I started by redesigning a painter’s knife handle for FRANPIN (which became NESPOLI in 2004). We were switching from a wooden handle to a plastic one, so there was a lot more latitude in terms of shape. I took advantage of this to do something radically different, working a lot with mock-ups for ergonomics. I presented my work to management, and everyone was delighted!
A few months later, these plastic-handled painter’s knives left the factory. I showed one to a professional painter, who tried it out and told me it didn’t work for him! He shows me how to hold it when you do several hours of work a day, and indeed our tool is not well adapted.
Neither I nor the company’s management had thought to seek professional advice! We’d made a painter’s knife for the Sunday painter! That’s its main purpose, but a more suitable shape would have suited amateurs too.
That was a lesson for me! Since then, I’ve always sought the advice of professional users. I listen, I observe, I suggest and we validate together.
Prospective Design 