Unusual Ergonomics

Unusual Ergonomics

When designing the handle of the Dexter Outdoors Dextreme fillet knife, we faced an unusual ergonomic challenge. The asymmetrical blade was intended to be used upside-down about 10% of the time: using the serrated Tiger Edge for tough cuts through fish bone, scales, and fins. This helps maintain a razor sharp edge on the fillet side of the blade for cutting through the meat of the fish.

When tackling a unique use case for any product, we have two critical recommendations for our clients. First, prototype as early and often as possible. Creating 3D printed handles in the early conceptual phase allowed us to vet dozens of iterations within a short time, before the schedule had advanced too far and a design direction was locked in. Second, test with real users, and then test again. Multiple rounds were key to evaluating and eliminating different variables, arriving at a form that was superior for the task, not just “good enough.”

We will explore these important design exercises and how they can help unlock insights to unusual problems in future posts!