Download the presentation here (PDF, 49 MB)

who am I?Independent Product Designer and EngineerDesign and engineering activities include consultancy for B&Q and other clients andalso independent product creationSkills in Engineering and Design; known for Innovation

B&Q is the largest homeimprovement and garden centreretailer in the UK and Europeemploying over 40,500 peoplenation-wide, 25% of whom are over50 years of age. Across the UK,B&Q has 331 stores, including 116B&Q Warehouses. B&Q is part ofKingfisher plc, the world’s thirdlargest home improvement retailerwith over 680 stores in 11 marketsin Europe and Asia. These includeover 50 B&Q stores in China,including B&Q Beijing, which is nowthe largest B&Q store in the world..www.diy.comwho are B&Q?

the Can Do rangelaunched 2008The 450 piece strong ’Can Do’ range is an evolutionof existing products which are designed help toexpand the lifespan of a home for an elderly person.All products are fully endorsed by the Disabled LivingFoundation and aim to make daily life easier for thosesuffering from age-related impairments, such asproblems with strength, dexterity, mobility, sight,hearing and cognitive function.

what do I do for B&Q?Innovation, Design and Engineering in a number of product categories from handtools to Barbeques since 2000.Product and User researchInnovationProduct DevelopmentMarketing

how do I work with B&Q?Direct for the BuyerDirect with other areas of the business; Marketing, QA, Direct Sourcing, Legal etcDirect with Suppliers/ManufacturersInvolved in initial innovation through to merchandising in-storeBuying areas rather than specific products

Inclusive Product InnovationUser ResearchInnovatingDeliveringThe Detail Missed

B&Q Product Examples

Helen Hamlyn CentreResearch Associate project with B&Q based at the Helen Hamlyn CentreFocus on improving Power Tools design to include those with reduced grip andflexibilityFoundation of first products with B&Q and the ongoing relationship

the ergonomic electric sander with a unique hand strap

The Sandbug's unique handstrap gives great control. Italso helps relieve the strain ofgripping the Sandbug whilstoperating.The oval shaped body is verycomfortable, spreading theload and relaxing the hand.

The rip ‘n’ stick base system allowsthe footprint of the Sander tochange shape. The extra bases aresimply stuck to the main base.The extra bases can be positionedin 8 different orientations, allowingthe user to set the tool upcomfortably and with easier accessto the job.To remove the rip ‘n’ stick base it issimply ripped off.

the compact automatic screwdriver

The compact size of the Gofer givesaccess to many jobs that most electricand manual screwdrivers can’t get to.

The Gofers 'Push & Go'technology makes it workautomatically.The Gofer and Screw Bitare pressed into the screwand it automatically turns inthe selected direction.

'Push & Go' allows the user tohold the tool in any number ofways because there is noactivation button to press.Its short length also gives greatercontrol and allows force to be applieddirectly in line with the screw.

product processInnovatingB&Q committingDevelopmentFinal Product Support

The Commercial NeedData from the Henley Centre for Forecasting – Leisure Tracking Survey 1996

Direct ResearchFocus Groups – Individual Testing – Wide Scope – Long Term

Concept Generation, Confirmation and Early Communication

Working prototypes with personalityBuyer decision pointHelps sell to businessPresentation to manufacturerIPR development

Design for ManufactureCommunication with Far EastAttention to DetailQA - Problems

Communicating Innovation to the Consumer: Marketing and PR

Communicating Innovation to the Consumer: Packaging

Communicating Innovation to the Consumer: Manual

goferX cordless screwdriver

Raven’s Claw

Raven’s ClawB&Q ‘Select’ Garden Tools

Raven’s Claw

Raven’s Claw

product processThe Need for InnovationInnovatingRapid DevelopmentPackaged Communication

Standard B&Q Leaf Rake B&Q Raven’s Claw Rake True Temper Anti-Clog RakeNeed for InnovationTied to Suppliers InnovationMarket AdvantagePremium Credibility

Rapid Development: Concise communication

Rapid Development: Packaged manufactured communication

Distinct Innovation: Function and FormUniqueMarketableAchievable

Communicating Innovation to the Consumer: PackagingCommon Understanding

Raven’s Claw

Self Levelling Laser

One Touch Jar Opener and One Touch Can Opener

Garden Leisure Products

B&Q Milan Range

B&Q Panama Barbeque

Conclusions

Commercial Benefits of Inclusive DesignPublicity and AdvertisingFulfilling a NeedUnique Innovative ProductsStrong Brand Identity

Total Inclusive DesignEvery Detail is ImportantThe basic innovation can be very inclusive.Avoid two steps forward, one step back in design elements.From packaging to small details, inclusivity needs to be considered.