CYRA
INDIVIDUAL ProJECT | 4TH-YEAR STUDIO
3 WEEKS | fall 2022
Objective
To redesign a stationary item or tool through a series of prototypes.
Outcome
A redesign of a rotary fabric cutter, with a focus on form development through iteration.
STARTING POINT: EXISTING PRODUCTS
Prior to this project I have used two fabric roller cutters, both of which have features that are convenient, as well as not. Conducting user testing with the cutters shown below helped pinpoint areas of improvement.
VIVA INFINITE
FISKARS
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Crafters need an ergonomic fabric cutter that is comfortable to use for long periods of time, ensures the safety of their hands, and gives them precise control when creating a variety of cuts.
COMFORT
ACCURACY
SAFETY
ideation
Initial sketches helped visualize different handle types and potential ways to reconfigure the handle. Further sketching was done simultaneously to prototyping to develop profiles that would be functional while appealing visually.
PROTOTYPING
2D PROTOTYPES
I aimed to bring the blade and center of gravity closer to the palm to reduce strain. The profile evolved to be symmetrical, bringing the hand lower down and slightly behind the blade. This helped with view during use, forward force application, and wrist positioning. I found that versatility in the angle the blade was accessible at to be an important factor, and aimed to provide this freedom while creating sufficient support for the wrist.
3D PROTOTYPES
One of my goals was to keep the product ambidextrous, which meant the form had to be symmetrical. These prototypes helped find a width and tapered sculpted form that felt stable yet agile. During user testing, people felt that the cutter should be narrower at the bottom for a pinch grip. This led me to experiment with a wrist angle that prevented the back fingers from slipping into the blade while the front fingers gripped close to the blade. The 3D printed model helped with overall fitting of components together and to find a blade guard angle that allows it to be fully hidden when the blade is in use.
MOOD BOARD
REFINEMENT SKETCHES
Having found a comfortable form, I transitioned to figuring out materials, and how their placement will affect aesthetics as well as assist with function. The sketches below show possible overmold locations, as well as the possibility of a cap to cover the nut and bolt. Colour is used as an indication for interaction areas.
WORKING MODEL
The components were first 3D printed, then sanded and coated in spackle, and finally painted with acrylic paint. I assembled these around an existing blade.
