Initial research and inspiration
For this project our assignment was to create a handheld battery powered or chargeable device. For my initial of concept exploration I focused on kitchen related products, and eventually decided to do an electric spice grinder. before getting into sketches, I made a storyboard to show what it looks like using a typical spice grinder, as well as a diagram showing the differences between similar products already on the market. Doing this helped me get a better idea of how my product would stand out in the market.
Exploratory Sketches
For my first sketches, I did some for both inspiration boards, keeping it broad, experimenting with the shape language, and thinking of different materials I could use. I eventually chose to go with the mid century modern inspiration and narrowed it down to one sketch, which I felt was simple but still fit with my theme. For the wood type, I was debating initially between cherry and walnut but eventually chose walnut.
Foam models
Before getting into 3D modeling, I made some foam models to get a better idea of scale as well as shape. Doing this also helped me to decide which models I would recreate in CAD to take further in the design process.
Initial CAD modeling
For my initial models, I made two based on different designs. After hearing feedback from my peers, I decided to go with the more simple and straight forward design.
First Prints
The first prints I made helped me more to visualize the scale again, as well as the more individual parts of the body, how I could split it, and the curves in the design.
After the first rounds of printing and modeling, It was a lot of going back and forth, testing what worked and what didn’t with the scale, size, and specifically the curve of the button.
Refining the CAD Model
For the final prototype I printed all the parts, sprayed them separately with primer and sanded them, then glued the main body together (the sides and the button) before doing a few more coats of primer to seal everything in. The top and bottom stayed removable as I did not glue them together.
The final prototype
Renders
