people a real campfire experience wherever a wood fire wasn't an option, folding down compact with the regulator hose tucked inside when not in use.
Pillar worked with Barbell Rescue to design a barbell brush that allows you to easily latch on to your barbell and quickly clean it.
Onrax is a powered ceiling storage system. Pillar worked with Onrax to design, engineer, prototype and develop the system.
The 3Dio Omni binaural microphone is specifically designed to provide professional binaural audio for Virtual Reality & 360º camera applications. Binaural recording allows audio to be captured in the same way the human ear hears sound. This produces the most natural sounding audio that creates three-dimensional sound, transporting the user to the recording site. Pillar assisted 3Dio through their product development journey, reverse engineering the complex 3D ear models for both the 2 and 4-position binaural microphone systems and developing the housing with methodically laid out user controls and inputs. In response to higher demand, Pillar also helped scale up their logistical supply chain and production, located overseas and in the Portland area, and find a quality silicone casting manufacturer that could handle the intricate ear shape.
Illumibar is a garage lighting system. Pillar worked on the installation, user experience, and design systems. From there, we worked to create functional prototypes for the founders of Illumibar to test.
Pillar handled the end-to-end design and development of Gravity Tap, engineering a dispensing mechanism that delivers a smooth pour from any size growler without CO2 cartridges. Our work spanned industrial design through functional development, culminating in a launch-ready product.
Ossia’s device can wirelessly power any Cota-enabled device within a 30 foot range without the use of charging stations or cables. Pillar collaborated with Ossia on the industrial design, mechanical engineering, and electronic integration to create a smaller, sleeker transmitter that seamlessly incorporates into a modern home or business. Pillar also assisted in the prototype development and build out of the multiple units shown at major trade shows such as CES.
Pillar collaboratively designed the CR-X Series studio monitors with Mackie. Working closely with Mackie's product team, Pillar led the industrial design and product development to refresh the CR line into a better performing, more modern, and more versatile product built to fit equally well in a studio, home, or office.
In collaboration with Vesta Precision, Pillar designed a mobile sous vide station for professional kitchen use. The SousVcart features two bays, holding a water bath and a vacuum sealer, to provide a streamlined system for food preparation that doubles as an extended work station when not in use.
Pillar Product Design partnered with Guardian Fall Protection to develop a premium full body safety harness, taking it from initial concept through working prototype. The team focused on creating a lightweight, breathable, and minimalist design using advanced materials and tool-free quick-release systems, drawing inspiration from industries like mountaineering and kiteboarding. Pillar worked efficiently within an expedited timeline, leveraging Guardian's existing market research and safety expertise throughout the process.
Anchor is a magnetic koozie set for boats.
Pillar worked with Celestron's Styrka brand to redesign the visual language of their outdoor optics lines. This included multiple lines of binoculars rifle scopes, and spotting scopes. Pillar worked to retool Styrka's offering into a more cohesive line across their S3, S6, and S9 products, retaining features and visual cues across the product line.
Pillar worked with UCO to improve designs of their 4-Piece Mess Kit, engineering it for manufacturability.
Pillar was contracted along with several other design studios in Seattle area to create concepts for Vicis helmets, which were then developed into the Vicis Zero2.
Pillar worked with Snap Bar to create the Snap Bar Selfie Station, a mobile selfie and portrait creation station for corporate/public events.
Pillar worked on the housing of one of PebbleBee's original tracking products.
The LSI Action Sports Prosthetic Knee is an entry level prosthetic for above the knee (AK) amputees with a focus on outdoor activity and action sports. The knee is designed to get people out there participating in the activities they enjoyed before their amputation. The simple bio mimicry of the product helps with natural knee bends associated with athletic activity such as skiing, snowboarding, cycling, swimming, surfing, and hiking. Awarded the 2017 Core77 Notable Consumer Product Award.
Pillar partnered with Ilich Vahimi to design and engineer the acQuaMD, the first device purpose-built to safely remove trapped water from the ear canal. The project involved deep research and competitive analysis up front, mapping the shortcomings of existing products before committing to a design direction. From there, the focus was on building something that was genuinely safe, cleanable, and simple enough for a wide range of users, from young children to adults. The core engineering challenge was developing interchangeable silicone tips, similar in concept to a doctor's otoscope, that vibrate at both low and high frequencies to dislodge water without irritating or damaging the ear. All exposed surfaces were designed for easy cleaning to prevent bacterial buildup, with enclosed electronics and no crevices where dirt or germs could collect. The final product is comfortable, clinically tested for ages 2 through 65+, and meets FDA safety requirements.
Pillar worked alongside Mackie to design the FreePlay 2, an ultraportable PA system.
Pillar Partnered with REI to re-engineer components on its flagship Flexlite Camp Chair to improve stability and durability.
Engineered a fully-sealed sharps container for Bellegrove Medical.
Pillar worked closely with Kyle Hart at Rhino Camera Gear over several years on a number of products, and the Rhino Rig was among the most involved. It's a fully modular shoulder-mounted camera rig designed around the ergonomics of the human body, built from a suite of custom-engineered components that took considerable design and engineering work to get right. The signature element is a nine-point articulating shoulder rest that distributes the weight of the rig evenly across the shooter's body. The system is fully camera-agnostic and can be configured anywhere from a minimal base kit up to a complete cage and rail setup depending on the shoot. It launched on Kickstarter and hit its funding goal in just 11 hours, going on to become one of Rhino's most recognized products.
Innovative Sugarworks is leading innovation in the culinary arts category with their professional-grade, ergonomic, and responsibly made culinary tools. Pillar helped them develop a number of products including their “Sugar Shapers” used to sculpt and create edible artwork and high-end cake decorations.
Pillar worked with GurglePot to develop the Chirpy Top, a sleek, colorful bird shaped wine pourer that makes a wonderful "chirping" sound while pouring.
Pillar developed a collapsible ski system designed for compact transport and backcountry use. Each ski measures 150 cm in length and incorporates two sets of hinges, allowing it to fold into thirds for easier packing and storage.
