Crescent Utility Cutter Grips
Crescent Utility Cutter Grips
Crescent Utility Cutter Grips
An ergonomic grip redesign developed around how utility Lineman operate their cutters
An ergonomic grip redesign developed around how utility Lineman operate their cutters
An ergonomic grip redesign developed around how utility Lineman operate their cutters
Industrial Design
Human-Factor Design
Rapid Prototyping
I led the grip's ergonomic and visual design, exploring different shapes through physical prototypes and refining the design through team evaluations and user testing.
I led the grip's ergonomic and visual design, exploring different shapes through physical prototypes and refining the design through team evaluations and user testing.
I helped translate user research into design direction, shaping key user flows and information architecture.
Following usability testing, I led the shift from a task-focused tool to a communication-centered experience, redesigning key interactions and developing an interactive AI prototype to explore the new direction.
Role:
Industrial Designer
Team:
1 Product Manager + 3 Mechanical Engineers
Timeline:
5 months // 2024 - 2025
Company:
Apex Tool Group
Role:
Industrial Designer
Team:
1 Product Manager + 3 Mechanical Engineers
Timeline:
5 months // 2024 - 2025
Company:
Apex Tool Group
// The Problem
Existing Grips Overlook Real-World Use
Utility Lineman often work in confined bucket lifts, where limited space makes conventional two-handed cutting difficult. They adapt by using different parts of their bodies to support the tool and generate leverage. However, many existing cutter grips were not designed around these ways of working.
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// The Problem
Existing Grips Overlook Real-World Use
Utility Lineman often work in confined bucket lifts, where limited space makes conventional two-handed cutting difficult. They adapt by using different parts of their bodies to support the tool and generate leverage. However, many existing cutter grips were not designed around these ways of working.
Image Caption Here
// The Problem
Existing Grips Overlook Real-World Use
Utility Lineman often work in confined bucket lifts, where limited space makes conventional two-handed cutting difficult. They adapt by using different parts of their bodies to support the tool and generate leverage. However, many existing cutter grips were not designed around these ways of working.
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// The Objective
Designing for 7 Ways of Working
Through in-field user research, we identified seven ways linemen position and operate their cutters. The challenge was to design one grip that could support these different positions without compromising comfort, leverage, or control.
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// The Objective
Designing for 7 Ways of Working
Through in-field user research, we identified seven ways linemen position and operate their cutters. The challenge was to design one grip that could support these different positions without compromising comfort, leverage, or control.
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// The Objective
Designing for 7 Ways of Working
Through in-field user research, we identified seven ways linemen position and operate their cutters. The challenge was to design one grip that could support these different positions without compromising comfort, leverage, or control.
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// The Result
A Better Grip for the Way Lineman Work
Different grip shapes were tested across seven operating positions, with feedback from the team and users guiding refinements to the form, contact surfaces, and textures. The result is a single grip designed to accommodate all seven ways utility linemen operate their cutters.
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// The Result
A Better Grip for the Way Lineman Work
Different grip shapes were tested across seven operating positions, with feedback from the team and users guiding refinements to the form, contact surfaces, and textures. The result is a single grip designed to accommodate all seven ways utility linemen operate their cutters.
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// The Result
A Better Grip for the Way Lineman Work
Different grip shapes were tested across seven operating positions, with feedback from the team and users guiding refinements to the form, contact surfaces, and textures. The result is a single grip designed to accommodate all seven ways utility linemen operate their cutters.
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Sculpted for Multiple Positions
The grip shape supports different hand positions and points of body contact, accounting for how linemen generate leverage in constrained working conditions.
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Sculpted for Multiple Positions
The grip shape supports different hand positions and points of body contact, accounting for how linemen generate leverage in constrained working conditions.
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Sculpted for Multiple Positions
The grip shape supports different hand positions and points of body contact, accounting for how linemen generate leverage in constrained working conditions.
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Texture Where It Matters
Surface textures provide added grip across different contact points while reinforcing Crescent's visual identity.
