Hand Pump

Behind the design

Peek into the KiwiCo product design studio and the design process behind the Eureka Crate Hand Pump.

1. We Weren't Floored

   1. As we moved from ideation to prototyping, we didn't know if the pump was going to be handheld or sit on the floor. This floor-based prototype was inspired by a bike pump: you'd set it out, stand on the wood flaps at the bottom, and push the handle up and down. It worked well, but it wasn't as portable as our handheld prototypes (and bending over to use it was a pain for taller testers). So we chose to stick with a handheld design!
2. Under Pressure

   1. To get higher pressure in a pump, you need more force holding it together. This design used long, rugged bolts to secure the end caps, and it could hold in almost 30 psi! But it was a little awkward to assemble with all the washers and nuts, so we sacrificed some pressure power in favor of the more straightforward design used in your pump.
3. Gotta Hand(le) It to You

   1. We wanted to make sure the pump handle was comfortable and easy to use for as many people as possible, so we tested out a lot of handle designs like these. The D-shaped grip ended up being the crowd favorite, so that's what we went with!
4. More Whimsy

   1. This tinier handheld prototype didn't have the colorful, winding air hose that became a hallmark of your hand pump's final design. It would've worked fine, but we think the spiralling green hose adds a touch of whimsy that makes the pump even more fun to use.
5. Balloon Bonanza

   1. We tested our the balloon art instructions by throwing a balloon art party at the KiwiCo office. This green giraffe was one of the best of the bunch. We also had fun making (and wearing) the geometric shapes.