Guided by Dieter Rams' design approach, we redesigned the disc grinder, a powerful cutting and sanding tool.

 

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This project, which we carried out as a pair, allowed us to understand the different steps involved in designing an object that is above all ergonomic, with strong existing constraints, but also with a certain aesthetic appeal corresponding to the codes and values of a brand chosen by us.

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We also identified a specific use case, that of panel beaters who use the disc grinder mainly to cut metal sheets. Without knowing anything about this tool and its use at first, we conducted a number of field studies with training, working, or retired panel beaters in training, currently working, or retired. These face-to-face meetings let us develop an empathetic and enriching approach, following the 1980s design thinking.

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Therefore, The final product, a 1:1 scale model, results from the combination of various opinions and testimonies expressed by the end users.