The Hiru brayer is part of a group-designed printmaking tool set for beginners. My focus was the brayer, featuring a detachable drum and built-in ink reservoir for easy cleaning and mess-free ink application
Year
Spring 2024
Timeline
10 weeks
Research
Existing printmaking tools, in my case a brayer, were analyzed to identify pain points for beginner printmakers. Common issues like difficulty in cleaning and awkward handling informed the design goals, focusing on ergonomic improvements and minimizing ink mess.
Baseline research
I purchased one of the most popular beginner sets online and used these tools as my baseline. I would be designing a replacement for the brayer.
Carving tool is used to carve linoleum blocks.
Brayer is used to apply ink onto the carved block.
Baren applies pressure onto inked block to transfer the print.
Task analysis
2 “Pinching” was the most comfortable way to hold the brayer and prevented my hand from touching the ink below. I often needed to re-ink the plate between prints.
4 Cleaning the drum was fairly easy but the crevices in the handle would trap ink making it harder to clean.
Competitive analysis
Design statement
Our brand language
Exploration
Initial sketches and moodboard established the vision for a printmaking tool that balances functionality with a natural, approachable aesthetic. Early concepts focused on creating a tool that would be comfortable and intuitive for beginners.
Concept refinement
Traditional brayer
Pinch brayer
Palm grip brayer
Further concept refinement
Tendency to arch which made it hard to use in straight lines
Uncomfortable and limited control
Working on ergonomics
User testing
1 User testing with generic brayer, participants mostly complained about ergonomics.
2 First prototype had an awkward handle which didn’t allow it to be “pinched” like most brayers. drum was fairly easy but the crevices in the handle would trap ink making it harder to clean.
3/4 Fixed the ergonomic issue but still wasn’t clear how it should be held. The other issue with this prototype is that it didn’t fit our VBL.
Final concept
My final concept manipulated a surface to form a handle that nests an ink bottle for better workflow.
Refinement
Through further refinement, the design was adjusted for enhanced ergonomics and functionality. Prototypes incorporated features like a cutout for visibility of the ink level and an improved bottle holder for secure attachment.
Prototype 1
Poor ergonomics
0.1” vs  0.2” thickness
Drawback: Bottle was too small to be useful
Prototype 2
Improved ergonomics, aesthetics
Increased volume of ink bottle
Drawback: Part that held the drum bent during use
Prototype 3
Changed drum holder profile to make it sturdier
Drawback: Bottle was only held in place with friction so fell out easily
Prototype 4
Added a cutout to prevent the bottle from falling out and to view ink level
Increased volume of bottle and added threads
Prototype 5
Final design
CMF Specifications
Execution
This stage focused on creating a high-fidelity model to mimic a production-ready version, with a polished finish, and functional components closely resembling the intended final product.
Brayer
Prototyping the brayer involved multiple stages, from 3D printing to sanding and painting. A gloss coat was applied to mimic the final desired finish.
Drum & bottle
The drum was made similar to the brayer. The ink bottle was 3D printed with TPU and sealed with silicone.
Showcase
The final Hiru brayer design features a detachable drum and built-in ink reservoir, providing easy ink application and cleaning. Its ergonomic handle and secure bottle design make it an ideal tool for beginner printmakers.