Tattoo Machine
Project Constraints
The goal of this project was to interview a professional in a field of our choice to identify problems and opportunities for improvement within the tools they use. Using insights from the interview, we were tasked with redesigning their equipment to better address their needs.
project duration
15 weeks
SKILLS USED
Sketching
Surface Modeling
Prototyping
Keyshot
Vizcom
The user
To better understand the challenges tattoo artists face, I interviewed local tattoo artist Tavier Flowers. He shared that he replaces the grip tape on his machine before every session to maintain sterility. This creates significant material waste and makes it difficult to maintain a consistent grip shape from session to session.
Pain Points
Inconsistent Grip
Excessive Waste
From my conversation with Tavier these are the two primary issues I wanted to target in my redesign. The inconsistency in the grip from being rewrapped, and the waste created from throwing out the grip after every session.
Opportunity Gap
base ergonomics VS Adaptability
Design Goal
Form exploration
For this stage of the process I explored different potential forms and methods to improve the ergonomics of the tattoo machine.
Teardown
In order to understand the internals I was designing around I disassembled a machine that was already on the market.
Sketch Retrofit
Ergonomic Prototypes
*
In order to test the ergonomics of earlier sketches I carved these models. Each model with a start helped to influence the final design direction.
*
*
*
CAD IDeation
Many iterations were made in CAD to nail down the exact form. Each iteration tweaked the body and the way that the grip would be attached.
Grey Model Prototype
3 grip options for different artists
