Model Prototype: Pet-Grooming Tool

Pet-Grooming tool with handheld device and its attachments

Design

For this assignment, I was to design an all-in-one pet grooming tool prototype, while considering OXO’s design principles. This tool was to include a brush, a comb for fine brushing, a massaging tool, a nail file (similar to a Dremel), and a digital display to select soothing sounds to play while using the tool.

To make the device prototype more feasible and customizable, I chose to make it modular. I was mainly designing with a focus on usability as the modular form allows the user to choose the attachment they need, without other grooming tools getting in the way. One of the main items I used as inspiration was the Dyson Airwrap hair styler, which includes multiple attachments that can be used for different hair styling methods.

Sketches and Planning

First two sketches with all tools on device at once

When I initially began sketching to plan out my prototype, I was thinking about how to make the device include all features at once, similar to a swiss army knife. As I made more sketches, I thought about how some features of the device could be dangerous to keep out at all times or could make the device uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time.

Third sketch with device and modular attachments: hairbrush, rotary nail file, massager, and fine comb

For this reason, I decided on my third concept, which is a modular version of the device. In this concept, the user can switch between features by choosing the one to add to the device before using it. I also created a user flow to brainstorm how a possible user would interact with the tool. After the sketches and user flow, I began to think about what materials I could use.

Prototype

I used craft materials and scraps I already had at home — foam paper, cardboard, duct tape, aluminum foil, hot glue, pens, post-its, and twine/string. With these materials, I was able to put each separate part together.

Evolution of the handheld device

The first part I worked on was the handle, which would be held by users. While designing this part, I had to consider how to make my prototype have a rounder shape while using cardboard. While I did not have a material to create a similar ergonomic shape as some of OXO’s handheld devices, I used foam paper to make the handle more grippy, more round, and more comfortable to hold.

Four different attachments

The second part I worked on was the modular attachments. For these features, I used similar materials: a combination of cardboard, duct tape, aluminum foil, and hot glue.

Analysis

Once I completed the physical prototype, I was able to get feedback from my peers. The main thing I noticed from this critique was that while they felt that the prototype was high-fidelity, there were a couple of features and components that could be added or altered. The main thing users enjoyed was the comfortable grip of the foam handle, and the modular form of the prototype.

[embed]Video Demo of User Testing for pet-grooming tool

All peers who used the device mentioned it would be helpful to have a physical volume button, and it would be helpful to have all buttons on the same side as the digital display. In addition, they mentioned the weight could’ve been more accurate by having pennies or rocks in the handle. I agree with all of these pieces of feedback.

If I were to improve the device in a future iteration, I would make sure to add all buttons on the same side of the handle as the digital sound display. With these features being on two different sides, some peers mentioned that they may unintentionally touch the display screen or buttons while holding or using the device. Making this change would help with this potential issue, and it would make the device more comfortable for right-handed and left-handed people to hold. This could also be addressed by adding some sort of indication when attachments are added or released, which could be shown on the digital display.

As we were critiquing each others’ work, I noticed additional aspects of my peers’ designs that I hadn’t thought of, but I believe would be helpful to add to a future iteration of my prototype. I noticed others used clay / Play Doh to create more ergonomic and cushioned handles, which is a great way to take inspiration from OXO’s hand held devices and their grips. Adding this to my prototype would make the device more comfortable to hold. Another idea I noticed was to make the attachments slant at an angle, so the user could hold the device more comfortably.

From this assignment, I was able to learn how to balance meeting all of the necessary requirements with limited materials. In addition, I was able to understand and appreciate how my approach for using the device compared to my peers’ approach for using the device. It was interesting to see what aspects of my design were helpful, and what could be added to improve it in future iterations.