What Is the Problem?
Hairdryers are often often overcomplicated with various different buttons to perform different functions, in addition to being quite large and difficult to store. Often times they use cords that are difficult to maneuver around and can be quite heavy causing muscle strain and weakness for the user.
Current Hairdryers are:
-Heavy
-Have multiple complicated button
-Damaging to hair
-Awkward shapes making them less portable
-Have long power cords
How are they used?
Objective
The objective is to design a simplistic and easy to use hairdryer omitting unnecessary buttons and detailing to make the experience of drying hair something to look forward to.
Goal
-Cordless
-Simplistic Design (buttons, form, and function)
-Less damaging to the hair
-Compact and portable
-Lightweight
Meet the Users
Busy Lifestyle
Values self care
Young professional
Has a child
Long thick hair
Has shorter hair
Curly and thin
Showers in the morning
Is single
Works a 9-5
Cosmetology student
Class Monday - Friday
Has a job outside of school
Needs professional tools they can rely on
Is a hair professional
Works with many clients
Has a tight schedule
Needs something to dry hair quickly
Has short fine hair
Difficulty with muscle weakness
Needs something to dry hair quickly and easily
Mind Mapping
I started my research by creating a mind map to get a better idea of a hairdryers users, accessibility, sustainability, competition, innovation and interaction, as well as its materials and manufacturing.
User Needs
Ideation
Form Exploration
Cons
Button placement
Awkward shape
Unbalanced
Use two hands
Cheap looking
Button placement
Thin handle
Vent placement
Inconvenient
Pros
Smaller
Lightweight
Portable
Rotating mechanism
Ergonomic handle
Slim design
Compact handle
Material variation
Unique cutout
Concept Progression
Introducing
SLK utilizes cordless and titanium technology which are combined in a compact and collapsable design making it the perfect hair dryer for home or travel. Slk prevents hair damage keeping hair looking silky and smooth.
What is SLK?
Titanium Technology
Titanium technology provides a smoother and silkier hair texture and controls frizz better than any other material. Titanium heats up more than alternatives reducing dry time by a significant amount
Cordless Technology
Cordless hair dryers take away the stress of having to navigate around a cord when drying hair and are rechargeable using a lithium battery.
