Sponsored Studio (Spring 2016)
Emerson came to Auburn Industrial Design with a problem. The problem was cordless wet dry vacuums have a short battery life and are extremely expensive - they were not selling well. In order to solve the short battery life problem, the people at Emerson figured that introducing a larger format battery could fix things. However, this introduces another problem - most contractors use batteries interchangeably between power tools - they will not buy a large format battery that can only be used in one product. Therefore we needed to design within three different categories: large capacity vacuums (36V), improve original cordless vacuum, and adjacent products that could use that new 36V battery format.
Sketching
Narrowing Focus
Focus group insight
- Small and portable unit
- Tool box opportunity
- Integrated hose storage
- Easily removed battery
- Easy emptying
Designing with Alex & Matt
Foamcore studies
Foam core models allow us to test ergonomics and placement of elements such as the battery, pockets, and hose. It also allowed us to test and compare the over size of the vacuum.
Focus group two feedback
Questioned:
- Pockets in the way of emptying
- Too wide with utility pockets
- Length causes liquid to "slosh"
- Power switch not intuitive
Favored:
- Optional tool catty
- Hose integration
- Traditional toolbox resemblance
Solidworks Modeling
Final renderings
Final adjustments
- Redesigned the latches
- Implemented a toggle switch
- Shortened the length by 1.5 inches
- Removed an inch from the height rounded the corners
- Shrunk down the pockets
Final appearance model
Constructed by hand with carving foam and paint. Pockets were hand sewn and the battery, and an existing hose was added.
Before & After
How does this vacuum
benefit the user?