Ansell

Goal

Lead a team of designers through the discovery and research phases to design the next generation of chemical safety gloves based on customer and user needs.

Research:

Ethnographic site visits were conducted at locations across multiple industries which frequently use chemical safety gloves to gain an understanding of the environment in which the gloves are used. Under the guidance of the research team, designers were included in the site visits to see first hand and document the context in which their designs would be implemented. The site visits allowed the team to identify key problem areas and complaints with existing chemical gloves and identify new opportunities areas.

In addition to the ethnographic research, focus groups were held with purchasers, safety managers, and chemical workers. These focus groups allowed the design team to understand glove attributes (i.e. thickness, comfort, grip, etc.) based on user definitions and begin to understand the glove attribute trade-offs involved with glove use.   

The findings were condensed into actionable design criteria in order to lead brainstorming sessions with team members and client representatives. Through a systematic working process the results of the brainstorming sessions were developed into 18 new chemical glove concepts. Image boards were developed to convey the essence of the concepts and tested in focus groups with chemical workers and safety managers to obtain their feedback on what would and what would not work for their needs.   

Following the focus groups each of the concepts were rated by client management and the design team on multiple criteria including target market size, marketability, brand alignment, development feasibility, and user research. The ratings were weighted and each concept scored to determine which had the greatest potential. From this process six glove concepts were chosen to further develop and investigate. Based on the qualitative feedback the six final concepts were further refined to ensure they closely align with the customer needs and expectations. 

To complete the research, an internet survey of chemical workers and safety managers was conducted to obtain quantifiable data on concept appeal, purchase intent, pricing, and other relevant information for each of the six final concepts. Over 600 qualified respondents across North America and Europe were included in the survey. 

Deliverables:

The team provided the client with strategic recommendations on which glove concepts to develop and for which markets. Business cases for each of the six final concepts and a complete report of all the research conducted was presented to support the findings and recommendations. Included with the presentation were video and photographic data to add context to the research findings.