Initial concept of hairdryer as a result of research conducted at stage one of project
Different perspectives of Initial concept of hairdryer as a result of research conducted at stage one of project
Cross sectional view of Initial concept of hairdryer as a result of research conducted at stage one of project
Final render of Initial concept of hairdryer as a result of research conducted at stage one of project This design however was fundamentally flawed due to the air flow having to change direction and losing a significant portion of its momentum in the process. This resulted in the exploration of additional design concepts
Rough initial sketches of products that could potentially satisfy the design brief
The initial designs where expanded upon and developed with more consideration towards ergonomics and anthropocentrics. Including exploring options that have a fixed handle, options that are wall mounted, relieving hands for styling purposes
The initial designs where expanded upon and developed with more consideration towards ergonomics and anthropocentrics. Including exploring removing the handle completely for travel purposes, and utilising a 'rumba' style hairdryer that utilises air flow out of the sides of the unit
The initial designs where expanded upon and developed with more consideration towards ergonomics and anthropocentrics. Including exploring options that have lose handle so the hairdryer can be essentially balanced in the hand of the stylist and utilising a 'mounted mouse' style handle to make long use periods easier for the user
An additional idea that was expanded upon was to create a hair dryer that featured a collapsible handle, making it easy to travel with.
Sketch book initial render of concept
electrical considerations for concept
Internal structure considerations for product design
Several of the concepts where then transformed into rough prototypes. this allowed professional hair stylists to trail the design dimensions and test if the solution was viable
Several of the concepts where then transformed into rough prototypes. this allowed professional hair stylists to trail the design dimensions and test if the solution was viable. The concept they preferred was the one featuring a loose strap across the back of the hair dryer. However they complained that the horizontal strap reduced their mobility as a result of this further research was conducted
After more closely studying how hair stylists use hair dryers, it became apparent that the handle needed to be situated in an alternative way
This led to the development of a hand strap that follows the natural curves the hand would follow if being held in this way
The development portion and feedback, enabled the integration of multiple anchoring points for the strap so that it could be easily altered for left/right hand users. Along with the exploration of different switches and fixtures that would be easy to operate while using in their position
At last the final design was created, which met the brief, the product had no handle, making it easier to travel with. Alongside being significantly lighter, causing less strain when using for extended periods of time. The testing and feedback from the hair stylists indicated that the vast majority of them preferred the red concept. Due to it being 'unusual and more interesting than their normal grey ones.'
Anthropocentric/Ergonomic sketches of concept design
Solid works cross sectional view highlighting component orientation
Computer Aided design renders of final product representation
Product Exploded view
Final presentation board, highlighting the benefits of the products
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Final presentation board, highlighting the benefits of the products
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Hair Dryer Final Project
Shannon Davies
BA Product Designer. Secondary Education PGDE Morrison, OK