Joe Ladbury
BA Product Design
As a designer, working alongside people is what I love the most. What motivates me is hearing people's thoughts and challenges, and forming solutions for them.
Novatools
From working in a workshop from the age of 16 I have not only understood the challenges of using power tools for the first time but also observed other people's challenges. This understanding as well as the growing DIY market since the pandemic has developed into creating power tools for novices to aid DIY.
With initial investment being expensive for power tools, I have decided to create an oscillating multi-tool for novices allowing them to have a 3-in-1 product to support their DIY journey. Observations and working alongside novices has highlighted that power tools can not only be daunting but hard to grasp when you're new to them. The key driving force behind this product is removing the fear factor and making the tool as clear as possible to the user through colour-coded touch points.
Finally, education about how to use a power tool and what tasks users can complete was critical. To captivate this insight, I have developed an educational website with videos users can access through a QR code located on the side of the tool. So, they can learn and practice at the same time.