Next-Gen Hair Dryer Concept
A compact hair dryer that turns a new scalp-protect distance sensor into the visual signature of the product.
- Concept Design
- Form Development
- Ergonomics
- CMF
A contest concept for the next generation of hair dryer. The technical brief was demanding: house a larger, more powerful motor and an external distance sensor at the tip of the air outlet — protecting the scalp from heat — inside a tight 204 × 178 mm footprint, while giving the product a strong, compact identity that avoids the bulky look of traditional dryers.
The Problem
More power usually means more volume. The challenge was to integrate a bigger motor and an entirely new sensing component without the product growing heavier or clumsier — and without hiding the one feature that made it new.
My Approach
I benchmarked five category leaders and explored two divergent strategies: radical formal reduction versus expressive, sculpted surfaces. The key insight was to treat the distance sensor not as an add-on to conceal but as the signature detail, framed in a copper ring at the nozzle. The folding architecture was reinterpreted rather than discarded, and the handle was resolved around a sculpted, ergonomic grip with four inline controls.
The Outcome
A compact, confident dryer in black with copper accents: a glowing heater element behind a radial grille, a sensor that reads as jewellery rather than hardware, and a handle designed for long, comfortable use.
Key Features
Scalp-Protect Sensor
External distance sensor at the outlet tip, framed as the visual signature
Larger Motor
Ø42 mm motor housed within a 204 × 178 mm footprint
Ergonomic Handle
Sculpted grip with a soft-touch panel for long sessions
Inline Controls
Four buttons placed for the thumb without breaking the silhouette
Copper Accents
A single accent material tracing the seams and the nozzle ring
Compact Identity
Powerful without the bulk of traditional dryers
Next Project
Future Art Deco Flashlight
EDC Tool · Contest Entry
