OXO Handheld Electric Screwdriver
Background: The OXO brand is known for applying universal design to deliver well-designed, comfortable and easy to use tools.
Goal: Create 3-D low-fi prototyping and implement OXO core competency
Context: Given a choice of three products, a Handheld Electric Screwdriver, shower control interface, and pet-grooming applianc.e
My Selection: A Handheld Electric Screwdriver
Design Requirements
- A handheld electric screwdriver with variable speed control and digital display allows you to auto-select screwdriver shape and size.
- Variable speed control — you decide the mechanism/interaction and whether it is fluid or distinct settings
- Screw-driver selection mechanism (either digital or non-digital — your choice) allows you to automatically select and switch between either Phillips or flathead shape and five different sizes of each shape (for 10 total screwhead choices)
- Screw-driver direction selection mechanism (non-digital) to either screw in or unscrew
- Digital readout (monochromatic, non-touch sensitive) of a number of screws screwed and screws unscrewed for tracking your progress as a handyperson.
- Can be used right or left-handed
- Product dimensions are a minimum of 6 inches long and must be able to contain a rechargeable battery.
- Product weight is between 1–1.5 pounds.
Process
- Write down the design requirements for easy reference during ideation
- Sketched what the digital screwdriver might look like
- Narrowed down my design choices
- Prototyped one of them by creating a physical model
- Evaluated the prototype with users and video record the process
- Analyzed the product
Materials
- Duct Tape
- Wood
- Glue
- Cardboard
Sketches
Initial Prototype
Initial Usability Testing
Feedback from First Prototype: Class Critic
- Make the top slide into dif. positions (vs. having to take it out)
- Really considerate design with changing positions
- switch instead of button for Philp head and Flathead
- Place option button on the base, power button reachable distant for thumb
- design the screw and unscrewed into a buton (‘like a tagle’)
- Great grip and adjustablitiy
- Dial- is good, but push in more
- Implement a flip mechanism instead of manual switch
- Use notches to label what the dial is for
- Use different colors, other than Green and Yellow [screw and unscrew]
Revised Protoype
Revised Prototype User Test
Project Report
The initial Automatic Screw Driver was inspired by OXO Long Reach Dusting SystemDust because it could be detached and reattached for based on what the customer wants. However, after feedback from the first Usability Testing and gallery critic in class, the feedback was implemented into a new product.
The revised prototype was inspired by OXO 3-In-1 Avocado SlicerMulti-tasking tool because it halves, pits and slices ripe avocados with just one tool. Likewise, the revised prototype of the Automatic Screwdriver allows for switching between Phillips or flathead shape and five different sizes of each shape (for 10 total screwhead choices). The orientation of the screwdriver can easily be changed based on what the customers want.
Therefore the multi-functionality of the device and adjustability of the orientation was the OXO brand and design elements that were applied to this new product. Both the initial and revised prototypes were battery powered which allows the customer to be flexible and not restricted by the power-cords and outlet access.
Initial Prototype : Highlights
The user thought the overall design was considerate because it allows them to change the screw drew position/orientation. Great grip and adjustability. The use of dial- is good for the speed and the size [better with a label for the value added].
Revised Prototype : Highlights
The power button was easy to identify. The user(s) liked using a dial to control the speed and the size because they knew turning the left decreases and turning to the right increase [the size or the speed]. The user(s) were able to easily select a screw-driver mechanism using the switch for Phillips and Flathead. Additionally, it was intuitive for the user to use the switch for the screw and unscrew function.
Initial Prototype: To Improve
Easier to switch from Philp to Flathead instead of a button so that the customer wouldn’t accidentally press on buttons. Instead of pressing on the screw and unscrew button, having a switch would work effectively. Implement a flip mechanism instead of a manual switch. Eliminate or change the use of color for the screw and unscrew button because it was confusing [to some] because everyone doesn’t have the same interpretation of color.
Revised Prototype : To Improve
- Currently the product only has F for flathead and P- Philips but the user stated that having an icon next to F and P would make it easier to identify. Also, the current prototype starts when pressed on the speed dial, but it was unclear to the user and they recommended to explicitly indicate the start/stop button.
- Add clear cue for easier navigation path for switching orientation from straight to drill machine. This change is important during the usability testing, the user was confused when asked to reconfigure the electric screwdricrew in a shape of a gun shape [instead of the shape of hand drill]
Overall Effectivness
The initial prototype was not as straightforward design as the revised prototype. Have done two usability testing excluding the demo and critic in class. The users in both usability testing were able to complete the task using the prototype.
