Strom Orbital Sander
Future practices benefit greatly from conceptual design since it fosters innovation by pushing boundaries and questioning conventional norms. It pushes designers to explore possibilities beyond typical practical restrictions, enabling them to imagine long-lasting, user-focused solutions that could potentially be modified for real-world application. The foundation for adaptable, future-proof design methodologies is laid by conceptual design, which prioritises the "what if" over the "how" and offers a context for experimenting with new materials, technologies, and aesthetic perspectives. Additionally, by anticipating societal and environmental changes, this forward-thinking approach helps to guide more robust and adaptable design solutions.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt
Focus: Ergonomics, House Styles, Concept.
Materials: Stainless Steel, Rubber, ABS Plastics.
Redesign
Orbital sanders are commonly used to sand flat surfaces for extended periods of time, according to both personal experience and research. My concept differs from traditional orbital sanders in that it features an ergonomic handle that can be gripped vertically or horizontally. This design improvement increases control by letting the user to apply consistent pressure while maintaining a firm hold, resulting in fewer unintentional gouges and a smoother surface finish, all while increasing safety. The bar handle also allows users to change their grip to the task at hand, decreasing strain over time. Furthermore, the handle provides a tighter grip allowing the sander to reach tricky regions such as the insides of cupboards.
House Styles
A primary goal of this project is to collaborate with my team to create a cohesive set of power tools, each embodying a unified house style that distinguishes our brand. Over weeks of development, we crafted a brand identity centered on reliability, technological advancement, and durability. With this direction, we carefully selected the color, material, and finish of the tool, ensuring each choice reflected thoughtful social considerations.
The stainless steel material was chosen to symbolize strength and resilience, while its natural finish conveys a sense of futurism. The raw silver look aligns with eco-conscious values, eliminating the need for coatings or paints that may degrade over time. The design’s sleek minimalism represents technological precision, as stainless steel is frequently used in fields like robotics and aerospace, both known for cutting-edge innovation. Together, these qualities are intended to inspire consumer confidence, associating the tool’s materiality with durability, sustainability, and forward-thinking design.
Prototyping
With the designs finalized, my team and I began prototyping with foam to better assess the product’s ergonomics and scale. Prototyping enables designers to test core functionality, refine features, and observe how the product performs in its intended context. It also facilitates user feedback through hands-on interaction, providing valuable insights to create a more user-centered design. Regular communication with stakeholders throughout the process builds confidence in the design, helping us minimize risks of failure or costly revisions. This approach also supports ethical and environmentally conscious practices by reducing material waste in later stages.