Hair Dryer Final Project by Shannon Davies at Coroflot.com

Hair Dryer Final Project

Hair Dryer Final Project from Shannon Davies

Hair Dryer Final Project

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.'