The future of key guides…..
Introduction
In my pursuit of trying to develop the ultimate key-guide and key turner, I wanted to share our journey of design and discovery. We embarked to design something that would help people all around the world with the struggles that my Grandmother endured.
Product aims:
Help user find the right key
Help user grip the key
Help user turn the key in lock
Help user locate the key hole
Our initial design was very simple, comprising of 2 items. The key turner, that interacted with the key-guide or base plate, allowing the key to slot into the lock easily every time. Colour, shape, texture feel and size were all of crucial importance during the initial design phase.
Concept Development
In our initial concept stage, we considered the aid of braille text, to identify which key belongs to which door, the use of textured material to help with grip, and the concept of the key holder and base plate working together in harmony. .
Design Work
We spent along time looking at how the key holder would be designed to allow for flexibility of various keys of all shapes and sizes, along with looking at the best way the guide plate could interact with the key. We also wanted to ensure that fitting the Key guide would be incredibly easy for all that engaged with it.
Modelling
We did a number of 3D models from nothing more than card and paper to home in on our design and test functionality.
Here we have a 3D model of our prototype.
Final Product Development
Production has now completed and we have the new product in stock.
Please enjoy our technical design work as we seek to make our key guide.
Here you can see how we worked on the key-guide entering the lock and touching the door perfectly.
