Initially looking into ways the hair dryer standard 'pistol' shape could be moved away from. By creating the hair dryer out of a more solid streamlined shape.
Looking into incorporating collapsible technologies into the hair dryer shape, making it portable and more appealing for travelling beauticians
Colour Experimentation of collapsible hair dryer concept. Looking into using standard greys alongside including some more existing colours including red, purple and light blue
Looking into incorporating different technologies into the hair dryer to make it more portable/compact. Such as integrating a telescopic handle, or improving the over all grip of the product by incorporating the double sided handle. Aiding those users who might have difficulty with grip, such as individuals with arthritides
Sketches looking at how the user interacts with the product, specifically their hands. to gain a better insight into switch positions and handle design.
Human interaction considerations, looking into different ways the handle and funnel could be shaped to aid the user. Alongside looking at the different ways the switch mechanisms could communicate its purpose to the user via symbols.
Moving away from the 'pistol' shaped hair dryer and looking into producing more of a 'Mallet' shaped hair dryer giving the user a better grip alongside enabling the product to have excellent air flow.
Shape experimentation, looking into a more shower head shaped hair dryer system that enables the user to make a smaller arch around the head of the individual whose hair is being dried, Regardless of if they are using the product personally, or if the product is being used on someone else.
Additional shape experimentation, while still looking at the more 'shower head' shaped design. Looking into making the shape more rigid or streamlined. Alongside some additional colour experimentation
Internal component orientation of current 'pistol' shaped hair dryers, compared to the internal component orientation of new 'shower head' style hair dryer shape,
Feature analysis of new concept. considering switch positioning when taking human interaction into consideration
Colour experimentation of design concept. Looking at using more exciting colours than standard greys and blacks.
Considerations for the adaptor head attachment. Looking into integrating some user friendly features such as a storage loop integrated into the power cord.
Considering manufacturing costs and trying to reduce them, by producing a more streamlined shape, consisting of two components, capable of being injection moulded.
To improve the internal air flow of the product, the inward air valve has been moved from the side of the product to the rear of the product. Meaning the air no longer comes in at a 90 degree angle.
Colour experimentation of product concept. looking at colours including blues, greens and purple, as they are more 'fun' and aesthetically pleasing than grey, but are more colour durable than shades of white or beige.
Internal component orientation considerations. Showing how all of the essential components will fit inside the new casing, including key components such as ghe heat shield, fan, motor and heating coils. Alongside a final render of what the product would look like, integrating a colourful comfortable grip and a coil cord reducing the over all size required by the product during transport.
Looking at how the user would interact with the new product shape. The result of this project being a new and edgy hair dryer, that is significantly less bulky than the standard hair dryer and is much easier to use.
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Major Project Hair Dryer Development
This Project involved looking into existing products used by hair salons, analysing them and identifying any potential problems hair dressers may encounter. The main goal of this project was to develop a product to aid users with the hair care experience.
After conducting primary research in the form of professional interviews, on line surveys and questionnaires. The decision was made to focus mainly on hair dryers due to them being used significantly more than other hand held styling appliances including hair straighteners and curling tongs.
The concepts went through a variety of development stages including colour experimentation, human interaction consideration and comparing the concepts against the pre-generated Product design specification. Enabling me to get the desired outcome.
