NuClean & Atomizer
Countertop Cleaning Appliance Combo
A handheld vacuum cleaner designed specifically for kitchen countertops, aiming to reduce single use cleaning solutions.
Skills: Form Development, Prototyping, Ergonomics
14 Weeks | 2023
And over 300+ million yearly users.
How Do You Clean Your Kitchen?
For the floor, mops and vacuums cleaners work pretty well!
But whenever I have to clean up after dinner or accidentally spill coffee grounds, I reach for paper towels.
They're convenient and versatile for anything that happens in the kitchen.
But they're far from harmless.
The Impact?
Landfill Waste
Global Warming
Deforestation
Paper towels make up 2% of the total waste in the US, translating to 3,000 tons of waste everyday.
Single use paper products release CO2 and methane during decomposition.
Paper towel production contributes to deforestation, leading to habitat loss and wildlife endangerment.
Current Solution?
Both for the home and businesses.
Handheld Vacuum Cleaners
Battery operated handheld vacuum cleaners work better for smaller tasks and messes.
Pros:
Low environmental impact during use
Ergonomic forms
Easy to pick up & dock
Cons:
Too large for countertops
Often can’t handle liquids
Can’t scrub
Re-Usable Rags
Many homes and businesses use cloth rags as an alternative to paper towels.
Pros:
Handles wet and dry
Can scrub
Maneuverable and lightweight
Cons:
Attracts odor and bacteria
Uses water to keep clean
Easy to misplace
How can we create an alternative way to clean kitchen countertops?
How might we unify the versatility of rags with the eco-friendly benefits of vacuums?
Common Forms of the Current Market
Most handheld battery operated vacuum cleaners on the market today fall under one of three grip styles.
But for the most part, they're all held the
same way, like this:
This leads to a pretty big flaw...
Underhand
Flashlight
Stick
Ergonomic
Considerations
The problem is that common handheld vacuum cleaners lack ergonomic design for use at an above waist height. This leads to strained wrist tendons on countertops.
A neutral wrist position can alleviate this strain and allow users to exert downward force for scrubbing.
Time to start designing.
Let's establish some initial parameters!
Our handheld vacuum cleaner must:
Be held in a neutral wrist position
Be small enough to navigate countertops
Emphasize ergonomics
Be able to pick up wet/dry
Disposable collection unit
How do we get scrubbing in here?
Monolithic + Manueverable
Sculpturally Functional
Initial Form Exploration
Incorporated Parameters:
Neutral wrist grip
Small footprint
Ergonomic grips
Want a Deeper Dive?
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Form + Features Development
Incorporated Features:
A simple touch screen display enables complex features such as modes for different scenarios.
A square base would have an easier time vacuuming sharp corners.
Form + Features Refinement
Refined Features:
Groove suction: without having to tilt the intake opening at an angle, a user can simply slide along the counter.
Positioning the grip closer to the bottom allows for stability when pressing down.
Hidden collector: Do people really want to see dust and scraps in the kitchen?
Let's Mock It Up!
Rough mockups to test scale and ergonomics crafted from 20 lb foam
Form Prototyping + Ergonomics Test
Insights
The rounded grip was uncomfortable to hold since it required constant pressure from the fingers.
The square base provided stability when pushing down, enabling the user to use their elbow and shoulder more than their wrists or fingers.
The touch screen concept felt modern and inviting!
Back to the Drawing Board
Design Thinking:
If we're including a screen, it should be positioned in relation to the grip.
I reduced the vertical size by lowering the waste capacity. Food scrap vacuums should be emptied after each use to prevent bacteria and mold
Final Form + Features
Design Thinking:
The last round of sketches started to get too complicated, too many colliding volumes.
How can we direct the user's to grip the vacuum correctly?
Final Inspiration
Design Thinking:
Who knew the final direction wouldn't come from the clean digital drawings but the quick notebook sketches between commutes?
This is a much more simplified and elegant form featuring a minimal silhouette, allowing the vacuum to fit into any kitchen.
A Different
Approach
NuClean is a new take on form, function and solution to minimize single use cleaning products specifically in the kitchen.
Clean Comfort
A neutral wrist grip lets users avoid fatigue and pinch points.
Intuitive Screen
NuClean has a screen that displays information such as current PSI, battery life and other IOT updates.
Scrubbing
Unlocked!
The bottom foot features plastic bristles that scrub away tough stains without damaging countertops.
Intuitive Mode Switch
NuClean can clean both dry and wet messes. By simply pushing down, the foot compresses and creates a water tight seal. It's perfect for accidental spills!
