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AWP Toolbelt: Cross Body Tool Storage
Sponsor:
Brief:
Develop a soft goods solution for construction workers (for the Hillman AWP brand)
Problem:
Current toolbelts encourage overloading strain and are inadequate to meet the needs of minimal-tool tasks
Format:
Group
Duration:
5 weeks, 2022
(+ additions, 2 weeks 2024)
Group Member: Hannah Wittenstein
Personal Contribution: User Research | Physical Model | CAD and Rendering
Research: On-Site Visit
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Top 3 Images: We discovered that majority of the toolbelt pockets were unused. Many tasks required minimal tools so some workers chose to forgo the toolbelt entirely (ex: top middle)
Bottom 3 Images: The hammer holster tended to hang very low, hitting the workers in the legs as 
they moved around. The waist was also weighed down by the hammer and toolbelt weight.
We created connections between our observations, choosing to focus on the hammer position issues as well as the pocket design and it’s effect on comfort and ergonomics.
Insights
Pockets are numerous and large, which encourages unnecessary toolbelt overloading and back strain
The abundance of pocket space goes unused in the majority of use cases
Pockets hang far below the hips, inhibiting mobility and placing uneven stress on hip muscles
The hammer holster location is not ergonomic - it hangs low, hits the legs, and throws off weight distribution
User Groups
A
A
Workers that don't utilize the full capacity of existing toolbelt rigs
B
Workers that do not use existing toolbelts and instead store tools on body
Common Root Issue: Tool storage needs are not properly met by common maximalist toolbelt rigs
B
Market Research: Types of On-Body Tool Storage
Inconvenient pocket placement
Shoulder straps and support
Torso weight distribution
Pockets encourage overloading
Too rigid to wear comfortably
Crossbody strap
Example of minimal pockets
No padding around waist
Inspiration
Minimalist designs prevent overloading and back pain, while still offering storage for a wide range of tasks
Minimalist
Crossbody Comfort
Formfitting Design
Minimal Pockets
Distributed Weight
Ideation: Alternative On-Body Storage
Why Crossbody?
- Opportunity for more lightweight and form-fitting design
- Allows distributed weight across both hip and torso
- Offers convenience and ease of taking on and off
Prototyping: Finding the Right Fit
AWP Toolbelt: Physical Model
AWP Toolbelt: Features
Ambidextrous Design
Unlike majority of toolbelts, the hammer (for dominant hand) can be configured on both the left and the right
Comfort Fit
The pockets conform to the body, distributing weight across the torso and hips
Easy Task Access
Pockets snap open and closed; worker can reach for hammer and hardware simultaneously
Hammer Holster
Movable Hammer Holster
Hammer piece slides along belt and can be located at hip or along the back depending on preference
Manufacturing Diagrams
Details
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