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Texture Where It Matters
Surface textures provide added grip across different contact points while reinforcing Crescent's visual identity.
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Texture Where It Matters
Surface textures provide added grip across different contact points while reinforcing Crescent's visual identity.
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// The Research
Learning Directly From the Users
Since I am not a Lineman, it was very important for us to learn directly from, see their tools and works from their perspective.
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// The Research
Learning Directly From the Users
Since I am not a Lineman, it was very important for us to learn directly from, see their tools and works from their perspective.
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// The Research
Learning Directly From the Users
Since I am not a Lineman, it was very important for us to learn directly from, see their tools and works from their perspective.
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// In-Field User Research
Show and Tell
I learned about the 7 ways they uses the tool by asking like I was a amatuar, have them teach me how they use the tools.
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// In-Field User Research
Show and Tell
I learned about the 7 ways they uses the tool by asking like I was a amatuar, have them teach me how they use the tools.
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// In-Field User Research
Show and Tell
I learned about the 7 ways they uses the tool by asking like I was a amatuar, have them teach me how they use the tools.
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// Additional Observation
The Touchpoint Goes Beyond the Grip
In addition to how they use the tools, I noticed that gloves played a main factor (for safety reason), as well as how they leverage the tools for better cutting performance.
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// Additional Observation
The Touchpoint Goes Beyond the Grip
In addition to how they use the tools, I noticed that gloves played a main factor (for safety reason), as well as how they leverage the tools for better cutting performance.
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// Additional Observation
The Touchpoint Goes Beyond the Grip
In addition to how they use the tools, I noticed that gloves played a main factor (for safety reason), as well as how they leverage the tools for better cutting performance.
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// The Process
Refined Through Rapid Prototyping
To simulate the cutter grip experience, I decided to go straight t o3D CAD and prototype my ideas, install on the actual cutters so the weight distribution is correct, then start test cutting the actual cables the Lineman cuts, to fully immerse the user experience.
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// The Process
Refined Through Rapid Prototyping
To simulate the cutter grip experience, I decided to go straight t o3D CAD and prototype my ideas, install on the actual cutters so the weight distribution is correct, then start test cutting the actual cables the Lineman cuts, to fully immerse the user experience.
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// The Process
Refined Through Rapid Prototyping
To simulate the cutter grip experience, I decided to go straight t o3D CAD and prototype my ideas, install on the actual cutters so the weight distribution is correct, then start test cutting the actual cables the Lineman cuts, to fully immerse the user experience.
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Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
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// Design Process
Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
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// Design Process
Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
Image Caption Here
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Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
Image Caption Here
Image Caption Here
// Design Process
Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
Image Caption Here
Image Caption Here
// Design Process
Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
Image Caption Here
Image Caption Here
Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
Image Caption Here
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// Design Process
Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
Image Caption Here
Image Caption Here
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// Design Process
Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
Image Caption Here
Image Caption Here
Image Caption Here
// The Process
Refined Through Rapid Prototyping
To simulate the cutter grip experience, I decided to go straight t o3D CAD and prototype my ideas, install on the actual cutters so the weight distribution is correct, then start test cutting the actual cables the Lineman cuts, to fully immerse the user experience.
Image Caption Here
// The Process
Refined Through Rapid Prototyping
To simulate the cutter grip experience, I decided to go straight t o3D CAD and prototype my ideas, install on the actual cutters so the weight distribution is correct, then start test cutting the actual cables the Lineman cuts, to fully immerse the user experience.
Image Caption Here
// The Process
Refined Through Rapid Prototyping
To simulate the cutter grip experience, I decided to go straight t o3D CAD and prototype my ideas, install on the actual cutters so the weight distribution is correct, then start test cutting the actual cables the Lineman cuts, to fully immerse the user experience.
Image Caption Here
Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
Image Caption Here
// Design Process
Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
Image Caption Here
// Design Process
Two Hands (Normal)
Because these cutters are top-heavy, we noticed there's slipperage when holding it up right, so I added a curvature out to help stablize it.
