Terra

The Ergonomic Garden Hoe

Industrial Design > Group Project > 5 Weeks

Our prompt was to devise a usability test for an existing hand-held (non-powered) garden tool. We chose to revise the design of the garden hoe and improve its ergonomics while keeping human factors in mind.

Style Market Comparison

We started our research by studying the current designs of the garden hoe available on the market.

Screen Shot 2017-11-09 at 9.13.27 PM.png

Screen Shot 2017-11-09 at 9.13.14 PM.png

Screen Shot 2017-11-09 at 9.13.05 PM.png

Screen Shot 2017-11-09 at 9.12.21 PM.png

Screen Shot 2017-11-09 at 9.12.56 PM.png

Screen Shot 2017-11-09 at 9.12.45 PM.png

As part of our primary research we tested the design of the garden hoe to identify the pain points and opportunities for ergonomic improvement.

After conducting secondary and primary research we charted the physical stress zone and pain points caused over time after prolonged use of the garden hoe.

Subject Expert Opinion

We asked Jason Johnson, an athletic trainer, about the common injuries that gardeners would face when using the garden hoe and what aspects of the design he would change to prevent these injuries.

He gave us the following insights:

- Major stress points are in the wrist much like they are for a golfer.

- The most common injuries are ECU Sub Sheath tear and dis-positioned lower back pathology.

- The grip must be close to the body.

- Angled grip as well as a perpendicular secondary grip for wrist comfort.

- The handle must be as heavy as the head, to act as a counterweight.

Jason Johnson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training and a Master of Kinesiology degree in Strength and Conditioning.

As a group we came up with 40 concept sketches and combined the best concepts to come up with five prototypes to be tested.

User Testing

Phase I : 5 prototypes were made. We conducted a series of user testing. Qualitative date was collected.

Phase II : Enhanced and stronger versions of the prototypes were made and tested. 25 volunteers were asked to used each of the prototypes by tending to soil. They also filled out a questionnaire based on the Dichotomous/Likert Scale.