Housemate / Rodd Industrial Design

Partager cet article

Among the basic ‘white
goods’ in any household, one stands out in terms of user interaction. A
fridge, dishwasher, rice cooker or microwave do not require much of a relationship
with their owners. A vacuum cleaner is different – it requires active engagement.
Lifting, carrying, emptying, turning, twisting, pushing, pulling are all
verbs that describe the relationship. Rodd Industrial Design looked at how
the redesign of a vacuum cleaner could reduce and streamline these actions
so that cleaning became a less onerous task for all.

How Does it Work?

Rodd conducted focus
groups with disabled and able-bodied consumers to identify problem areas.
Distribution of weight, emptying and the design on the handle presented
common difficulties. Through full-scale mock-ups, alternative configurations
were explored and then tested. Computer modelling was used to evolve and
refine the design which is based on the familiar icon of a bucket and mop.

Research identified
portability, eliminating the need to bend down, foot operated switches and
awkward, wobbly connections as issues high on the inclusive hit list. ‘HouseMate’
repositions key features like the dust canister, filter and the extra tools
directly to hand and within clear line of sight. This makes them more accessible
for visually impaired, elderly and able-bodied users. The canister and hose
exit have been carefully positioned in front of the handle to minimise the
feeling of weight. The motor unit is compact and highly portable and by
keeping its weight at ground level, makes ‘HouseMate’ less likely to fall
over. The cylindrical shape provides a natural bumper to protect against
accidental knocks.

‘HouseMate’ is rechargeable
and cordless, eliminating any trip hazards and the need to bend down to
the plug socket. The large, comfortable, height-adjustable handle is used
to pull the unit and forms a convenient rest for both the user and cleaning
wand. When pushed down, it locks the wheels securely for use on stairs.

Research suggested
that a cleaning wand offering a variety of ways to manipulate the cleaning
head, with one or both hands would be beneficial. The head is hinged at
the centre to allow for right-angled cleaning of corners. All the operational
controls and indicators are large, high contrast and tactile. The LCD display
and sound warnings on the wand tell the user when there’s a blockage, the
state of battery life, suction efficiency and when to clean the filters.

The dust canister can
be emptied single-handed and a HEPA filter removed for washing. All tool
connections are easy to grip with funnel features to guide mating parts
together for those who are partially sighted or have limited dexterity.
Large clips and ergonomic grips make disconnection easy.

SOURCE : http://www.hhrc.rca.ac.uk/

;


Partager cet article

Laisser un commentaire