Understanding the Problem
Nail Guard was developed to address the common difficulty and risk involved in holding nails or screws while hammering, particularly for children, older users, or those with limited dexterity. Research highlighted how easily users can injure their fingers and the lack of simple tools designed to improve safety and control during basic DIY tasks.
Design Development & Journey
The project progressed through a highly iterative, hands-on process, with a strong focus on prototyping and manufacturing. Early concepts explored different forms and mechanisms to securely hold nails while remaining easy to use. Through multiple rounds of testing and refinement — particularly in mould design and injection processes, the design evolved to improve ergonomics, durability, and ease of demoulding.
Final Solution
The final outcome is Nail Guard, a simple, silicone-based tool that securely holds nails or screws in place, allowing users to hammer safely without risking injury. The design is compact, easy to use, and manufacturable, providing a practical solution that improves confidence and accessibility in everyday DIY tasks.
