PIPER SHIFLET

The Silky Air Modify

Power Tool Project | 12 Weeks

Sketch Ideation

Finding a form to develop further.

When experimenting with form I focused mainly on the shape of the handle, trying to make it as ergonomic and evenly balanced as possible.

I tired a variety of forms including handles that folded for easy storage, handles that were straight, bent backwards, bent forwards and handles with unique curves to see what would be most comfortable.

When experimenting with form I focused mainly on the shape of the handle, trying to make it as ergonomic and evenly balanced as possible. I tired a variety of forms including handles that folded for easy storage, handles that were straight, bent backwards, bent forwards and handles with unique curves to see what would be most comfortable.

I also focused on the head of the blow dryer. I observed that a majority of current models have shorter heads in order to have more hand control (as it will be closer to your hair). I experimented with different lengths, as well as different attachments and functions, such as making the head adjustable or removable.


I also focused on the head of the blow dryer. I observed that a majority of current models have shorter heads in order to have more hand control (as it will be closer to your hair). I experimented with different lengths, as well as different attachments and functions, such as making the head adjustable or removable.

Comparing the Current Market

Research and Analysis


When exploring the current blow dryer market, I analyzed and compared many popular brands and highly consumed recent models.

I explored a large variety of price ranges and included both simplistic and innovative designs; this way, I could get the best grasp on the current industry standard.



Comparing the Current Market

Research and Analysis


When exploring the current blow dryer market, I analyzed and compared many popular brands and highly consumed recent models. I explored a large variety of price ranges and included both simplistic and innovative designs; this way, I could get the best grasp on the current industry standard.






Within this research, I found that light comfortable models tend to be under five pounds, and fell within a higher price range ($200.00-$500.00) with newer technology implemented, like heat safety sensors and infrared light to stimulate collagen production.


When looking at ways to improve the modern day blow dryer, I took Sernah's explanations and decided to focus on these factors.

Comfortability

Light Weight

Ergonomic

High-Tech

Brand Choice

Silk'n | Quality, Safety, and Efficiency


When looking for a brand to align with I was looking for products that already matched closely with my composition of ideals. This meant finding a brand that was accessible to different price ranges, displayed high-tech innovation, and would be more open to experimental ideas.


The Silk'n brand distinguished itself with two pre-existing blow dryers, both made with intricate technology. They'd already implemented a heat sensor and a portable folding function, which meant that there was more room to explore on the design end.

Task Analysis

Breaking Down Functionality

Task Analysis

Breaking Down Functionality

Aesthetic Direction

High-tech Innovative Design


When thinking about design aspects that I wanted to include, I knew that the predominant color scheme would consist of white, black, gold, and gray.


The Silk'n brand also implements both organic and geometric lines, rounding harsh edges to give them a softer look. Implementing this feature would make my design align more similarly with the brand.


I had room to explore since Silk'n also produces more experimental products with unique functions. This lead me into the mindset of designing something completely out of the box.

The Prototyping Process

15 Foam Models | Furthering Ideation


During the prototyping process I made 15 foam models representing different blow dryer handles and heads. This way, I could see the ergonomic flow of different models. I made a range of options from traditionally shaped, to more unique formats, and focused on testing these models to find what fit was most comfortable.





Within this research, I found that light comfortable models tend to be under five pounds, and fell within a higher price range ($200.00-$500.00) with newer technology implemented, like heat safety sensors and infrared light to stimulate collagen production.


Post Prototyping

Form Decisions


After evaluating different handles and heads, I decided to continue with an adjustable head idea. I also chose to include a front leaning handle in order to supply the user with the most amount of hard control.

CAD Modeling

Developing Final Form


Moving into CAD, I started with a fundamental model that looked similar to my foam prototype. I further developed it into including all of the necessary aspects I needed, and finalized it with aesthetic touches.

When looking at ways to improve the modern day blow dryer, I took Sernah's explanations and decided to focus on these factors.

Comfortability

Light Weight

Ergonomic

High-Tech

Aesthetic Direction

High-tech Innovative Design


When thinking about design aspects that I wanted to include, I knew that the predominant color scheme would consist of white, black, gold, and gray.


The Silk'n brand also implements both organic and geometric lines, rounding harsh edges to give them a softer look. Implementing this feature would make my design align more similarly with the brand.


I had room to explore since Silk'n also produces more experimental products with unique functions. This lead me into the mindset of designing something completely out of the box.

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Final Prototype

Research

Sernah Ray, Hair Stylist | Louisville, KY


With 12 years of experience, Sernah has been specializing in coloring, extensions, and hair treatments at her independent owned business, Cave into Beauty.


When interviewing Sernah She mentioned that she’s built an appreciation for wireless tools with good battery life. High quality name brand blow dryers tend to range from 200-600 dollars, and for this reason, Sernah prefers to invest in specific products.


Lastly, Sernah mentioned that having a lightweight product was ideal. When blow-drying clients hair for hours daily, it’s important that comfortability is a priority.