projects

brief 1
1/ Look at one type of power tool (e.g. drill, sander, jigsaw, heat gun).
2/ If money, resources, materials etc were no object, redesign the tool for optimum performance for a) you b) your mother c) your grandfather d) someone with one arm.
3/ Take some of the design proposals from your 'fantasy tool' and make them more 'real world' in that the product could be sold in a DIY store.
4/ Suggest some packaging concepts to brand and sell your tool off the shelf.

brief 2
1/ Look at one appliance in the domestic market (e.g. fan, toaster or food mixer etc) and one power tool.
2/ Document the differences between them (look, feel, material, size, weight, power requirements, ease of operation).
3/ Take your documented domestic appliance and power tool and create the profile of a character who might use them (include name, age, favourite food, job, type of person, where they live etc).

brief 3
1/ Look at one type of power tool from different manufacturers in the same price band.
2/ Document differences and similarities (weight, colour, button operation, features).
3/ Suggest some improvements that would make the power tool suitable for: a) you b) builders c) older DIY enthusiasts d) someone with one arm e) someone with a visual impairment.

brief 4
1/ Find out more about what happens to the body as it ages. Look especially at eyesight and strength reduction in hands and arms.
2/ Based on the above, carry out a product audit of five different power tools in your local DIY store. Document how suitable they are for the older market.
3/ Suggest some improvements that would make them suitable for older DIY enthusiasts. Look at whether these improvements would be also better for you.