tools project: scissors

I have altered traditional scissors by replacing the handles with a squeeze mechanism which feels much like squeezing a stress ball.  The handles of traditional scissors are a great stress point to the user. Traditional scissors handles are restricting (not everyone’s finger fit the holes) and lack of hand support causes great jarring in the palm are hence are highly un-ergonomic . The Squeezing mechanism which I have employed removes the holes allowing no restriction of the fingers and the squeezing mechanism distributes the stress over the entire palm which removes the jarring hence enhances the ease of cutting. Due To the dynamic action of the handle's nylon loop attachment these scissors are ideal for those who have hand problems such as arthritis, weakness or thumb injuries but are also ideal for children learning to cut who cannot manage the finger holes of tradition scissors. By removing the traditional scissor finger holes also means they are not left or right hand specific, allowing for a larger non discriminative target market, this is greatly beneficial as organisations such as households, offices or schools will not have to purchase different scissors for left hander’s.

Besides from the function benefits this product is pleasurable as a result of the incorporation of design element and principles. This includes contrast of smooth silicon organic body shape the sharp ceramic blades, these two elements also highly contrast in colour and texture. Radiation from the sharp point to the volumous bulb forces the eye to move down the design hence create movement which allows the design to have an interesting aesthetics. Also adding interest is the unsymmetrical vertically axis and the unbalanced symmetry of grips creates interest. These grips along with the screw are points of dominance the grips and the screw are interest point which catch the eye.

The squeezing mechanism and bright, soft aesthetic, is appealing as it adds a quirky, funness to cutting, which engages the consumer and stops the feelings of duty or obligation to perform this task.

Materials Used

Ceramic is used for the blades as this material stays sharper for longer. This material is harder then stainless steal hence it can hold an edge longer. Ceramics also retain their like-new appearance better than stainless because they don't pit, rust or corrode, and are lighter than stainless steal.

Silicon rubber is used for the outer shell and also the hand grips. Its soft matt finish is non-irritating on the skin while its high flexural strength, ease of manufacturing and shaping, high tear strength is ideal for the movement of the squeezing mechanism.

Polyamide is used for the inside loop as it has good flextrual strength, high resistance to wear and abrasion, good compression strength, good crack resistance.

Premium high density foam; this foam is highly durable being used in many applications that require prolonged use of heavy hence would be ideal for the repetitive motion used in the cutting mechanism.