For our second unit of Product Design, we were tasked to make a nonexistent item, a smell detector. By sketching out designs, making prototypes and improving from feedback, the unit consists of 3 phases: Define & Inquire, Develop & Plan and Create & Improve.
I designed so that my prototype has a similar hold as of a TV remote or holding a mobile phone with one hand. I designed so that the thumb of my right hand will control the buttons and functionalities of the prototype. The product also features a retractable “screen” that can be controlled by the left hand with touching it.
The smell first has to go into the nozzle, in which the product will detect and determine the smell. After that is done, it will send the results to a screen for the consumer to see. The operator can use the buttons to control the screen and the statistics of the smell.
For this prototype, I had a bit of inspiration from the blinds used on the windows, where you can control the position of the blinds by pushing and pulling. I also had inspiration from certain types of holds on mobile phones and TV remotes to design the ideal hold for this prototype.
I think I can improve my prototype by making the outside a bit more aesthetic. The nozzle is only made out of cardboard and the outer skin of the product is only covered in paper, making it look cheap and poorly made. I mostly focused on the functionality of the screen, hence I did not do much with the outside layers.