Egg nog isn’t the only social lubricant for those holiday gatherings. Why not try singing those holiday hits like an elf? Using storytelling to convert a functional idea into a clever product, I penned the initial experience design concept for a Christmas microphone that allowed people to sing along to their favorite Christmas songs Karaoke-style without the worry of being shamed for a complete lack of talent. The product was combined with a social media campaign that generated an incredible amount of shareable buzz and impressions.

Dubbed Merry-Okee, this goofy little microphone marvel became a bestselling product with multiple spin-offs including Happy-Okee (hamster songs) and the wonderful Wal-Mart exclusive Barry-Okee, which let you serenade the one you love at Valentine’s Day with the sultry voice of Barry White.