7-Eleven Scales

In early 2020, 7-Eleven started a program to help develop the future of automated and cashier-less convenience stores. The automated store pairs store shelf scales with overhead cameras to see when customers took certain items and charge them through the 7-Eleven App once they left. 7 Eleven partnered with StudioRed to develop the hardware for the system. At the beginning of the process, the design team worked to create a continuous and iconic look for the 3 different sized scales that also tied into the 7-Eleven brands and fit on their existing shelves. This was later achieved by keeping the look as simple as possible and letting the 3 color pinstripe print drive the continuity and the branding. Later in the process, the engineering team put a lot of effort into meeting the $12 unit price target and ensuring the scale could handle the daily abuse of being in a retail environment. To hit our price target, we had to make the most out of our plastic parts and have them be as strong as possible without introducing more parts. To achieve this, a sizeable ribbing pattern was placed on the underside of the scale to strengthen it and prevent warp. With ribs comes the downside of the plastic sinking on the top surface. The engineers worked closely with the molder to fine-tune the ribs to ensure the scale’s top surface met our aesthetic standards.

• Client7-Eleven
• Year2020

Engineering Overview

Strengthening Plastics

To keep the part count down, a large ribbing pattern was introduced to increase the strength of individual parts and maintain a flat look across large planar parts.

Sink Free Parts

With many ribs comes the possibility of sink marks on exterior surfaces. StudioRed’s engineering team worked closely with the molder to fine-tune the ribs and texture to ensure incredible surface quality that met our aesthetic standards.

Low Cost Production

To ensure we hit our price target, we started the process by talking to the molder to learn what requirements we needed to meet and the max part count.