Haydn Thomas: Product Designer

Client: Profile Autones Ltd / VGroup International

Project: RAC Branded Automotive Accessories

 

Profile Autones Ltd, the UK's largest supplier of car mats, were new to the product development process. Having obtained the RAC licence, they commissioned the design of a range of car accessory products. 

 

Building on previous experience in this area, product and market research was conducted to identify areas where improvements could be made and unique selling points, (USP), could be integrated.

 

The final range included single and twin barrel foot pumps, two air compressors and two battery chargers. 

 

For the foot pumps, a sturdy frame was designed which would withstand the forces that are applied to these products and housed a high pressure barrel for rapid inflation. The USP was in the footplate which pivoted to keep a constant contact point with the user's foot, and also locked the foot pump into its closed position.

 

For the compressors and battery chargers, a common, simple but rugged looking design was used and featured secure cable storage. The compressors also featured the same gauge design as used on the foot pumps and the RAC brand colours were used across all products.