Luna Ergonomic Utility Knife | Process

An ergonomic cutting tool designed through hand studies, grip analysis, and iterative sketching to improve comfort, control, and safety during prolonged use.

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Design Opportunity
Concept Exploration
Final Outcome
User / Context
Decision Making
Project Reflection

Design Opportunity

Create an ergonomic design to replace the standard precision knife handle that maintains users ability to perform detail work without tiring or harming the body.

User / Context

Users

  • Designers

  • Crafters

  • Professionals

  • Students

  • Those with arthritis or other grip-related concern

Concept exploration

Ergonomic Research

Researching precision knife pieces, and conducting minimal user testing to determine the pain-points of the standard handle.

Early Ideation

Rough lighting round sketches exploring alternative handle forms. 

“No bad ideas” - stage

Narrowing Ideation

3 unique concepts with varying levels of conventionality - exploring designs that open the hand and widen the grip to prevent cramping.

Concept Prototype #1

Clay prototype focused on

  • widening the grip

  • simple parts that could be attached to standard handle

Concept Prototype #2

Clay prototype focusing on:

  • thicker handle - minimizes “pinching”

  • intuitive grip - maintaining conventionality

Concept Prototype #3

Clay prototype focusing on:

  • exploring innovative form

  • completely removes “pinch” motion

  • opens the hand to minimize fatigue and strain

Decision Making

Further Prototype Ideation - Change of Direction

Epoxy iteration of concept #3:

  • Clunky concept realization

  • After feedback - awkward in the hand

Back to the Drawing Board

After receiving more feedback on concept #2, further iteration focusing on

  • minimizing pinch

  • opening the palm

  • anti-slip texture & form

  • offering multiple grips to minimize strain

Final Outcome

Final Design Concept

Functional precision knife handle design that minimizes strain.

Soft form and blue silicone finish contribute to a calm feel, and dimpled texture adds grip and signifies finger placement, adding to the safety of the device.

3 diverse grip options allow for precise cutting, and minimizing hand and wrist fatigue.

Final Prototype

Project Reflection

What I learned

  • The importance of iteration based on user feedback

  • Failed prototypes are an important part of the design process

Project Constraints

  • 2 week time frame - alongside other projects

  • 2-part Epoxy Clay (allowed prototyping material)

If I had more time, I would

  • Practice with the epoxy a few times before making the final prototype (very challenging material to work with)

  • Conduct more user testing with modeling clay before creating a final prototype

  • Create a higher-fidelity prototype with a more manageable material

  • Photo-document prototypes in a professional studio for clearer design communication