BroomRaker | Multi-purpose tool

The importance of prototyping

We explored Karen’s idea through conceptual design to determine what it should do, behave like and look like for users. The tool could be used by all ages so it needed to be lightweight and comfortable. Of course, it also had to rake effectively. Therefore creating a sample to test was absolutely essential.

Physical prototyping allowed us to fully test the product in context for assessing the functionality and durability, as well as test different aspects of the design throughout the development stage. These aided us in defining details such as the ergonomics of the handle and tooth spacing. The project was moving towards a thoroughly refined concept to produce CAD for further prototyping purposes.

The detail is in the design

The teeth on the head were designed to fit the grooves of an Ifor Williams trailer. This allows the user to remove any trapped dirt from the flooring. Once the dirt is loosened, you simply flip the brush and sweep up the mess. Made of a robust material allowed the tool to withstand pressure so could be used for breaking up and spreading shaving bales, as well as clean stables. When testing the first prototype, Karen discovered that it was so much more than an equestrian tool but also worked well in the garden too. Its versatility is how it got its name. A broom, a rake – BroomRaker!

Karen went on to pitch BroomRaker on Channel 4’s Buy It Now For Christmas. The show features inventors showcasing their products to an audience of typical consumers. It’s now a firm fixture in country stores across the UK as well as the BroomRaker website.