Grasshopper
[ˈgrasˌhäpər]
noun
1. a plant-eating insect with long hind legs that are used for jumping and for producing a chirping sound. It frequents grassy places and low vegetation.
Interview
Brush Factory is a furniture workshop in Cincinnati, started by Hayes Shansey (Right) and Rosie Kovacs. They build custom furniture for restaurants, offices, boutiques etc. When I visited Hayes was working and we were able to talk to him about his work and his tools.
His main complaints were with his circular saw, he complained about the weight and size of the saw as well as the length and bulkiness of the track.
Task Analysis
Branding Breakdown
Metabo/Hitachi Merger
Last year Hitachi power tools was bought by Metabo and has changed its name to Metabo HPT, they are currently rolling out new, Metabo HPT re-branded tools.
Meaning now is the perfect time to introduce a new tool, with the new Metabo HPT aesthetic, which follow most traditional power tool designs, but has a few crucial details.
Design Goals
Battery Powered
Eliminates the need for a cord and gives the user more freedom
Ergonomic
Current compact saws put the motor in the handle, making it large and uncomfortable
Small
Currently both the saw and track are large and bulky and need to be smaller
Sketch Development
New Track
Instead of one long, unwieldy track, the new track is made up of multiple 1 foot pieces that fit together so you always have the perfect length track.
