MAKER: Redesign of a multipurpose hardware tool to improve its functionality and marketability

This paper presents the summary of a maker project that redesigned a multi-purpose utility tool, originally designed for linemen. While the tool had a great potential, its original design was a letdown and the product was a failure in the market. Applying a systematic procedure, the authors redesigned said tool. During the analysis of the original design, it was observed that the viewpoints of the customers (linemen) were not considered for the design of the tool. The major disadvantages included the heavy weight and the improper weight distribution of the tool. The tool also contained a feature that was not of much use for the linemen. In addition, the biomechanics aspects were not considered for the design. In the redesign cycle, the customers are also included and they provided very valuable insights for the redesign. This paper presents all the steps involved along with the details of the final redesigned tool.