Ice Scraper Redesign

PROJECT OVERVIEW

A redesign of an ice scraper for a car windshield that promotes an ergonomic hand position to increase effectiveness when operating. Aimed to help people with limited strength and mobility, this redesigned ice scraper targets the universal design principles of equitable use and low physical effort.

TIMELNE

4 Weeks

September – October 2025

TOOLS

Rhino 3D

Foam Prototyping

Product Hacking

Research

PAIN POINT ANALYSIS

I evaluated the tool by determining potential pain points and identified three issues with the product that could be an area for improvement. I found that while the actual scraper portion was satisfactory, the grip proved to be biggest problem area.

No place to put thumb when scraping. Causes loss of leverage when using force to scrape thicker ice.

Handle does not accommodate users with smaller hands and the flat handle is uncomfortable.

When scraping thicker ice it is difficult to use two hands since there is nowhere to brace the second hand.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES

In my evaluation of the pain points, I found them to lack in equitable use and low physical effort from the Seven Universal Design Principles. A traditional ice scraper required an unnatural hand grip and was difficult for people with lower physical strength to use.

Equitable Use: Harder for users with limited strength or limited range of motion.

Flexibility in Use: The product is not specifically made for right or left-handed people.

Simple and Intuitive: Relatively intuitive to use because of the simple function and clear distinction between handle and scraper.

Perceptible Information: Form language is consistent with tools of a similar use case.

Tolerance for Error: Could possibly scratch the windshield with improper technique.

Low Physical Effort: Requires significant effort to scrape ice and is often repetitive due to the large surface area of a windshield.

Size and Space for Approach and Use: Smaller hand sizes may find it difficult to fully grip. However, it is small enough for easy storage.

MOOD BOARD + CMF

Ideation

PRODUCT HACKS

Triangle Grip

+ Compelling form
- Angle of grip isn’t comfortable
- Doesn’t fully accommodate larger hands

Rounded End Grip

+ Compelling form
- Angle of grip isn’t comfortable
- Doesn’t fully accommodate larger hands

Long End Grip

+ Compelling form
- Angle of grip isn’t comfortable
- Doesn’t fully accommodate larger hands

CONCEPT SKETCHES

Following the product hacks, I sketched three concepts that took into consideration the pros and cons of each hack. With the general shape in mind, I then continued with rapid visualization sketches to decide on the side profile of the ice scraper which would inform my form studies.