TEAMS Design has been working with power tool manufacturers for 50 years,
a relationship that begun when TEAMS Design founder Hans Erich Slany introduced
the concept to Robert Bosch to use plastic for the tool housing instead
of steel.
Traditional all-metal body drills were very heavy and could cause electrocution.
The design of professional power tools is a highly challenging
area. Professional users work with their tools on a daily basis and grow very
accustomed to the features and shortcomings of their tools and can be less
receptive to improvements. Our challenge is to find the subtle feature and
the right styling attributes that will make them reconsider.
Styling for power tools is about communication of the internals -reliability,
longevity and most importantly durability.
All of our global offices focus on understanding how
to improve sales by designing for specific local markets. This circular saw
was designed with the US market in mind, and it achieved the most successful
launch ever for Bosch North America.
One of Bosch's all time leading products is the jigsaw.
The model shown was designed primarily for the European market, which the
styling should reflect. It also features greatly improved handle ergonomics.
Bosch have an excellent reputation in Hammers: Whether
a Rotary Hammer, a Hammer Drill or a Demolition hammer the ergonomics have
to be of the highest standard to compensate for the high weight and vibration.
Equally important is conveying on the outside the ruggedness of the qualitative
internal parts.
Mitersaws offer a big challenge to designers. The aim
is to convey an overall brand image among many very different components,
while improving the ease of use through new features and maintaining easy
assembly and reliable manufacture techniques.
In Europe Bosch divide their market into two separate
segments; the professional tools are blue and are retailed in separate channels
from the consumer tools in green.
The idea for this handy driver came from research in Europe and the US, and
is the the most powerful and popular mini drill of its kind in the world.
Our designers often visit job-sites to observe how tools
are really used. We found that many tools wouldn't survive a fall from a 6ft
ladder, which was a common occurrence. After much ideation and detailed design
work, the resulting design even survives a 56 ft drop onto concrete!
Much of our work focusses on understanding differences
between markets. This impact drill was originally conceived for the Japanese
market and we were able to adapt it's bold look to work equally well in the US
and Europe.
TEAMS Design has been working with power tool manufacturers for 50 years,
a relationship that begun when TEAMS Design founder Hans Erich Slany introduced
the concept to Robert Bosch to use plastic for the tool housing instead
of steel.
Traditional all-metal body drills were very heavy and could cause electrocution.
