DOLLY CLAMP
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
Propose a product idea and present a polished prototype for the class sponsor, Rockler. This product should be geared towards small workshops and fit in with Rockler's existing catalog. I worked within an interdisciplinary team of five over the course of 3.5 months.
MY CONTRIBUTION
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Prototyping throughout the project as well as construction of the final prototype
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User testing to get feedback on usability of the prototypes
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Idea refinement
IDEATION
Some of my initial early ideas in addition to group ideation
After getting feedback from potential users and from the clients at Rockler, focused in on the concept of easily maneuver furniture around a workshop.
My early sketches of how the product might look and work.
MARKET AND USER RESEARCH
Focus on a product that is
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Simple to use
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Easily stored
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Can be used by a single person.
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Once clamped, the furniture piece can be easily steered and moved
FIRST PROTOTYPING STAGE
Team members created sketch prototypes to explore how the dolly clamp could function.
Prototype 1 (created by me)
Prototype 2
Performed user testing with a range of potential users and with the clients.
Takeaways
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Need to focus on moving large cabinets with the clamp
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Consider user safety and make the product sturdier
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Improve the ease of mobility
SECOND PROTOTYPING STAGE
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Good proof of concept, can successfully modify a clamp to move something large
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Clients preferred the look of the vertical sketch prototype and the large handle for moving
FINAL DESIGN
Final prototype
Clamping handle
Ergonomic handle
Top of dolly clamp
Welded joints to the clamp
Kick down castor wheels
Foot that wedges under
Bottom of dolly clamp
In context render and exploded view
Clip of our team explaining how the product works in a final presentation done for the public (I'm on the left)
