Design Studies: Electric Drill

At our studio, we regularly conduct internal design studies outside of client work. These explorations allow us to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and investigate emerging design languages without the constraints of a formal brief. Our commitment to conceptual studies keeps us proactive in pushing boundaries and staying ahead of industry trends. Beyond experimentation, they also serve as marketing tools, showcasing Tactile’s expertise and approach to innovation.

For this study, we focused on the electric drill, one of the most common household power tools. Despite its ubiquity, many drills adopt a design language rooted in industrial workspaces: rugged, bulky, and utilitarian. While effective for professionals, this aesthetic can feel intimidating and overbuilt for casual household users. The initial phase of our process centered on streamlining the user experience, making the drill more approachable, intuitive, and comfortable in everyday use. Building on that foundation, the study offered an opportunity to refine form language and explore color and material choices that reinforced usability while elevating visual appeal. I served as a co-lead alongside our Principal Industrial Designer and fellow Industrial Designer, contributing to research, concept ideation, UX development, CMF strategy, and final renderings.