Image Caption Here
Two Hands (Pressured)
From the oberservation, when the users are cutting something thick and hard, we noticed they would apply pressure at the tip end of their grips. That led me to explore flat form/flat area for them to apply pressure easier.
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// Design Process
Two Hands (Pressured)
From the oberservation, when the users are cutting something thick and hard, we noticed they would apply pressure at the tip end of their grips. That led me to explore flat form/flat area for them to apply pressure easier.
Image Caption Here
// Design Process
Two Hands (Pressured)
From the oberservation, when the users are cutting something thick and hard, we noticed they would apply pressure at the tip end of their grips. That led me to explore flat form/flat area for them to apply pressure easier.
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Shoulder + Chest + Underarm
The most interesting insight was how they use their shoulder, chest, and underarm to cut thick wire with one hand. So I wanted to create a space on the grip that not only allow them to identify this grip has that feature, but also comfortable to use.
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// Design Process
Shoulder + Chest + Underarm
The most interesting insight was how they use their shoulder, chest, and underarm to cut thick wire with one hand. So I wanted to create a space on the grip that not only allow them to identify this grip has that feature, but also comfortable to use.
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// Design Process
Shoulder + Chest + Underarm
The most interesting insight was how they use their shoulder, chest, and underarm to cut thick wire with one hand. So I wanted to create a space on the grip that not only allow them to identify this grip has that feature, but also comfortable to use.
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Stomach + Thigh
Another non-common body areas the Lineman uses is their stomach and thigh, again, I want to make sure when they do use this, it give them leverage and comfort.
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// Design Process
Stomach + Thigh
Another non-common body areas the Lineman uses is their stomach and thigh, again, I want to make sure when they do use this, it give them leverage and comfort.
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// Design Process
Stomach + Thigh
Another non-common body areas the Lineman uses is their stomach and thigh, again, I want to make sure when they do use this, it give them leverage and comfort.
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Feet
Lastly, there will be time when the cutters are not used in the lift, but they still have to cut some cables. In this context, they would use the ground and their feet to cut thick cables.
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// Design Process
Feet
Lastly, there will be time when the cutters are not used in the lift, but they still have to cut some cables. In this context, they would use the ground and their feet to cut thick cables.
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// Design Process
Feet
Lastly, there will be time when the cutters are not used in the lift, but they still have to cut some cables. In this context, they would use the ground and their feet to cut thick cables.
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// The Validation Process
User Testing + Learning
After multiple rounds of concept prototyping and testing, we landed on a grip design that we believe offers the optimal ergonomic solution for cutter grips. We returned to the field with our ergonomic grip prototypes fitted on fully functional cutters, gathering direct feedback from linemen. Their insights were invaluable, leading to further refinements in grip ergonomics and usability.
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// The Validation Process
User Testing + Learning
After multiple rounds of concept prototyping and testing, we landed on a grip design that we believe offers the optimal ergonomic solution for cutter grips. We returned to the field with our ergonomic grip prototypes fitted on fully functional cutters, gathering direct feedback from linemen. Their insights were invaluable, leading to further refinements in grip ergonomics and usability.
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// The Validation Process
User Testing + Learning
After multiple rounds of concept prototyping and testing, we landed on a grip design that we believe offers the optimal ergonomic solution for cutter grips. We returned to the field with our ergonomic grip prototypes fitted on fully functional cutters, gathering direct feedback from linemen. Their insights were invaluable, leading to further refinements in grip ergonomics and usability.
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// Internal Team Testing
PM + Engineers
Prototypes underwent iterative refinement within the Industrial Design team and were reviewed by the broader project team, including the Product Manager, engineers, operations, and senior leadership. We sought hands-on feedback from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure the design was both practical and manufacturable.
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// Internal Team Testing
PM + Engineers
Prototypes underwent iterative refinement within the Industrial Design team and were reviewed by the broader project team, including the Product Manager, engineers, operations, and senior leadership. We sought hands-on feedback from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure the design was both practical and manufacturable.
