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DELETE
DELETE - The Modern, Space-Saving Smart Shop Vac. 2025
My Role
I was the solo industrial designer for this four-week project, so I took care of everything. I started with market research and contextual inquiry to understand the users, then built out prototypes using foam modeling, 3D scanning, soldering, laser cutting, vinyl cutting and printing. I finished them myself and used Fusion 360 for the design work and KeyShot for the final renders
The challenge
I chose to redesign the shop vac as part of a human-centered design project focused on space efficiency. After doing in-person research and interviews, I discovered that people working in tight or shared spaces were running into the same core problems. Traditional vacs are noisy, bulky, and awkward to use in small environments.
- Noise levels over 80 dB make it hard to share workspaces
- Cords and hoses clutter the area and are tough to store
- Controls are tiny and placed low, forcing users to crouch
- Designs are bulky and visually intrusive in small rooms
Ideation
Everything I design starts off in the sketching phase. I use rough sketches to figure out the product’s form and function fast, which makes it easier to share ideas clearly with the people I interview during research.
Form Studies
To figure out the form, I used sign foam to make a series of quick physical studies. Holding them helped me test proportions and lay out key features directly on the models. I ended up choosing the one on the left as the final direction.
Scanning
To get a closer look at the current shop vac market, I bought one, broke it down, and studied each component. That teardown helped me understand how everything worked internally, and I decided to reuse the motor for my redesign. To include it accurately in my 3D modeling, I scanned the part using a white spray to bring out more surface detail.
3D Modeling
It was a pretty intense two-week build. I had to make sure everything fit; motors, hoses, functional buttons, a decoy display, a wall mount, and a bunch of extra features. On top of that, I sliced the main body into six parts and added interior screw holes. I tackled it using what I had: general dimensions, scanned data, physical components, and a lot of trial and error. By pushing as far as I could with what I knew and patching the rest in as I went, I managed to design and print the whole thing right on the first try.
Graphic Design
Once the prototype was printing, I started working on the final details. I called the vac “Delete”, a simple and modern name that fit perfectly with its purpose: getting rid of stuff. I designed the top display and logo in Fusion 360, printed the display, and cut it out for a clean finish. The logos were vinyl cut to give the model a polished look without overcomplicating the build.
3D Printing
It was a full five-day build. I didn’t just print the main body; I also made the side hose holder, functional buttons, the wall mount, and the front control panel. Every piece was designed to fit cleanly and support the overall look and feel of the vac, with form and function working together from the start. Once printed, it was all screwed togeather to hold its shape.
Painting
Before painting, I went through a pretty hands-on process to prep the surfaces. I applied bondo and sanded everything down to get it smooth and clean. Then I used primer to lock things in and followed up with several layers of paint to dial in the finish. The extra steps made a huge difference in how polished the final model looked.
Outside cover
I used a laser cutter to make the outer pieces, originally planning to use acrylic for a clean look. But when I tried bending it, the tolerances were too tight and the manual forming wasn’t accurate enough. So I pivoted to thin cardboard, which was much easier to cut precisely and glue into place without give me trouble.
Here We Are
Four weeks later, I built a working prototype packed with key features; a hose coil on the left, handles and vents on top, plus a storage compartment. It mounts to the wall and includes fully functional on/off switches, with one on the device and one at the nozzle end. There’s a basic UI and a speed controller too.
Final Sketch
To wrap everything up, I created a final sketch to showcase the concept and highlight its key features.
Our Process
Our process starts with understanding our clients' needs and vision. From there, we create a customized plan and work closely with our clients to ensure their satisfaction every step of the way. We use the latest technology and techniques to bring your ideas to life.
