Sirocco
Hair care for everyone
Sirocco is a wall mounted
hairdryer that repurposes
traditional hardware...
...to create a universally
accessible design for a wide
range of physical abilities.
Spring 2025 - 6 weeks
Solo in-class project
Software: Solidworks, Keyshot
Focus: problem solving, product teardown, DFM, functional prototyping, user testing
Sirocco is an accessible
hairdryer designed for a
range of physical abilities.
Spring 2025 - 6 weeks
Solo in-class project
Software: Solidworks, Keyshot
Focus: problem solving, product teardown, design
for manufacture, functional prototyping, user testing
User Needs Research
Observation: Mouth holds handle
while arm presses down.
Observation: Chin & shoulder
can grasp & maneuver handles.
Observation: Have things
propped up at the right height.
Most products overlook
the needs of users
with limb difference.
They have to adapt and use alternative
methods to complete everyday tasks because
products are only designed for the “norm”.
Hairdryers require constant, extended hand-holding;
how might we make them more convenient & accessible?
graceful / domestic / curving
Initial ideations explored
various interactions
and configurations.
Later ideations
explored form and
evaluated usability.
Initial ideations explored various
interactions and configurations.
Later ideations explored
form and evaluated usability.
Initial ideations explored various
interactions and configurations.
Later ideations explored
form and evaluated usability.
I spent time understanding
the hardware required.
I conducted a teardown to learn the key
components and manufacture of a hairdryer.
My class required me to repurpose existing
hardware in my design so this stage was crucial.
And refining the design
with prototyping.
Through iterations of Solidworks CAD
models and 3D printed prototypes, I
ensured correct scale and tolerances.
And refining the design
with prototyping.
Through iterations of Solidworks CAD
models and 3D printed prototypes, I
ensured correct scale and tolerances.
I also tested for ease of use.
The interaction points were tested with peers to
anticipate the needs of real disabled users.
And refining, prototyping,
and testing the design.
Through iterations of Solidworks CAD
models and 3D printed prototypes, I ensured
correct scale and tolerances. The ease of
use was tested with the help of peers to
anticipate the needs of real disabled users.
Meet Sirocco.
Accessible, innovative design
made with standard hardware.
Standard hardware.
Innovative design.
Easy adjust.
-
shoulder-height switch is easy to reach.
-
soft silicone provides a more comfortable grip.
-
simple toggle motion for 2 levels of heat.
Easy adjust.
Shoulder-height switch
is easy to reach.
Soft silicone provides a
more comfortable grip.
Simple toggle motion
for 2 levels of heat.
Easy dry.
Wall-mounted frame
at a convenient height.
Angled head allows
for easy air intake.
Curved hood channels
air directly toward you.
Easy dry.
-
wall-mounted frame at a convenient height.
-
angled head allows for easy air intake.
-
curved hood channels air toward you.
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Comfort in your life.
Color in
your home.
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