The objective of this project was to redesign the GARDENA existing hedge trimmer -- Accu Shrub Sheer ContourCut with an ergonomic approach.

The new design should appeal to the given target group and also fit into the Gardena brand.

For the given persona, the following points are highlighted in my design considerations:

- comfortable grip
- easy to operate
- good semantics
- safety

To better understand how the trimmer works and find out the problems, we tested the existing product in real world situation. After that I analyzed the current trimmer from an ergonomic perspective.

Main Problems

- poor weight distribution causes wrist fatigue
- high grip point, inflexible
- poor safety button positioning, difficult to operate
- hard plastic handle, uncomforable

Gardena's design values were used as the criteria to narrow down the concept directions during the evaluation workshop period. I chose the three concepts with the most comments to continue.

For the three chosen directions, I made a quick mockup model to test each concept.

Adjustable Handle: Wrong Direction

The testing result of the adjustable handle concepts was negative in terms of:

- frequent adjusting interrupts the working process
- not flexible as wrist for the precise cutting
- inefficient

Concept of Choice

Compared to the existing product, concept 3 has a lower grip point and better weight distribution.

Weighed Model

I made a physical weighted sketch model with the weights of the components in their new locations. The target user was asked to use the model on plants in different angles, and to compare it against the current Gardena product.

Testing Resault:

Good points:
- good weight balance
- better cutting view
- comfortable safety button positioning
- flexible

Areas of improvement:
- handle size
- button size
- handle comfort

According to the testing result, another sketch model was created to improve the ergonomics of my design.

Then I made the final sketch model and painted it to get the realistic feeling of the product.