I recently had the pleasure of talking to the founders of the We-Vibe, Bruce and Melody Murison:
Thanks so much for talking with me, I really appreciate it! The We-Vibe is ingenious and works incredibly well. I understand that its creation was a memorable journey for you both. Can you take us briefly through it?
Bruce has always been an inventor…some ideas did not go to market but this one the “green light” went on in a conversation on a long 7hr trip from New York city to North Gower in 2001…bouncing ideas around- it was an innocent thought- is there a sex toy that can be shared by a couple? Patent research revealed that there wasn’t….
The timeline goes like this….and includes many long days of work
- Idea ….thoughts & idea design 2001…
- Laid off from Nortel 2003
- Family tour to Australia Sept 2003/April 2004
- Further design, prototype, material sourcing, design engineering, manufacturing engineering May 2004-July 2007
- Prototype launch July 2007
- Production begins fall 2007
- Full Product launch April 2008 International Lingerie Show, Vegas….and sales begin- hit of the show
- AVN ANE show July 2008 – international sales begin
- Storerotica show Vegas, August 2008
- Venus Berlin show- Oct 2008 Largest show in the adult industry- Awarded “Most Innovative Product” Berlin , Germany Oct 2008
- Academy Awards gifting rooms, Hollywood Feb 2009
Bruce, you used to be employed as an engineer, correct? What is your discipline (e.g. electrical, mechanical) and how did that training and experience serve you in the research and development of this unique little treasure?
Master of nothing- dangerous at many things- electrical- analog & digital, electro mechanical – tool & die, Database development, semiconductor manufacturing engineering, operation & planning,.
Do you mind disclosing who the lucky beta testers were? 
We used toy users who owned more than 5 toys for an experienced opinion.
How many versions of the We-Vibe did you test before landing on “the one”?
We went through about 6 prototypes before we had it just right.
Is it correct that you kept the project a secret, even from family and friends, for over 5 years?
YES- protection of the children & family was in mind.
I imagine your excitement about it made that a bit difficult …?
Yes- it indeed hard not to share the excitement ….but we push ahead rarely taking the time to get excited, how else might it have been a challenge to conceal The POD sitting on laneway that stored various components of shipping?
The world’s growing ecological consciousness has reached the bedroom, with attention on the toxins in some of the materials used for sex toys and other sensual products. These are also red flags regarding user health. By the materials and power method chosen for the We-Vibe, it’s clear you both share this awareness … can you elaborate on how it influenced your design of the product?
We chose a rechargeable battery as the right thing to do environmentally & chose NiMH as the better battery with less heavy metals. We also chose Medical grade silicone because it is high quality and phalthate free and latex free.
The We-Vibe has taken the market by storm and is enjoying swiftly-growing popularity. Did you have any expectation that it would be received so well?
Yes- we knew it was technically a good product, Bruce’s planning was optimistic with the number of units on the 1st production run.
What do you believe are the factors that have made it a huge success?
It has taken 6 years of sacrifice and hard work, both monetary & family time to bring this to market. It is a revolutionary design! It works! Women & couples love it! It is a new design that gives simultaneous stimulation of the clitoral and g-spot while making love & allows him to enjoy the vibe as well!!
The We-Vibe was among the gifts bestowed upon celebrities at this year’s Academy Awards. Its inclusion is a powerful statement by both the Academy and yourself that sex toys are coming out of the “closet of shame.” Was its appearance a result of your solicitation or did an Oscar representative approach you? Did you have the opportunity to be a part of that exciting atmosphere and can you share your experience?
Bruce contacted this company in Jan 2007 (prior to launch) as part of the marketing research – a great way to promote your product. They called him in Jan 2008 & invited him to bring his product. It was surreal….and exciting ..yet we presented the product to stars as we would to any other person !
Consumer demand appears to be fueling the recent offerings of higher quality toys. Do you believe this is a sign of the acceptance of sex toys by mainstream society?
Society is displaying acceptance in many ways – higher quality is a manufacturing choice in an effort to provide the best product possible to the consumer.
I understand from your web site that you’re working on We-Vibe successors. Can you give us a hint of what’s on the horizon?
Ahhh…Bruce has “short term” plans- enhancements of the We-Vibe…and long term plans…new technologies designed into sex toys in a “never seen before” way! Suspense….
Thanks again for your time, for sharing your thoughts, and for the We-Vibe!
We wish you continued success.
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2009-06-10 19:02
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