Objectified Response - Assignment 1

KEY HOLDER

by

Vivian Smith

Key Holder - 3/4 View With Dimensions

Key Holder - Front (inside) View

Key Holder - Top View

Key Holder - Back View

Object Description

After watching Gary Hustwit's Objectified, one idea really stood out to me.  Dan Formosa from Smart Design stated that design should consider the user fringe, not the user archetype.  From my background, I am much more familiar with meeting the 90% standard set of requirements and considering the 10% of cases that aren't satisfied with the design only when issues arise.  The example Mr. Formosa used was that of an arthritic woman struggling with a standard potato peeler.  He then showed an improved design of a potato peeler with a much larger rubberized handle that could be used by the potato peeler fringe as well as typical users. This concept was the inspiration for the key holder shown in the above images.  

The above key holder is designed to modify existing keys, although the approach could incorporated into the manufacturing of blank keys.  The following are characteristics of the unit:

• height of approximately 3" (without the top ring).  This increases the size of the key head while still maintaining a comfortably portable size.
• rounded surfaces for hand comfort
• generally oval or egg shaped.  This allows the user to apply some leverage.  A completely spherical unit would be more of a challenge to use.
• rubberized surface.  This helps to both hold the key in place once it is snapped inside the unit and allows a better grip of the key head.
• flexible closure.  The loop on the pink side is also rubberized so that it can be positioned over the rectangular obtrusion extending from the back of the purple half.
• top loop.  A chain can be threaded through the loop for easy placement on a key chain.
• colour is optional.  Colours shown are to facilitate object description.
• simplified design leaving only the necessities for functionality.

Use of Unit

A key head can be placed in the recessed portion of the pink side of the unit with the section of the key to be inserted into a lock extending at right angles away from the unit.  The two halves of the key holder can be snapped closed.  The key holder improves the standard design of a key and benefits both fringe and typical users as follows:

• Increases key head for easier grip by arthritic hands.
• Increases key head for greater leverage for those with hand/arm weakness.
• During cold weather, the rubberized surface offers some protection for the skin of the hand (when compared to the normal metal).
• If the user is wearing heavy gloves, the key will be easier to grasp with the key holder in place.
• Young children will find the key easier to use as less coordination is required.
• Greater comfort for all users.

Considerations

Before finalizing the design, the following items require further investigation:

• Depth and diameter of recessed indentation on the pink side of the unit.
• Size of top loop and closer to ensure durability.
• User testing.
• Investigation into preferred colours.