THE CONTRACTOR
UTILITY KNIFE
Design Sprint Colab
Create a solution by meeting the needs of an individual and the environment, using design methods that focus on users and sustainability.
Need:
A critical token of utility
Environment:
Eliminate global
supply chain for local support
Length:
1 weekend
Living in a 30 year old manufactured home on a secluded 5 acres presents a unique set of challenges that require creative solutions. While steel toed shoes and a trusty pocket knife are helpful tools, they are not always sufficient. With the right equipment and mindset, you can thrive in the quintessential Idaho experience.
Wedge & Scrape
Angle Finding
Cutting
Measuring
OPERATION
Move switch to right to lock blade into position, move switch to center to release
Slide blade forward to release scraper & lock for use
Unlock blade and swing scraper over to reveal cutting blade
Align blade parallel with housing and lock to use
Housing features etched notches to find angles and measure as a ruler.
Multitool
The multitool, while once a revolutionary invention, has unfortunately lost its way. In an effort to provide more features and options, manufacturers have made them increasingly complicated and difficult to use. This has resulted in a product that is now causing more problems than it solves. It is imperative that manufacturers reevaluate their design and focus on simplicity and ease of use. Otherwise, the multitool will continue down a path of irrelevance and frustration for users.
RESEARCH
EDC
or Every Day Carry is a huge tangential inspiration. Looking into the lives of linemen, handymen, servicemen, home inspectors revels key insites
Thomas
Home Inspector
"I've seen all manner of filthy witchcraft going on under theses things (home foundations)"
The Indendent
The DIY & Maker Culture has come and gone in waves over the years. Its a fad when it comes to the architype i call the independent. The independent carve their will into the landscape and environment that surrounds them. Unlike the DIY & Maker, the independent live and die by their projects, its not a hobby its a lifestyle. They also are one of the biggest populations in terms users of multitools.
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Inspiration
LONGSHIP Tactical Utility Knife
Its light weight minimalist design is an attractive starting point. The user experience is easy to understand and the relationship between function and user is seamless.
3oz, 2 piece all hardened stainless steel.
The piece is missing critical utilitarian uses though.
Esoteric Nature
The proliferation of highly specialized multitools in the market is making it increasingly difficult for consumers to find a simple, all-purpose solution. This trend is leading to a glut of confusing and often unnecessary products that only serve to clutter already crowded shelves.
Consider the possibilities if a shape could provide multiple functions. By utilizing a shape that can perform a variety of tasks, we can streamline processes and reduce costs.
Life Cycle Assessment
A typical example of a tool like this made through the global supply chain produces and exorbitant amount of waste and unnecessary toxic byproducts, including but not limited to;
Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen oxides, Heavy metal contamination, Volatile Organic Compounds, Vinyl chloride monomer, Hydrochloric acid, Phthalates,
DESIGN PROCESS
Bringing the product to life through sketching & prototype iterations. The exploration of various ideas and concepts.
PRODUCT OUTLINE
convenient. foolproof. handy. accessible. adaptable.
The design of these 3 tools kept coming up as objects of itense interest, the basic functions and uses of the tools feel correlated and natural. They are staples in the tool bag and a great design direction to explore.
Measuring up
Grip test with gloves were used during the
design process to ensure the tool felt right for work from the beginning.
Proposed size
1.60" x 5.75"
Functions
SCRAPING
CUTTING
PULLING
MEASURING
WEDGING
ANGLING
PROTOTYPING
Manufacturing
Graphite Coated 420HC Steel
The simple design and straight forward utility naturally optimize it for manufacturing. Cutting down on waste and maximizing the steel sheets for CNC fabrication. The finished pieces are easily assembled via a pin inserter machine.
CMF
COLORS MATERIALS AND FINISH
