Drawing on my experiences of how I and other contractors actually used the standard tape measure and framing hammer, I sought to better enable these practices, as well as expand the limitation of the tools. In addition, I designed a clip-able quick level, which would couple with contractors pencil to create a highly functional marking and leveling tool.
The UMARK+ receives your standard contractors pencil and adds a clip to it. You won’t have to bother rummaging through your pockets to make your mark.
A writing surface similar to those found on scuba clipboards enables you to quickly write and wipe messages.
The pry is located at the foot of the hammer resulting in swifter nail pulling and also allows the user to set it down upright leaving more surface area to do work.
The focus of this project was to develop a family of three products that are aesthetically and functionally harmonious. Each designer chose three products to design/redesign. The requirements were that the designs must aesthetically, ergonomically and functionally appropriate for the intended user groups. They must fit the user’s lifestyle, address physical limitations, have a simple interface and utilize feasible technology, materials and processes.
In this project, I was given a unique opportunity to use of my knowledge and experiences gained from my four years working at Fairlane Cabinets where I was responsible for cabinet design, customization, installation, as general home remodeling. My experiences gave me great insight into what carpenters and contractors genuinely desire in thier tools. I employed my understanding of issues with current tools and approached designing the tools with the intent of developing innovations that sought to remedy them, as well as, increase accuracy, safety and effeciency. The brand I establish was UTOOLS, which on all levels would embody the spirit of tools that conform to the of the user, rather than the user conforming to the tools.