uSER cENTERED dESIGN
When designing this product it is important that the user is central to the process. The best interests and needs of the user must be met in order to create a product that is not only functional and good looking but marketable, meaning that if the item was to go into production people would want to buy it.
In order to gather the information required various amounts of research will be carried out into existing products, their features as well as the cost. The ultimate goal for this product is to eliminate the unnecessary features found in popular razors in an attempt to reduce the cost to make the product more marketable and affordable to buy and maintain. The product will be designed to suit the needs of all users with features such as:
-
Removable Razor Head – This will allow the user to replace the razor head once the blades become dull.
-
Adjustable razor head – This will allow the head of the razor to move and adjust to the different contours of the customers face / body resulting in a more comfortable shave.
-
Replaceable blade older – This is a possible solution that could allow the customer to swap out the current blade holder and opt for an upgrade to a different one that offers more rotation / movement of the blades. This would suit the customer that may have sensitive skin and also help with the overall cost of the product. You can buy the simple, basic version and customise it to your needs, buying the blade holder and razor head that best suits your needs.
-
Ergonomic handle – The handle of the product should be comfortable to hold. A look into the various measurements of the human hand will be crucial in the design of this product as it is important that the product is designed to be comfortable to hold and use. Another area that falls under ergonomics would be comfort, it is important that the product is comfortable to hold and use and anthropometric data will be the main area to focus on when looking at this area, however the addition of grips to the handle will be crucial in providing the user with the ability to use the product comfortably. Strategically placing grips where the user will be doling the product the most will ensure that the razor does not slip when in use – this is not only to improve comfort but to increase safety and reduce the risk of the user cutting themselves when using the product.
-
Form / Function – Finding the correct balance between form and function will also be an important element. Creating a product that is aesthetically pleasing will improve the marketability of the item and having a functional product will ensure that the customers are happy with the product and how it performs.
eRGONOMICS
In relation to the product I am designing ergonomics will be a key element. Focusing on the physical aspect of the design, the shape of the handle and how it fits in the human hand will ultimately determine whether the handle is ergonomic and comfortable to use. To create an ergonomic product a range of human factors and anthropometric data will need to be considered, in regards to this product the focus will be on the human hand.
After carrying out some research and looking at various anthropometric data it was clear to see the common size for the human hand when open and relaxed was 120mm from the thumb to the small finger. This would result in the handle of the razor to be in and around 120mm to ensure that the product is comfortable and easy to use.
Another area to consider is the shape of the handle – various grooves and curves could be used in order to make the handle fit more naturally into the human hand. As well as this grips / rubberised surfaces can also be sued to help with the grip of the product and ultimately provide the user with a more comfortable experience when using this product.
aNTHROPOMETRICS
Anthropometrics is the study of the human body which often involves research into the various measurements of the different body parts. In relation to the product I am designing my focus will be on the measurements of the human hand. This collection of data will help when designing the product and creating it through Solidworks. It means I will be able to design a product that is accurate in its measurements ensuring that the design and all the different parts are proportional in size with one another.
The anthropometric data collected will help in making the product ergonomic and as stated above it will ultimately make the product more comfortable and easier to use.
