Sharper Image Handheld Vacuum – 2023

We worked closely with Sharper Image’s design and development teams, leading the conceptual and detailed design for their new family of premium vacuum cleaners. Designed in parallel, the Sharper Image 2-In-1 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and Cordless Handheld Vacuum are new products from the ground-up. Our engagement included initial feature-set exploration and component architecture definition, concept development, product family visual language definition and industrial design, and user experience development for ergonomics and usability.

The development process started by defining the specifications and architecture of key components: motor, filter, batteries, controls. These internals were wrapped in several exterior design concepts that explored ergonomics and usability, visual styling, and component/part assembly strategies. As this was part of a launch into a new product category for Sharper Image, it was important that the design inherited the DNA of the brand’s existing products while also pushing the Sharper Image design language into the future.

Once a final form was developed, we moved to physical prototyping to dial-in the ergonomics of the handle. Width, depth, curvature, and character of transition across the handle’s parting lines were iterated and validated through 3D printed models.

Convenient charging and storage of the vacuum and included accessories was a core element of our user experience requirements. We designed a vertically oriented charging dock that displays the vacuum front and center, presenting the iconic handle to the user, with all the accessory attachments standing in the rear and easily accessed when needed. The bottom of the dock includes a cavity for charging cable management to keep clutter to a minimum.

We designed a graphics system that relies on iconography for visual simplicity and universal accessibility. Accessory storage locations on the dock are labeled with bold silhouettes of the items themselves. Control labels and branding graphics were developed to work within and expand the existing Sharper Image visual brand language.

We designed a graphics system that relies on iconography for visual simplicity and universal accessibility. Accessory storage locations on the dock are labeled with bold silhouettes of the items themselves. Control labels and branding graphics were developed to work within and expand the existing Sharper Image visual brand language.

The result of this development journey is a light, efficient, and powerful vacuum for a wide breadth of uses at home and abroad. With the ability to store everything in a single charging dock, ample canister size and battery life, as well as an ergonomic-focused design, the Sharper Image Handheld Vacuum is a product considered from the inside out to serve the user’s needs while complimenting its environment.