Dremel
This product features an ergonomic grip that delivers refined comfort during extended use to enhance precision and control for professionals. The grip integrates precise digital speed controls with vibration-dampening mechanisms for stable handling. Additionally, the modular attachments tailored for intricate tasks offer versatility without compromising accuracy, ensuring this Dremel tool meets the exacting standards of professional users.
Client:
DAAP Power Tool Studio
Sector:
Tool Design
Year:
2023
My Role:
Design research, Ideation, Sketching, CAD, 3D visualization and animation,
Brand Analysis
Dremel is the leading industry standard in rotary power tools. They offer high-performance and versatile tools that are used around the world in almost every field. Dremel is known as a high-end user-centric brand. This company has a very strong CMF and brand language making the products easily identifiable.
Professional
Craftsman
Fashionable
CMF Study
The main body of Dremel products are a dark black plastic with a satin finish and hard material. The details around the vents and tip of the chuck are light gray with the same finish and materiality as the main body. All the touchpoints on the device are blue and add a nice color highlight which guides the user.
BRAND COLORS
User Research
Tom Tsuchiya is a professional sculptor working out of Cincinnati. We went to interview him and observe his workflow to see what tools he used and if we could improve on them. While watching him sculpt, we noticed that Tom would lose control of the Dremel by pressing too hard making an unintentional mark on the piece. Tom needed more control.
Interview Observations
The current problem sculptors face when using power tools is the lack of control. While observing Tom we noticed he held the Dremel like a pencil using his index and middle fingers primarily to move the device. While accurate, this does not provide a lot of control over the device. Tom also pointed out his annoyance with having the cord always getting in his way. We also noticed he did not have any method to store the device or bits so they were scattered around his workshop.
“I will often modify my design while working since changing the bit is too inconvenient”
Design Objective
Create a Dremel for the professional consumer who needs perfect control and accuracy.
Lack of Control
The pencil grip only gives the user two points of contact.
Changing Bits is Painful
Switching bits is uncomfortable and often to much of a hassle.
Lack of Control
Plugging in the device limits users workspace & flexibility.
Organization/Location
No designated spot to store the device as well as all of the bits
Task Analysis
Study of ergonomics to see how the user will interact with the device throughout their creative process.
Foam Models
To explore optimal ergonomic forms, I used foam models to quickly iterate ideas. Iteration revealed which one would increase the controllability of the device while still allowing the user to use a pencil-style grip comfortably.
Foam Refinement
After choosing the model that made the most sense ergonomically the next step was to refine the form. Evolving from hand-carved models to CNC, then to a final 3D print, to make sure the digital form was correct.
Engineering Minded
This exploded view animation demonstrates how careful attention was paid to internal components, part lines, power requirements, and necessary ribbing for the manufacturing purposes.
The design uses the same technology as a standard drill that uses the torque of the motor to open and close the chuck. This allows for fast and easy replacement of bits.
Docking Station
The Dremel 3000 comes with a docking station for easy storage of the device as well as organization for all your bits and accessories.
By adding internal batteries and inductive charging there is no need to be tethered to a wall anymore, now you can move about freely while you work.