Celebrating Four Decades of Engineering Excellence: Richard Taylor's Legacy at Product Creation Studio
Richard Taylor (left) and Scott Thielman work on a prototype circa 2012.
After an extraordinary career spanning over four decades, Richard Taylor, Senior Mechanical Engineer at Product Creation Studio, is embarking on his next adventure: retirement. As we bid farewell to one of our most cherished team members, we reflect on the indelible mark he's left on countless innovations that have enhanced lives around the world.
The Hallmark of Creative Problem-Solving
Richard's approach to engineering challenges has always been characterized by an elegant blend of technical rigor and creative ingenuity. His colleagues often describe watching him work through complex problems as witnessing a master craftsman at work—methodical yet imaginative, precise yet flexible.
One of the most striking examples of Richard's problem-solving prowess came during the development of L'Oréal's Colorsonic device. As Joe Grez, L'Oréal's intrapreneur on the project, recalled: "Richard creatively solved very difficult problems. Like, how do you have two shafts that are supposed to align over here, and then one turns the other, but they're...installed this other way."
Richard was lead engineer for the foundational work on the ColorSonic product.
This wasn't merely a mechanical puzzle—it was a challenge that required reimagining how components could interact within the severe space constraints of a handheld device. Richard's solution involved developing innovative molding techniques for difficult-to-manufacture parts and creating mechanical solutions that, in Joe's words, "weren't likely to be thought of by other people."
A Pioneer in Oral Care Innovation
Richard's contributions to the oral care industry have been particularly impactful. From early work on sonic toothbrush technologies to recent innovations in automated oral care devices, his engineering solutions have helped millions maintain better oral health. His deep understanding of the mechanical challenges inherent in creating devices that operate in the challenging environment of the human mouth—dealing with moisture, varying pressures, and the need for both power and gentleness—has been instrumental in advancing the field.
Before PCS, Richard was lead engineer for the the Ultreo Toothbrush project, leveraging his years of experience as a lead engineer for Sonicare.
The recent success of devices like the Willo Autoflo+, which removes 7x more plaque in hard-to-reach areas while making brushing enjoyable for children, builds upon foundational work that Richard contributed to throughout his career. His expertise in creating reliable, manufacturable solutions for complex mechanical systems has been a cornerstone of PCS's oral care innovations.
The Biolux Orthopulse, one of many oral care products that Richard contributed to.
The Convergence of Art and Engineering
Throughout his career, Richard has embodied the PCS philosophy that great products emerge at the intersection of technical excellence and human understanding. Whether developing precision mechanisms for medical devices or creating consumer products that delight users daily, his work has always reflected a deep appreciation for how engineering serves human needs.
His contributions to projects spanning laboratory instruments, surgical devices, industrial tools, and consumer products demonstrate a versatility that comes from understanding fundamental engineering principles rather than just applying formulas. This breadth of experience has made him an invaluable resource for tackling novel challenges across industries.
Looking Forward
As Richard transitions to retirement, his influence at PCS continues through the products in the market bearing his technical DNA, the engineers who carry forward his methodologies, and the culture of excellence he helped establish. His retirement marks not an end but a celebration of how one person's dedication to craft can ripple outward, improving lives through better-designed products.
We wish Richard all the best in his retirement adventures. May they be as rewarding as the countless innovations he's brought to life during his remarkable career at Product Creation Studio.