International Housewares Association Project
The IHA created its Student Design Competition in 1993 to invigorate the housewares industry with the fresh ideas of top student designers and to encourage young talent to consider careers in the housewares business. Now in its 31st year, IHA’s competition is unique in the U.S. as the longest-running, industry-sponsored, merit-recognition program for industrial design students. Housewares products are consumer goods purchased by or for the user that are portable. Permanent installations such as lighting systems, sinks/bathtubs or major appliances (washing machines, full size refrigerators) are not considered housewares. Guidelines for project selection include, meet a current consumer need or solve an identified problem, be a refinement to an existing product based on verifiable consumer complaints, and be a concept for a future product.
Project Brief
Despite so many different styles and sizes for vacuums, there are not many that are convenient for smaller messes. Many are tacky looking and hard to store, thus making vacuuming a less frequent habit than it probably should be. How can I design a vacuum that is versatile for messes small and big, easily accessible for easy storage, and not an eye sore?
Mood Board
Sketching and Ideation
During my early sketches, I wanted to get all my ideas out and explore different forms and potentially the relationship between the product and the environment. The circled sketches influence my final design ergonomically and proportionally to the hand.
After taking those considerations into account, my next sketches hashed out the basic silhouette of my product. Rounded yet exaggerated angels with large geometry was driving my design. I wanted to stay true to my mood board and what inspired me while keeping the design simple and original.
Final Design and Renders
The final design of the vacuum cleaner features a 2-tone body with a frosted plastic finish on the dust canister to mask the potential build up of debris after use and for aesthetic purposes. At 8 inches wide and 25 inches tall, its upright and compact design makes for easy storage between nooks and crannies for more accessibility.
Cornflower
Pink Lemonade
Marshmallow
This vacuum comes in a collection of 5 different colors to match the interior or decor of any home; Cornflower, Pink Lemonade, Papaya, Marshmallow, and Mint.
Papaya
Mint