Designer | Artist
What is it?
A wet/dry vacuum I designed as part of a corporate-sponsored project by the Rigid Brand. Our studio was tasked with the challenge of redesigning the vacuum from scratch. Our process began with a group research project into the usage experience, and we then split off to create individual design solutions.
How does it innovate?
Key innovations of the UPLIFT model include: a lifting frame, a removable drum, discrete battery storage, a liquid release pedal, specifically designed wheels, and elastic side panels. The lifting feature and removable drum were created to make cleaning easier by allowing users to make the drum level with their arms and above the height of traditional trash cans to make disposing of debris one easy motion. The liquid release allows users to reduce the weight of the full machine drastically by removing the water weight. The elastic side panels hold every attachment that comes with the machine, while using the elastic attachment to allow hands to reach the bottom of the storage bin unobstructed.
What is the impact?
The vacuum is intended to enable the common, but rarely addressed, periphery members of the wet/dry vacuum market. Elderly craftsmen, single DIY-ers, and first responders tending to natural disaster damage are occasional but important users that are rarely addressed. It is my belief that these users are likely to spend on a high-quality product that makes their job exponentially easier, making them more likely to conduct projects in the future and stimulating their individual markets.
Methods
Journey Mapping was used to establish the most difficult parts of the vacuuming process.
I then did a pain point analysis to begin carving out my design criteria.
My design criteria were based around mobility and storage. I wanted to find a way for users to use the vacuum without adding excess stress to the pre-established pain points.
Although I did lots of form development, I believe this page does a good job of illustrating my desire to have a sleek, modern form while still incorporating my design criteria.