This was a Studio Sponsored project in college. We, as a class, went to North Carolina, saw one of their manufacturing facilities, learned about the steel parts being made in Colorado, and then went back to the studio to develop new handles for CRAFTSMAN.
Competitive Analysis and component/feature identification. Weighing which features were more valuable influenced my design.
Ergonomic studies through observation research. I was able to spend some time with the on-site engineer at my dorm and watch a few of the staff work. I also visited an auto body shop, mechanic, and was able to speak with electricians.
Patent research
Initial concept presentation boards. Presenting features that resonated with users.
Making some models of concepts. Until you make a sample and use it, it is hard to truly feel how a hand held product will feel under stress, in awkward places, in tight corners, and when you cant see what you are doing.
A local Design studio allowed us to use their 3D printer to build final prototypes. Those prototypes were sanded and placed in molds so we could cast samples using a two part epoxy. These parts were finals designs that were presented to the client in Augusta Georgia.
Most women, the targeted buyer for this product, want to touch the handles and feel how comfortable it is in their hand. My packaging solution allowed enough space for each handle to be held without interference from the others.
The final samples. The clear material is their long standing material Tenite Butyrate, from Eastman plastics, that was nearly indestructible. The red material is the secondary material the client felt was the key feature that their cheap overseas competitors were adding to their tools. The client wanted to maintain as much of their original manufacturing processing as possible.