Research Presentation

Rory Kierans 0806633

Introduction :

Rory Kierans, 4th year Product Design and Technology student at the University of Limerick

- Lawn Care

Areas of Research :

Introduction :

Rory Kierans, 4th year Product Design and Technology student at the University of Limerick

- Lawn Care - Landscaping

Areas of Research :

Introduction :

Rory Kierans, 4th year Product Design and Technology student at the University of Limerick

- Lawn Care - Landscaping - Tree Surgery

Areas of Research :

Why Lawn Care ?

•The UK Lawnmower market alone was worth £348 million last year

•There are many different types of equipment/tools in the area and also many different processes that relate to the equipment that could be researched

• Its an area that concerns a large amount of people • I had experience in the area myself which I felt gave me a

good base to expand from

Lawn Care Trimming

Pruning

Raking

Mowing

Planting

Spraying

Watering

LawnmowerStrimmerRake/Power RakeEdgerWheelbarrowOutdoor BinsPrunerShearsHedgerChainsawWheelbarrowShovelSpadeTrowelGarden HoseFertiliser SpreaderPesticide Sprayer

Sprinkler

Public/Private Lawns

Landscaping Trimming

Pruning

Raking

Mowing

Planting

Digging

Mulching

LawnmowerStrimmerPower RakePower EdgerWheelbarrowLeaf BlowersPrunerShearsHedgetrimmerChainsawWheelbarrowShovelTrowelHand ForkGarden HoseFertiliser SpreaderPesticide SprayerWeeder

GardensParksUni GroundsFarmsRoadsides

Tree Surgery

Clearing Fallen Trees

Pruning

Felling/Trimming

Thinning

Disposal

Planting

ChainsawsHandsawsExtendable SawsHedgerShredder/GrinderWheelbarrowTruck/Pick-UpSafety EquipmentHarnesses

SpadesShovelsTrowels

GardensParksUni GroundsFarmsRoadsidesForests

Target Audience

Lawn Care : - Male(Primarily), 16-65 yr. olds - Homeowners, Renters and Dwellers

Target Audience

Lawn Care : - Male(Primarily), 16-65 yr. olds - Homeowners, Renters and Dwellers

Landscapists : - Male(Primarily), 18-45 yr. olds - Trained Professionals

Target Audience

Lawn Care : - Male(Primarily), 16-65 yr. olds - Homeowners, Renters and Dwellers

Landscapists : - Male(Primarily), 18-45 yr. olds - Trained Professionals

Tree Surgeons : - Male(Primarily), 18-45 yr. olds - Trained Professionals

Research MethodsOn-Line Research : - Explored the different types of tools and equipment used by professionals and enthusiasts. - To extract information and statistics for later analysis

Research MethodsOn-Line Research : - Explored the different types of tools and equipment used by professionals and enthusiasts. - To extract information and statistics for later analysis

Observation : - Observed users in the field using different types of equipment

Research MethodsOn-Line Research : - Explored the different types of tools and equipment used by professionals and enthusiasts. - To extract information and statistics for later analysis

Observation : - Observed users in the field using different types of equipment

Conversation : - Conversed with users as to the their overall experience with the equipment

Research MethodsOn-Line Research : - Explored the different types of tools and equipment used by professionals and enthusiasts. - To extract information and statistics for later analysis

Observation : - Observed users in the field using different types of equipment

Conversation : - Conversed with users as to the their overall experience with the equipment

Interviews : - Interviewed a professional, Tree Surgeon, about his daily experience on the job

Findings

Lawn Care

Power Tools:

Findings

Lawn Care

Power Tools: - Manouevrability

Findings

Lawn Care

Power Tools: - Manouevrability - Noise Levels

Findings

Lawn Care

Power Tools: - Manouevrability - Noise Levels - Size and Weight

Findings

Lawn Care

Power Tools: - Manouevrability - Noise Levels - Size and Weight - Storage

Findings

Lawn Care

Power Tools: - Manouevrability - Noise Levels - Size and Weight - Storage - Disposal(Grass Cuttings, Leaves, etc..)

Findings

Lawn Care

Power Tools: - Manouevrability - Noise Levels - Size and Weight - Storage - Disposal(Grass Cuttings, Leaves, etc..)

Hand Tools

Findings

Lawn Care

Power Tools: - Manouevrability - Noise Levels - Size and Weight - Storage - Disposal(Grass Cuttings, Leaves, etc..)

Hand Tools - Quantity

Findings

Lawn Care

Power Tools: - Manouevrability - Noise Levels - Size and Weight - Storage - Disposal(Grass Cuttings, Leaves, etc..)

Hand Tools - Quantity - Storage

Findings

Lawn Care

Power Tools: - Manouevrability - Noise Levels - Size and Weight - Storage - Disposal(Grass Cuttings, Leaves, etc..)

Hand Tools - Quantity - Storage - Usability

Findings

Landscaping/Tree Surgery

Power Tools: - Manouevrability - Noise Levels - Size and Weight - Storage - Disposal(Grass Cuttings, Leaves, etc..)

Hand Tools - Quantity - Storage - Usability

Findings

Landscaping/Tree Surgery

Power Tools: - Manouevrability - Noise Levels - Size and Weight - Storage - Disposal(Grass Cuttings, Leaves, etc..)

Hand Tools - Quantity - Storage - Usability

Findings

Recent Headlines showing major Safety Issues

- “Horrific accident killed tree surgeon” Thursday 20 March 2008, Eastbourne Herald. .

- “A TREE surgeon has been fined after an employee suffered severe injuries when his trouser leg was caught in a tree stump grinder” Wednesday 29 September 2010, treeworld.info

- “Tree surgeon killed in horrific freak accident after branch springs back thrusting chainsaw into his neck” Friday 11 February 2011, Daily Mail.