Model Prototype: Pet Grooming Appliance
Jan 18, 2024 • 5 minute read
For this assignment, I designed a low-fidelity prototype for a pet grooming appliance with 3-in-1 functionality as a brush, nail cutter, and massager. The device had to be between 1-2 lbs and shorter than 8 inches in the longest dimension. To begin my design process, I started drawing low-fidelity sketches before creating a modular design out of PVC pipes and clay. I wanted to emphasize the product's versatility and ensure that it was intuitive to use and accessible.
Initial Design Sketches
Prototype
I used PVC pipes and clay to create my prototype. These materials allowed me to mimic the actual product’s size and weight better than cardboard/paper. By using my sketches, I was able to form the handle and attachments. The handle utilized a smaller diameter pipe which allowed the larger diameter attachments to be twisted on easily.
The brush attachment would be used for all-over fur brushing and could be adjusted using the buttons to be a fine-grained comb for flea removal and/or de-matting.
The massager attachment would allow users to choose from 3 speeds for a vibrating massage of their pet.
The nail cutter attachment would use a rotary tool (similar to a Dremel) that allows users to file their pet’s nails/claws while playing 5+ soothing sounds to calm your pet.
PVC pipe + clay prototype with various attachments selected
(From left to right: Brush, Massager, Nail Cutter)
Analysis
Once I finished constructing the prototype, I ran a few informal usability tests with pet owners and classmates to see what features needed to be improved. I noticed that the modular functionality was intuitive; however, the description of all the attachments wasn’t conveyed in the way that I intended. For example, the user was unclear about what the nail cutter attachment was supposed to be. Additionally, one user didn’t notice any of the handle buttons or the screen until the very end – where he commented that he wished it was larger.
Informal usability test with prototype
In terms of the nail cutter, I am limited in the fidelity chosen (clay) and wasn’t able to make any significant changes to model the Dremmel-style blade that would reside in the attachment. Nevertheless, in the future, I would make this more detailed and larger to accommodate pets of different sizes.
I also realized that I should make the screen user interface more detailed for each setting. This would better represent the actual functionality and help users understand what the product can be used for.
It was nice to see that the form-fitting handle and modularity were appreciated as it was a core element of the design and the buttons were placed in comfortable areas! The twist and lock mechanism was also smooth and didn’t have any issues.
Redrawn screen UI after feedback
Overall, this exercise helped utilize low-fidelity material to understand the product’s:
Desirability - This tool interested users as it combined three essential pet-care devices into one singular tool with an easy-to-change modular attachment system.
Feasibility - Modular designs are common in the industry and the PVC pipe + clay model could be easily designed and 3D printed in the future.
Usability - Users could intuitively figure out what most of the attachments were used for and in what use cases.
Impact - The potential implication for a 3-in-1 pet grooming appliance would help save costs for pet maintenance devices and bring new features (such as relaxing sounds while nail clipping) to the market.
Design
By brainstorming multiple designs and visual appearances, I was able to combine numerous features into my final idea. Influenced by real-world products such as the Theragun Massager and Electronic Pet Nail Filer, I wanted to use existing designs that pet owners would be familiar with in my prototype.
The modular design allowed me to best incorporate the required features while keeping the overall footprint relatively small. With a standardized ‘base’ with a comfortable grip, users could change out each attachment based on their current needs. As a result, the display screen could be small, and modify its interface based on which attachment is being used for further customization. This was the most realistic and convenient solution.