A look at how it's made: Dyson's Proving Ground

[Agschmid]

The Dyson vac I use to clean up my dogs' pet fur is awesome, but one thing about it drives me nuts: It's made from polycarbonate, so during the vacuuming process the unit itself attracts, through static electricity, pet fur. This requires you to vacuum off the unit itself after you've finished vacuuming the floor, and I always asked myself why on Earth they'd selected polycarbonate.

Well, now I know: durability. The frame can withstand some serious abuse, to the tune of a 30-lb. weight being dropped on it. Being made aware of the thinking behind a particular design decision can actually change your perception of that object; while having to vacuum off a vacuum is bothersome, I'd choose minor inconvenience over short lifespan any day.

In this rare and informative look inside Dyson's R&D facility in Malmesbury, we see their machines being put through the paces—and compared side-by-side with competitors' models—while Director of Engineering Alex Knox walks us through specific design features. Aside from the weight-smashing test, it's neat to see exactly what the designers expect of the machine, from a user standpoint, and the specific solutions they devised to enable those things.

[Xyzse]

1. That is beautiful

I mean, even the hand drawn design is pretty.

[Agschmid]

2. Yes I have a thing for industrial design!

It is very beautiful and its amazing to see them put so much attention into the details. I guess now I understand why they are so expensive. I just remember going to the Met in NYC and they actually have Dyson's on exhibit as part of their modern art/industrial design section, it was very cool.

[Xyzse]

3. Yes, I guess I'll get one at some point

For my purposes however, any cheap off the shell junk is good enough for now.

My area is pretty spartan and I am busy enough not to use that much stuff at home.

If I ever get a pet, that will be absolutely useful.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

4. burning want. for a Dyson.

one of these days.