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// Internal Team Testing
PM + Engineers
Prototypes underwent iterative refinement within the Industrial Design team and were reviewed by the broader project team, including the Product Manager, engineers, operations, and senior leadership. We sought hands-on feedback from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure the design was both practical and manufacturable.
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// Internal Team Testing
Production
I stay involve with the manufracturing process and refine the grips as we faced any difficulty.
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// Internal Team Testing
Production
I stay involve with the manufracturing process and refine the grips as we faced any difficulty.
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// Internal Team Testing
Production
I stay involve with the manufracturing process and refine the grips as we faced any difficulty.
Image Caption Here
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// Internal Team Testing
PM + Engineers
Prototypes underwent iterative refinement within the Industrial Design team and were reviewed by the broader project team, including the Product Manager, engineers, operations, and senior leadership. We sought hands-on feedback from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure the design was both practical and manufacturable.
Image Caption Here
Image Caption Here
// Internal Team Testing
PM + Engineers
Prototypes underwent iterative refinement within the Industrial Design team and were reviewed by the broader project team, including the Product Manager, engineers, operations, and senior leadership. We sought hands-on feedback from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure the design was both practical and manufacturable.
Image Caption Here
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// Internal Team Testing
PM + Engineers
Prototypes underwent iterative refinement within the Industrial Design team and were reviewed by the broader project team, including the Product Manager, engineers, operations, and senior leadership. We sought hands-on feedback from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure the design was both practical and manufacturable.
Image Caption Here
Image Caption Here
// Internal Team Testing
PM + Engineers
Prototypes underwent iterative refinement within the Industrial Design team and were reviewed by the broader project team, including the Product Manager, engineers, operations, and senior leadership. We sought hands-on feedback from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure the design was both practical and manufacturable.
Image Caption Here
Image Caption Here
// Internal Team Testing
PM + Engineers
Prototypes underwent iterative refinement within the Industrial Design team and were reviewed by the broader project team, including the Product Manager, engineers, operations, and senior leadership. We sought hands-on feedback from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure the design was both practical and manufacturable.
Image Caption Here
Image Caption Here
// Internal Team Testing
PM + Engineers
Prototypes underwent iterative refinement within the Industrial Design team and were reviewed by the broader project team, including the Product Manager, engineers, operations, and senior leadership. We sought hands-on feedback from as many stakeholders as possible to ensure the design was both practical and manufacturable.
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// The Validation Process
Key Takeaways
It's my first time designing for Lineman and boy I learned so much. I would never would have able to design a grip like this if not go into the field and talk and obeserve them in-person. Super grateful to have a team that are willing to learn directly from the target users and open to new ways of designing a grip, rather than just use off-the-shelve grips like most of the market competitions do. I understand it's cheaper but I am grateful the brand cares enough about the users to willing invest.
Image Caption Here
// The Validation Process
Key Takeaways
It's my first time designing for Lineman and boy I learned so much. I would never would have able to design a grip like this if not go into the field and talk and obeserve them in-person. Super grateful to have a team that are willing to learn directly from the target users and open to new ways of designing a grip, rather than just use off-the-shelve grips like most of the market competitions do. I understand it's cheaper but I am grateful the brand cares enough about the users to willing invest.
Image Caption Here
// The Validation Process
Key Takeaways
It's my first time designing for Lineman and boy I learned so much. I would never would have able to design a grip like this if not go into the field and talk and obeserve them in-person. Super grateful to have a team that are willing to learn directly from the target users and open to new ways of designing a grip, rather than just use off-the-shelve grips like most of the market competitions do. I understand it's cheaper but I am grateful the brand cares enough about the users to willing invest.
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All work © Yu-Cheng Yang
Feel free to reach out with any questions!
All work © Yu-Cheng Yang
Feel free to reach out with any questions!
All work © Yu-Cheng Yang
Feel free to reach out with any questions!