SAGA - Hammer Project
After having graduated, it can be nostalgic and inspiring to look back on one's foundations. The first ever industrial design project assigned in the ID curriculum was to design and model a hammer. As I reflect with a more attuned eye for design, I realize some things that I would've done differently if I had the same knowledge that I do now, three years ago.
INSPIRATION AND RESEARCH
For this project, I wanted to make a sleek and simple design of a half-hatchet. I chose a half hatched because they are extremely versatile tools, that can be used in many situations, such as survival, slicing, or standard hammer applications, such as nail insertion. I wanted to include uniformity within the form language, and include a soft, textured grip.
IDEATION
After creating varying handle and head sketches of my hammer, I went into sketch model creation with foam core. I ended up creating two different hammers- one with a more modern and rigid look, and the other with a more ergonomic focus.
MODEL VARIATIONS
While I was creating foam models of my designs, I also drafted several SolidWorks models to ensure that I was choosing a design that matched with the desired materials and finishes I wanted to use.
FINAL MODEL
The final model had a slick and modern design, with the handle slimming down to create a more balanced look. On the head of the hammer, there is a standard hammer fitting, and on the other, there is an axe. On the handle of the chosen design is a nail remover. Users would flip the hammer around and press the hammer up to the wall in order to rip out the nail.
KEYSHOT
I wanted to explore some different anodized color options for the nail remover fit for different audiences. Other materials used include a soft textured rubber grip; steel for the hammer handle; polished steel for the axe blade; diamond cut steel for the hammer head; and anodized titanium for the nail remover.
THE SAGA CONTINUES
After three years of design school, there are a few key things I would change regarding my design. Most importantly, the nail remover could be considered dangerous, as users must have the axe blade facing them as they remove the nails. If I were to redesign this project, I would integrate a nail remover with similar finishes onto the head of the tool rather than the blade-side of the handle. Additionally, I believe that there could be a way to integrate ergonomic design features into the handle while simultaneously having a sleek and modern look.
MOVING FORWARD
I intend to create a "version 2" of this project in the summer of 2022 to keep challenging myself to improve my designs. Follow my website for updates on this project.