Designed to be both a beautiful display piece and a functional Watering Can that creates a unique ergonomic experience.
IDEATION
Doodling watering cans from Pinterest and other random shapes eventually sparked the idea for this symmetrical water droplet shape.
RESEARCH
SURVEY DISCOVERY
Surveying a small group helped identify what was important for people, a long spout and usable weight, and solidified which demographics I should be targeting.
ERGONOMICS
By consulting a kinesiology student I identified over-exertion of the wrist extensors as what to be avoided. I wanted to rethink the ergonomics and provide a unique and customizable grip that gave the user autonomy.
HANDLE DEVELOPMENT
Initial Prototypes
Diameter Testing
PROTOTYPING
Exploring different weight distributions to narrow in on best form composition and ergonomic benefit. Prototype below demonstrates the final works-like model.
FORM DEVELOPMENT
Although I really preferred the symmetrical model, both aesthetically and functionally, I wanted to explore all options to make sure I wasn’t getting stuck on one idea without proper exploration.
Based on user feedback and how the water flowed within the form, Form 2 was selected as my final shape.
TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT
USER TESTING
Testing set-up designed to force a variety of postures and test the legitimacy of the handle in different positions and heights.
USE CYCLE
This model out performs common watering cans as it can fit under any tap without issue of size or spillage.
The benefits of this style of handle is the way in which it accommodates a wide variety of postures. The above graphics demonstrate the different ways to pour based on individual comfort or angle of approach.
WHAT I LEARNED
Pushing beyond “normal” products, this project was really fun in the sense that I ended up with a watering can with an objectively weird shape.
It taught me a lot about the importance of affordances and indicators that help the user figure out how to use it. It was very fun to watch my testers look at it, doubt it, figure it out, then really enjoy using it.