Ergo

2021
Product Design, Editorial Design, Prototyping

Redesign the Proctor-Silex Coffee Grinder Model E160 coffee grinder for user group, the elderly, between ages 60s and 70s, who are living with severe Reumatoid Arthristis (RA)

My design research method for this project began with empathy mapping to get the better understanding of users’ experiences.

Iterative 2d, 3d visualization of possible product forms were also important to refine the final design that articulates the data from the analysis.

My mission for this project is to create an intuitively designed coffee grinder that can be practical and attractive to wide range of customers.

Product Template

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Product

Original Product Analysis

Product: Coffee Grinder

Type: Blade Grinder

Brand: Proctor-Silex

Price: $12.99 ~ $18.99

Power Source: Plug-In

Material: Plastic, Steel

Color: White

Dimension: 4 1/16″ X 2 3/4″ X 6 3/8″

Types of Coffee Made:

Espresso Macchiato, Espresso, Cappuccino

Pros

- Anti-skid plastic bumps help the product to stably stand while processing.

- Oval shape makes it easy to grip.

- Transparent plastic lid shows inside.

Cons

- Button is too small for the users to stay pressing it.

- Plastic surface makes it dangerous for it to be slipped away.

Sequential Use

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1. Plug in.

2. Open up the lid.

3. Put coffee beans.

4. Close the lid back.

5. Press the button.

6. After done,
Open the lid.

7. Pour out the grinds.

8. Unplug the product.

2D Ideation

I began to brainstorm shape, form, and texture of the product by with rapid visualization.

From the thumbnail sketches, I narrowed down into few potential designs and began to develop them

specifically.

3D Ideation

The process moved on to 3D prototyping. I used blue foam for quick form study and I was able to develop models in order to select the final design through potential user survey, empathy testing, and prototyping.