Third Iteration

Redesigning the Black and Decker Handheld Vacuum

Solo Project

In this project, I explored the inner workings of a Black and Decker Handheld Vacuum, disassembling it to understand the materials and manufacturing methods used in its production. I then sketched an expanded view of the vacuum, identifying each component and its corresponding manufacturing process.

Group Project

Tasked with redesigning the vacuum to be easily disassembled for repair, my team drew inspiration from Japanese and Scandinavian design principles. We researched and presented sustainable material alternatives for each part, aiming to improve the vacuum's environmental impact.

Solo Project

In the final iteration, I was given the opportunity to further refine the design, while maintaining the focus on disassembly and sustainable materials. The result is a streamlined, user-friendly vacuum that prioritizes repairability and environmental responsibility.

BLACK+DECKER Handheld Vacuum 2Ah, Power White

First Iteration

Second Iteration

My sketches

Group Sketches

Another part of the project brief for this last iteration was to create a Cad model of your design to have as an underlay for the final sketches.

Cad Model

After taking into consideration different forms and compositions from japanese, scandinavian, and japandi design I decided to focus on a geometrical composition with clean but interesting lines. The original vacuum design was very organic and I wanted to go into a different direction to explore both sides of the Japanese form. I wanted the vacuum to be elegant yet striking as if it was an art piece or a luxury in itself to use. The daily task of using a vacuum is usually associated with boring cleaning purposes. I wanted the feeling of using it and looking at it sitting on the shelf to be exciting. In addition, I added an ergonomic nozzle that faces down towards the floor so the user does not have to add extra movement to reach tricky spots. Also, the handle design I ended up going with allows for multiple placements of the hand as it goes from the top of the vacuum to the bottom. I kept most of the disassembly design from the previous assignment as I still think it is an efficient and visually appealing method.