Unused wing treads

I decided not to use these wing treads as I didn't like the aesthetic. The wing shape was too obvious and I wanted a more subtle look. 

Remodelling the rotating arm

I needed to remodel the rotating arm of the roller as the previous model looked too flimsy and not robust enough to handle the conditions in rural sub Saharan Africa. The newer model is more intricate and aesthetically pleasing. It also curves towards the user for easier use.

Tread configurations

This was a potential tread configuration for the roller. The shape was inspired by the shape of wings but I still wanted to keep the shape quite simple. 

I had received some feedback that I could add more curvature to the treads to add a more organic feel. I would address this in the future. 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


This was the result in creating a more organic shaped tread. It now resembles a more of a wing shape
but it still holds that industrial look I am after.
I had received some feedback that the black rubber of the treads gives off some negative environmental connotations. I will address the material of the treads in the future.

Initial ideas and concepts

Before embarking on the insecticide sprayer design I wanted to create a backpack that would be carried on the back of aid workers. These hard-case backpacks would contain a number of compartments that held mosquito nets, malaria test kits and malaria medication. This backpack would also feature an insecticide tank and sprayer.

This is the image that inspired the backpack idea with multiple compartments and many different components.






Why I did not pursue this idea:
The reason being was I felt that the backpack was a product with too many parts. A product within a product within a product. I wanted my final product to be more focused and refined. Having to concentrate on 5 or more products would involve too much research and end up with a diluted final outcome.

Alternative handles

These were alternative handles for the roller. I felt they were too chunky and over designed. I wanted to streamline the handle and handle base so these models were scrapped.

Refining handle material

The material of the main handle arm is to resemble a thick, robust plastic. In the first render the plastic was to bumpy and grainy, like it has been aged. I wanted a more smooth surface. By refining the bump and the diffuse layer I gained the aesthetic I wanted. 

Final material

Alternative models and development

This was a possible roller concept, with an emphasis on very robust treads. This design was influenced by military vehicles.
Although aesthetically this design looks interesting the supporting spokes would be dangerous if someone got their hand caught in it. The deep treads may also collect a lot of dirt.
This design would be scrapped and a more refined roller would be modelled.

Spray gun dragonfly pattern

The spray gun is modelled to resemble the body of the dragonfly and also is textured in a similar way. This visually emphasises the sprayers ultimate purpose, to kill mosquitoes. 

A number of different colour schemes would be available for the sprayer. 

Mood boards

Several mood boards I put together to assist with designing certain aspects of the product.

The features of the naiad/ dragonfly will be integrated into product, specifically the spray gun.

The image of a dead mosquito is a positive one in Sub-Saharan Africa so I will attempt to integrated possibly a simple decal of graphic onto the side if the drum. This will visually communicate to locals that this product is for the betterment. When squashed the mosquito blood pouch ruptures, leaving a red stain. This red stain could be integrated into the logo.

One way to better assimilate IRS into African culture is to utilise traditional African print into the product somehow. Possibly a detachable decal, this would make the rolling tank customisable, allowing the tank to visually adapt  to each part of the continent. For example print design in Ghana will be different to print design in Zimbabwe. If this tank has a familiar feelings to locals it will be more welcome.

Naming the product 'The Naiad'

A naiad is the immature form of the dragonfly and is a very successful predator of mosquitoes.
I will integrate the form of the dragonfly and naiad into the actual design of my roller. The insect body features a lot of ridges and overlapping plates and it is this aesthetic feature I want to integrate into my model.
The naiad and dragonfly are recognised by the local population as predators of mosquitoes which has a positive connotation, which will transfer over to my product

When integrating the form of the insect into my product I don't want the addition to be too obvious or overdone. I want the additions to be subtle and add to the practicality of the product rather than just an aesthetic feature.

Development presentation

This Prezi presentation includes sketches, models, concepts and other products that influenced the design.

Link to presentation

Refining the model

This is a refined model of the rolling container, featuring the newly modelled tire treads.

Although the black material creates a striking visual I don't think the colour is appropriate. The roller is reminiscent of a piece of military equipment or something dangerous. This isn't the message I want to communicate with this product.

It is likely that I will develop this colour scheme in future iterations. The white body with black accents creates a strong visual presence, increases the roller visibility and reflects heat from the sun. The monotone colour scheme will also influence the branding of the product.



I had received some feedback that the car tires had a negative environmental connotation so I will re-evaluate the tire treads in future concepts.

Modelling tire treads

I modelled these treads based off car tire. These treads would grip a variety of surfaces much better than previous models. I also experimented with several materials to achieve a realistic texture.

Early model concepts

Based off initial sketches I began modelling and texturing roller concepts. At this stage it was all about finding the most efficient way to model the roller and it's various components. This would speed up my workflow once I began modelling final models.

This model lacks some of the key features of the roller. The cap that allows the operator to pour in the insecticide, the hand pump to pressurise the tank and the spray gun and hose. Also At this stage I do not know where I will place the hose.
I received some feedback on this model regarding the treads. They were too thin and would have trouble gripping a tarmac or dirt road.On future iterations I will focus on increasing the grip of the roller.

On this tank model I increased the treads so they covered the entire area of the container.
Still this type of treads would have trouble gripping the grounds as the treads lacked any teeth.
Also because the treads covered the whole area of the tank there is no room to place the window, which allows the user to check how much liquid is in the tank. I still want to include this feature so I will have to reconfigure the treads.

Sketches