PowerSlug, Inclusive Design

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This anthropomorphized surge protector was a witty way to improve the interactions of the possibly dangerous device for blind users. Using a flexible rubber to prevent twisting and grooves to suggest orientation, I branded this product with its physical characteristics in mind. The main feature of my design are molded tracks that allow the user to guide the prongs to the outlet. This was inspired by the difficulties in trying to plug appliances in when they are hidden from sight. This coincided well with the studio prompt to design a product that would benefit sighted and non-sighted users. Another observation I made and attempted to solve was the tangled surge protector. This is a result of light and rigid plastic power strips, causing difficulties in organization. I began prototyping crude mockups of tracks but quickly moved to more refined mockups in CAD. I got to have some designs 3D printed to use with the blind users who came to help product test. I have learned to use a variety of materials to prototype in an effective manner. These models show early lo-fi mockups to my final prototype. Although I could not receive a 3D printed model in time for the final show, I found a solution in lasercutting and gluing together thin layers of cardboard. I had very positive feedback from the blind users who came for review. The PowerSlug has a fuse within each <em>Slug</em> which enables them to be extended and configured with different outlet extensions. I wanted to give the PowerSlug a playful character. Though, in retrospect, I might have given them <em>too</em> much character. These were modeled and rendered in SolidWorks. Though, in retrospect, I might have given them <em>too</em> much character. These were modeled and rendered in SolidWorks.