Solo Project
My Role
Industrial Design, research, visualisation
Timeline
Feb 2021 - Apr 2021
Tools
Rhino, Keyshot, Photoshop, Illustrator
Problem
This project was profoundly inspired by someone close to me who faced challenges with poor motor skills due to her age. I noticed that many devices in her house weren’t user-friendly, especially when it came to battery removal.
Further investigation revealed that this issue extended beyond her experience, affecting a broader group, including individuals with arthritis and short nails.
Solution
The inspiration for Float came from the seesaw, a common play item for children. I explored how I could utilise this concept while still preserving the standard cylindrical shape of existing batteries.
By reimagining the battery with a more elliptical shape, users can leverage the principle of leverage: pressing on the ends allows the battery to pivot and easily pop out of its housing, much like a seesaw in action.
Design exploration
At first, my ideas were centred on 'How to reduce the need to remove batteries' such as batteries that had a wireless charging coil or shaking to recharge. However, through research I found that the technical limitations and the increased costed rendered it impractical. My ideation shifted to designing the battery itself, trying different forms that would help in the battery removal.
KEY LIMITATION
Designing within pre-existing form factors
Changes to the battery need to stay within the current form factor while remaining relatively similar to manufacture. It needs to be intuitive and fit within the user journey and user assumptions.
Mockups and testing
Tested different shaped batteries and mechanical attachments that fit within the standard battery form to find the best solution.
