NEXUS
Hairdryer designed for disassembly
Timeline
5 weeks
Tools
Sketching
Prototyping
Solidworks
3D Printing
Keyshot
Challenge
How Might We Reduce Fear Around Electronics and Make Repair Trendy?
Product Description
Nexus is a hairdryer crafted to redefine the relationship between consumers and their electronics. This product is not just about drying hair; it’s a journey toward sustainability and empowerment. Every element of Nexus is designed with purpose, from its single-material housing to its color-coded components, creating a hands-on experience that simplifies repair. By making each part easy to disassemble, Nexus demystifies the inner workings of electronics and encourages users to engage with their devices rather than discard them. Designed for luxury, Nexus sets a new trend, transforming repair from a daunting task into a stylish, responsible choice that champions a longer product life and reduces e-waste. Through Nexus, repair becomes more than a necessity—it becomes an inspiring lifestyle.
60%
60% of consumers discard their electronics when minor issues arise rather than attempt repair.
50
million metric tons
50 million metric tons of electronic waste are produced globally each year.
20%
Only 20% of the global electronic waste is recycled properly.
70%
E-waste contributes 70% of toxic waste in landfills.
Studying a Hairdryer
I disassembled a Conair hairdryer to analyze its construction, revealing components such as a plastic housing, DC motor, heating element, mica sheet insulator, and plastic air vents. This breakdown offered key insights into its material composition and repair potential.
Screws
Tabs
Video Example
Buttons
Electronics
Metal Mesh
Understanding the materials used
I color-coded the parts of the hairdryer into material groups: mixed materials (blue), plastic (purple), metal (orange), mica sheets (green), and silicone (red). This helped identify the variety of materials used and their roles in the design, offering insights into opportunities for improved recycling and repairability.
Solutions
1.
Reducing Parts with Mixed Materials
Making the housing of the hairdryer out of plastic and omit the use of screws and other materials.
2.
Make things easier to take apart
Changing connection and connectors to ensure that the parts of a hairdryer are easy to take apart.
3.
Make electrical components easier to identify
Using color as the identifying factor to differentiate between electrical components.
Prototyping
Housing
Take apart/Break down
Exploring various methods for the hairdryer housing to be easily assembled and disassembled, focusing on simplifying repairability and enhancing user interaction.
Attachments
Adopting more familiar ways to connect parts
Using thread and twist mechanisms with parts made of the same material to see how easy they are to take apart and put back together.
Attachments
I conducted tolerance and fit testing to ensure the hairdryer components align and function properly. I tested the tab fit to see how well the housing parts came together, ensuring there were no gaps or excessive tightness. I also tested how the electrical components fit inside the housing, checking for proper alignment and secure placement. These tests helped me refine the design for better functionality and ease of assembly.
Testing tab fit
Test the fit of electrical components
Working Prototype
Product Features
Nexus redefines sustainability with its innovative single-material housing, eliminating the need for screws. Components seamlessly connect using tabs and threads, reducing material waste while ensuring a sleek and durable design. This approach simplifies assembly and recycling, aligning with Nexus’s commitment to eco-friendly innovation.
Nexus rethinks traditional design by prioritizing easy disassembly. Each component is thoughtfully engineered to be separated effortlessly, using intuitive tabs and threads instead of complex fasteners. This approach encourages repairability, extends product life, and simplifies recycling, making sustainability an integral part of its design philosophy.
Nexus redefines accessibility in electronics with intuitive color-coding, allowing users to easily identify and distinguish parts without relying on technical terms. This reduces the fear often associated with electronics while promoting confidence in repair and maintenance. Additionally, Nexus features significantly fewer mixed-material components compared to traditional designs, simplifying recycling and ensuring a sustainable user experience.
Nexus rendered
