Before the solution
We began by diving the research phase into three main threads:
‘Understanding the brand, the product and identifying a need’
The brand
Exploring the history as well as diving in into the principles of the’Good Design’.
the product
Dissasembling it, rebuilding it on Solid Works, and understanding the purpose of each element.
the need
Consulting with users what would make their hair removal experience more enjoyable.
Ana Sánchez
She’s 16 and ready to ditch shaving her legs if she finds a way to remove the hair in a longer term
Creating the solution
The goal was to design a new version of the epilator that would include a low-tech extra function while respecting Braun’s design style. An added function would make the product more popular amongst the target users. However, including it whilst trying to use as many components from the original model as possible would not complicate the manufacturing process.
sketching
We wanted to explore morphologically all the options, and we sorted out our ideas depending on the added function these provided. After that, they were evaluated depending on appeal and adhesion to the brand’s design style.
prototyping and testing
From that point on, mock-ups and discussions within the team were the way to define the details, from the dimensions to the mechanism to remove the head in order to clean it.
Eventually, a beta version was built using 3D printed cases (treated and painted), cooking moulds for the silicon grips, and the components from the original epilator. This beta was the physical result of the project as there was no time to inject the moulds for the case
DEvelopment in detail
While building the final prototype, more details regarding the manufacturing process and components required were defined. From analysing the bubbles that could form while injecting the cases or the forces the case would be able to endure and the possible breakage points.
The solution
The result is an epilator that complies with Braun’s spirit while including a wider range of colours that could suit the taste of the target users better. In addition to that the silicon exfoliating brush would be that low-tech added feature that we were looking for in the previous phase (the desired added feature to attract the use and make the epilation process a little less troubling).
Also the silicone grips and new shape provide a more ergonomic use, making the new version of the Silk·épil 1 easier to use.
Final thoughts
This project, even if it is one my first ones and it was done within an academic environment, it taught me a lot about pride in your own work, team morale ups and downs, betting on the concepts that are different and design intuition.
The main thing I may regret about this projects is not having the knowledge I have now about User Experience and human centred design.
