3M heat pro
3M heat pro
vinyl wrapping heat gun
vinyl wrapping heat gun
a heat gun meticulously designed for precision and efficiency, delivering controlled heat to ensure seamless application without damaging the vinyl or underlying paint.
a heat gun meticulously designed for precision and efficiency, delivering controlled heat to ensure seamless application without damaging the vinyl or underlying paint.
solo
solo
twelve weeks
twelve weeks
semester project
semester project
2023
2023
research phase
research phase
two weeks
two weeks
boots on the ground
boots on the ground
In order to get a better understanding of the current professional user workflow, I met Dan, a 5-year auto professional at Deadicated Auto Club. I spent the day with Dan studying his methods of applying vinyl wrap and his go-to tools.
In order to get a better understanding of the current professional user workflow, I met Dan, a 5-year auto professional at Deadicated Auto Club. I spent the day with Dan studying his methods of applying vinyl wrap and his go-to tools.
We discussed the current main shop heat gun, the Wagner Furno 500, and compared it to my reference heat gun. I also showed rough 3D shapes to gauge opinions and interest.
zero premium feel for the price point
cord always getting in the way
lack of adjustability of output temperature
lack of adjustability of output temperature
aggressive grips that don’t fit all hands
confusing ui and button layout
key findings
teardown
teardown
With such a straightforward internal structure, the heat gun offers potential for enhancements, such as more precise temperature settings and a space for battery integration, all while preserving its functional design.
With such a straightforward internal structure, the heat gun offers potential for enhancements, such as more precise temperature settings and a space for battery integration, all while preserving its functional design.
*same wagner corded model used by interviewed user
*same wagner corded model used by interviewed user
concept exploration & refinement
concept exploration & refinement
three weeks
three weeks
form & material
form & material
Discovering adjacent forms that peak interest and surface materials such as Tampa® Pol TPY and Textured EPDM.
Discovering adjacent forms that peak interest and surface materials such as Tampa® Pol TPY and Textured EPDM.
2d concepting
2d concepting
Developed 40+ thumbnail variations and detailed sketch pages in Illustrator to explore potential interaction points, form iterations, and user engagement zones.
Developed 40+ thumbnail variations and detailed sketch pages in Illustrator to explore potential interaction points, form iterations, and user engagement zones.
concept elevation utilizing ai
concept elevation utilizing ai
Using a combination of Vizcom and Midjourney AI tools I was quickly able to take quick thumbnails and visualize them to gain inspiration and make concept adjustment.
Using a combination of Vizcom and Midjourney AI tools I was quickly able to take quick thumbnails and visualize them to gain inspiration and make concept adjustment.
ideal workflow
ideal workflow
Using a temperature sensor to automatically adjust the system's output not only makes it easier to prevent burning through wraps but also improves overall efficiency and precision.
Using a temperature sensor to automatically adjust the system's output not only makes it easier to prevent burning through wraps but also improves overall efficiency and precision.
cad & prototyping
cad & prototyping
three weeks
three weeks
base form development
base form development
Using Rhino to further develop the heat gun form based off previous findings and sketching. Creating a range of forms to tune weight distribution and ergonomics.
Using Rhino to further develop the heat gun form based off previous findings and sketching. Creating a range of forms to tune weight distribution and ergonomics.
physicals
physicals
Creating sketches exploring proportion, form, and silhouette, then translating those ideas into 6+ FDM and resin prints. These models helped evaluate in-hand feel, scale, and usability—bridging 2D concepts with real-world physicality.
Creating sketches exploring proportion, form, and silhouette, then translating those ideas into 6+ FDM and resin prints. These models helped evaluate in-hand feel, scale, and usability—bridging 2D concepts with real-world physicality.
product visualization
product visualization
three weeks
three weeks
