PRECISION PUMMEL

Project Scope

Solo project

6 weeks

Project Brief

Identify a hand-tool that has design opportunities in ergonomics. Redesign the tool based on user research to be more ergonomic and user-centered.

Solution Summary

A deep muscle stimulator for athletes that has a removable and swappable secondary handle for optimal maneuverability.

Existing Product

I began by observing a professional, an athletic trainer for the Georgia Tech football team, use the tool on an athlete. I then interviewed him afterward to gain insight on his perspective of the tool. From this research, I built a journey map to identify high and low points of usage.

Journey Map

Observing the tool in use helped me map out the highs and lows of the tool's application. I used this map to identify potential design opportunities.

SOLUTION

Use Case

One of the primary problems for athletes was comfort and accessibility in use: with the existing tool, there's no handle to apply extra pressure with a second hand. With other deep muscle stimulators, the handle is not ambidextrous and can get in the way when reaching over the athlete's back.