oblique
Autumn 2022
Timeline: 6 weeks
Rhinoceros 3D + Keyshot + physical prototyping + Adobe Suite + user research
OBLIQUE is a handheld hair dryer redesigned specifically to accommodate different hand grip orientations while still delivering salon-level performance.
Its slim and contemporary design is inspired by the shape of oblique cylinders, reducing wrist strain when drying and styling hair.
Check out the design process behind
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TASK ANALYSIS
Jessie, 21
a student that has been to hair salons many times
1. Unravel hairdryer cord
Pain Point: Cord gets messy and tangled, takes a lot of time.
2. Plug in to a nearby outlet
Pain Point: Most outlets in bathrooms are near sinks, which can be dangerous.
“I wish there were a few more settings on the hair dryer, like the cold button being a switch. At hair salons, they try to dry my hair fast, so they have the setting on too hot, it burns my scalp.”
5. Hold on cold button and aim at roots of hair
Pain Point: Holding down on the cold button requires excess force; thumb strain.
6. Flip hair over and blow upwards
Pain Point: Hairdryer feels too back heavy/unbalanced; user experiences wrist strain.
7. Brush hair
8. Unplug, ravel cord, and store away
3. Turn hairdryer on HIGH
4. Start drying from lower scalp (inside hair)
“A lot of times, I skip drying my hair because it gets annoying: having to unravel it, and finding a place to plug it in is not time efficient.”
COMPETITIVE ONLINE AUDIT
OVERALL INSIGHTS
Hairdressers often hold hairdryers untraditionally (at the head) for better control and to reduce wrist strain.
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The cord can be problematic for both home users and salons as it takes up too much space, can become tangled, and is too short.
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The settings of the hairdryer can be improved to be more clear and user-friendly. The cold shot button can be integrated with heat settings.
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Addressing crowded salon counter space; different hand sizes; keeping its design accessible and appealing.
DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Equitable Use
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Users have the ability to control fan speed and heat settings.
Flexibility in Use
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Uses colorful buttons/switches or icons to label settings.
Perceptible Information
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Compatible with different movements, grip positions, and body positions; tackles unbalanced design of existing hairdryers.
Low Physical Effort
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Keeping it compact, yet heavy duty; addressing the tangly cord.
Size and Space
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NAPKIN SKETCHES
MOODBOARD
REFINED CONCEPTS
Traditional hair dryers are heavy, unbalanced, and bulky in shape. At a neutral body position, hairdressers can hold OBLIQUE at different grip orientations.
OBLIQUE’s slanted head, ergonomic grip, and textured handling maximize precision, comfort, and stability for both hands and indicate a variety of grip options.
Its sleek, slanted head directs and concentrates a larger range of airflow for a luxurious and powerful styling experience.
To charge, OBLIQUE is inserted into its charging dock, which can be set vertically or horizontally on hair salon vanities, depending on spatial constraints. When not in use, the hair dryer can also be conveniently placed upright on a countertop.
The charging dock features an LED light, indicating the charging status, as well as a wrappable power cord.
Access various fan and heat settings with a press of a button. OBLIQUE features two fan speeds and integrates the traditional cool shot button into three heat settings, with LED lights to indicate which setting is in use.