Overview
I cycled through design sketches, fleshing out a user-friendly form for a handheld device. Additionally, I did a study on the human hand to observe how human interactions and hand positions affect the product being used. After solidifying the form, I experimented with proportions. I printed and folded together some prototypes to create low-fidelity versions simulating the device. The simplicity of the design is what allows it to be helpful in high-stress situations: the user must simply detach the top and squeeze the spray, pointing it at the desired target. The spray can be attached to any keychain or wallet and blends in as a hand sanitizer. This project allowed me to cycle through ideas and learn about incorporating smaller pieces into larger forms.
Process
The first prototype consisted of a cardboard core stuffed with duct tape and wrapped by a painting tape layer. Then, I applied a model magic layer to create the desired form of the object and scraped off excess bits and pieces after drying. I applied a wood filler layer and sanded over it to refine the form once more and get a smooth and even surface. I added two coats of primer, sanded more, and two layers of Sculpting Apoxie clay, sanding after both. After testing this product with several users, I realized it did not have the handheld competency and user-friendly experience I was trying to create. I went back to my sketchbook and iterated some more. The second prototype consists of a styrofoam core and apoxie clay exterior. The nozzle is 3D printed and glued into a hole I created using a drill bit, while the exterior is two layers of apoxie clay that have been sanded into form. The keychain attachment is apoxie clay and the usability of the product can be simulated as shown above.
Reflection & Next Steps
I realized through my experimentation that any handheld object I create needs to be self-explanatory; meaning that it is not something that will need an instructions manual or user guide; the design must be intuitive and the user must thus understand how to use it without confusion. Additionally, the hand studies I did both in 2D and 3D formats helped me to better understand the body part I was working with and how to design for it.
