The final concept features adjustability to accommodate varying people and tasks.

Description

Utility cart system created to improve the comfort, efficiency, and morale of the custodial staff.

Overview

The custodial staff is often a group of unsung heroes. Their late-hour missions are accomplished stealthily, while we sleep, so that the facilities we use can be enjoyed the next morning. I decided to address the specific needs of Carnegie Mellon’s custodial staff.

I began this research project with a phase of discovery, gathering information from both indirect and personal interactions. The goal was to learn how the custodians interact with their tools and environment. Interviews were conducted with several custodians, giving me personal accounts, as well as physical data such as gender, age, and race.

I found most of the issues were human factors-related, and they were consistent among genders. For concept development, I created a multi-phase interactive kit of laminated paper to assemble with the staff. The final cart concept addressed the users’ desires, physically and emotionally, in an effort to raise morale and promote efficiency.

Many custodians requested a smaller footprint, comfortable handle, and more hanging space.

This paper kit activity was used to collaboratively determine ideal item placement.

The existing cart systems failed to address proper ergonomics and restocking duties.