Festool Impact Driver
design studio project - summer 2019 - 15 weeks
Meet Jerry
Jerry has worked as a solar panel installer for the past five years. As an ex-marine with over a decade of experience in carpentry, Jerry is highly skilled and does tough work. You can typically find him on high roofs, installing arrays of solar panels by himself in any number of weather conditions.
How can we improve the working experience of solar panel installers like Jerry?
Observational research was conducted over the course of two days to understand the tools, workflows, and point-points of a solar panel installer.
Gently sloping roofs require installer to bend, causing pain in knees, back, and hamstrings
Driver can overheat, especially during warmer days, and consequently requires replacement
Battery pack is heavy and placement makes if difficult to hold and carry in tool belt
Handle is not conducive to varied hand positions required during installation
FESTOOL produces high-end power tools for the modern craftsman. Their product line embodies uncompromising quality and German pragmatism while showing a high sensitivity to ergonomics and form
Black and white with green accents
Improved ergonomics for multiple grip types
Simple graphics to illustrate correct usage
Expand Festool brand language
Sensible yet sleek form language
More balanced weight distribution
Short linear vents
A new impact driver was developed through sketching and
physical models according to the following research and brand informed design goals:
Handle angled further forward to prevent hyper-extension of the wrist when bending over
Sloped battery pack makes drilling with a perpendicular grip more comfortable
A more compact, comfortable impact
driver for the modern professional
