BOLD
Individual | 5 Weeks | Focus: Clay work & Ergonomics
The core of this project was to get to understand clay as a material and work with iteration between 3D and 2D. I focused on understanding the process of working in clay and to include semiotic values in to it, as well as ergonomics. The project was made during my second year, Autumn 2019, at Umeå Institute of Design.
Research:
Bodystorming / Low-fi Mockups / Desktop studies
I started of the project to try out a vast amount of different electric tools as a part of our product testing research and did research of the semantics and the ergonomics of different brands.
I quite fast started to sketch on thumbnails and used them for user testing. Prior to this we had an ergonomic lecture so I already had some insights of some basic ergonomic angels and measurements to follow.
Clay form & Ergonomics
USERS:
Home renovator
BRAND:
Made up brand called BOLD
BENCHMARK:
“ The Hilti is very balanced and have an inviting shape. The additional grip in the handle also makes it easier to navigate when using “
- My observation
Low-fi prototyping
Product testing
2D & 3D sketching:
We started quite early to sketch in 2D and work simultaneously in clay to faster understand the relations between the medias as a communication tool.
Exploration & Development:
When I had decided the main form features I continued to work solely on the clay model. During the work process we had several evaluation sessions, such as group feedbacks on semiotics. During the end of the project we had a representative from Volvo to give us the last inputs on ergonomics and semiotics before presenting the final concept.
Final concept:
Bold
Reciprocating saw for the fearless
Bold makes it easier for the user to vary the working position to decrease the harmful and static workflow. This by providing the long handel with two activating buttons. The form gives it a good indication on where the force is going and the “frame” in the middle discreetly directs the users where to put their hands. Bold is made for the mid-level carpenter.
