For my Human Factors and Ergonomics module I redesigned a hair dryer as I recognised there were multiple ergonomic issues with features such as the button placement. I understood the problems with extensive user feedback and redesigned accordingly to solve those issues ergonomically.
To fully understand the cognitve and physical affordances of the hair dryer I conducted personas, observations, reviews, task analyses and created anthropometric diagrams. I learnt which features of the hair dryer needed to be redesigned ergonomically. I found the existing button placement of the hair dryer is in an awkard and straining place for users to reach. It is unclear how the nozzle is removed and attached. The wire frequently gets tangled and in the way of the user.
Adding the push button, the three coloured buttons means the user can easily and freely access the button with their thumb. The different colours siginify the temperatures and speed. The cut out handle is both easier to grip and hold but the user immediately identifys it is a handle to hold due to the change in shape. Adding the arrow onto the top of the hair dryer shows the user in which direction to remove the nozzle.
