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ESSIE NAIL SET
This project was a brand focused design, choosing a brand and exploring areas for expansion. It needed to be a power tool of some sort with all internal components modeled, not just an aesthetic exterior.
ESSIE BRAND
The brand I chose for my power tool was essie. They are a very popular brand in the nail world with high quality polish with a clean finish that stays on longer.
FUNCTIONAL
This product will serve a purpose for at home nail technicians who want to do their nails on their own, rather than paying the high premiums at the salon.
PROTOTYPING & USER TESTING
This product will be developed around the user, reducing pain points such as cleanup, dust collection, and comfort in grip & arm rest areas.
TARGET USER
HOBBIES
PERSONALITY
Painting
Thrifting
Coffee runs
AGE
22
Creative
Free spirit
Bubbly
EDUCATION
OCCUPATION
LOCATION
Bachelors degree in graphic design
Freelance graphic design work & part time nanny
Rochester, NY
GOALS & CHALLENGES
"The cost of my nails, hair, and lashes is becoming too much for me to pay on top of my bills. I feel like I could teach myself how to give manicures to safe a little money every month."
BRAND
TASK ANALYSIS
1. INSERT DRILL BIT
2. FILE OLD POLISH
3. APPLY NEW POLISH
4. FILE NAIL SHAPE
5. SMOOTH NAIL TOP
6. FILE EXCESS POLISH
7. APPLY TOP COAT
"What product can make this process simple for at home nail technicians?"
ANALYZING PAIN POINTS
Ergonomic pain points were shown in the tips of the fingers and in different grips when holding the drill. The most irritated spots are highlighted below.
Pressure on thumb and the top of the ring finger
Pointer finger is sore at the joint
Pointer middle and thumb
exerting pressure 4-5 hours a day
Lack of stability in grip in many positions
Pain points in the task are shown below. After interviews, the feedback consisted of irritation with the chord, dust, face masks, and speed dial.
Chord often breaks at the attachment point and gets in the way of the task
The dust produced from filing causes a huge mess and costs a lot of time to maintain and clean
Nail technicians have to wear facial covering to protect eyes, nose, and throat from dust
Speed adjustor disrupts workflow, technicians have to stop mid task to adjust as they go
IDEATION SKETCHING
The goal was to create a kit with 2 parts, battery powered nail drill, and a wok station that doubled as a dust collector. This would help with the dust and mess produced and the issue of masks and chords disrupting work.
PROTOTYPING
Most ergonomic and comfortable in the hand after user testing
INTERNAL COMPONENTS
BATTERIES
MOTOR
MOTOR CONNECTION
SPRING
CHUCK
BIT
FUSION 3D MODELS
1
2
3
4
5
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
TOP GRIP
INTERNALS
RIGHT SHELL
LEFT SHELL
BOTTOM GRIP
BATTERY CAP
1
1
SCREWS
2
TOP PLATE
3
FILTER
4
FAN
5
BASE
6
SHELL
7
SPEED & POWER
2
3
4
5
6
7
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