Overview
Background
During the second semester of my junior year in college, I was tasked with researching a power tool and redesigning it through the design language of a brand of my choice. This project challenged me to apply the skills and knowledge I had gained throughout my college experience, from research and ideation to sketching, prototyping, and rendering.
For this project, I chose to design an electric shaver inspired by Dango, an American brand known for its minimalist and functional everyday carry products. I wanted to explore how Dango's design language could be translated into a personal grooming tool while maintaining its functionality and creating a cohesive product design.
Objective
Research and redesign a power tool using the design language of a chosen brand. I selected an electric shaver and Dango as my brand, focusing on incorporating its minimalist aesthetic, materials, and functional design elements into the product. The goal was to create a clean, modern electric shaver that reflects Dango's brand identity while demonstrating my understanding of product research, form development, and design visualization.
Market Research
During the research phase, I explored different electric shavers to better understand their functionality and key features. I compared various blade types, their advantages, battery life, and other important features to identify what makes an effective electric shaver. This research helped me understand the strengths and limitations of existing products and provided a foundation for developing my own design.
User Research
During the user research phase, I interviewed three men from my target audience to better understand their daily routines and shaving habits. I asked about their experiences using electric razors, how often they shave, and any concerns or challenges they face. These interviews helped me gain insight into their needs and preferences, allowing me to identify opportunities to improve the design and overall user experience of my electric shaver.
Mood Board
My mood board explores Dango's brand identity and design language, focusing on its use of materials, clean lines, and functional details. I also researched visual elements associated with masculinity, such as bold forms, structured shapes, and rugged textures. These references helped me establish a design direction that combines Dango's minimalist aesthetic with a masculine appearance for my electric shaver.
How to use
HMW Statement
Through my product and user research, I identified the importance of comfort, ease of use, and efficiency when it comes to shaving. My interviews helped me understand how busy lifestyles can influence shaving routines and the need for a product that is both convenient and effective. These insights led me to focus on designing an electric razor that simplifies the shaving experience while meeting the needs of men in their 20s and 30s.
Ideation
During the ideation phase, I was originally inspired by Ralph Lauren's design language and began sketching their products to explore how their forms and details could be translated into an electric razor. I also explored Old Spice as another brand, experimenting with how its visual identity could influence the razor's appearance. Through these explorations, I experimented with different shapes, forms, and design elements to understand how a brand's identity could be incorporated into a functional grooming product.
Iteration
During the iteration phase, I focused on refining the shape and form of the electric razor. Once I selected Dango as my brand, I began incorporating its design language into my sketches, exploring different proportions, materials, and details inspired by its products. Through multiple iterations, I worked toward creating a cohesive design that reflects Dango's minimalist and functional aesthetic while maintaining the comfort and usability of an electric razor.
Prototyping
During the prototyping phase, I created a cardboard model to evaluate the electric razor's form, size, and ergonomics. I focused on how the razor felt in my hand, experimenting with different proportions and grip positions to determine whether it was comfortable and easy to hold. This hands-on process allowed me to assess the design's suitability and make adjustments to improve its overall comfort and usability.
CAD 3D Model
During the CAD development phase, I focused on refining the razor's form while exploring how its internal components work together. I broke down the razor into individual parts to better understand its construction, functionality, and assembly.
Through 3D modeling, I worked on bringing these components together into a cohesive design, ensuring that the exterior form and internal structure complemented each other.
Final Render
In Context Render
In Context Website
