Panasonic's "Palm-sized Shaver," a 5-blade electric shaver, presents a truly unique design unlike anything seen before. Its compact form allows it to integrate effortlessly into any lifestyle, yet its most notable feature is the absence of a traditional handle. This unconventional design fundamentally reimagines the shaving experience.
The core principle behind this product's creation was its innovative design. The development team envisioned future trends and then meticulously worked backward, leveraging their expertise and technology. They aimed for absolute perfection in both the aesthetic and the functionality. We had the privilege of speaking with Ushio Bessho, the visionary designer behind the Palm-sized Shaver, and Ken-ichi Muraki, the engineer who brought it to fruition.
INDEX
- Reimagined the value of shaving.
- Uncompromising, even one millimeter. How he made the design possible.
- What they aimed for was perfection —every detail was cared for.
- Develop a product with a vision of the future and the life we want.
Reimagined the value of shaving
Ushio Bessho [Senior Designer]
Everything began with my ambition to reimagine what shaving is. Conventional electric shavers were evaluated based on how fast, closely, and gently they could shave beards. However, today, quite a few people choose devices based on their designs and how they fit into their lifestyles.
So, I thought that an electric shaver should not be just something to clean beards, but rather a device that could uplift us and enhance our quality of life by caring the skin. Thus, I reviewed and considered everything, including colors, textures, and size, to make it perfect.
Where the bold, no-handle design was born
Each year, Panasonic conducts an 'Advanced Design Review,' a forum where the design department's proposals are discussed with the business department and top-level executives. Promising concepts identified during this review then move towards realization with further detailed planning. The Palm-sized Shaver, whose initial prototype originated from the technology department, was one such compelling idea.
Building upon this prototype, the design team developed several concepts and produced samples to formulate a comprehensive proposal.
Given the already established market for electric shavers, it was clear that a significant innovation was necessary. Consequently, the business department, executives, and various stakeholders within the company were immediately captivated by the concept. Our technical superiority was another compelling factor: no competitor possessed the capability to create such a compact electric shaver without sacrificing performance.
While the body is more compact than ever, it features blades crafted with the same precision technology used in creating Japanese swords, resulting in exceptional sharpness. It also incorporates a powerful linear motor and leverages sophisticated technologies inherited by Panasonic. This design allows for a remarkably close shave and enhanced ease of use, as the user directly holds the shaving head, enabling efficient beard removal with a single stroke.
Traditional electric shavers typically house the motor within the handle. However, Panasonic's established models utilise a small linear motor located in the head. This core technology enabled the elimination of the handle, leading to the iconic and distinctly Panasonic design of the Palm-sized Shaver.Each year, Panasonic conducts an 'Advanced Design Review,' a forum where the design department's proposals are discussed with the business department and top-level executives. Promising concepts identified during this review then move towards realization with further detailed planning. The Palm-sized Shaver, whose initial prototype originated from the technology department, was one such compelling idea.
Building upon this prototype, the design team developed several concepts and produced samples to formulate a comprehensive proposal.
Given the already established market for electric shavers, it was clear that a significant innovation was necessary. Consequently, the business department, executives, and various stakeholders within the company were immediately captivated by the concept. Our technical superiority was another compelling factor: no competitor possessed the capability to create such a compact electric shaver without sacrificing performance.
While the body is more compact than ever, it features blades crafted with the same precision technology used in creating Japanese swords, resulting in exceptional sharpness. It also incorporates a powerful linear motor and leverages sophisticated technologies inherited by Panasonic. This design allows for a remarkably close shave and enhanced ease of use, as the user directly holds the shaving head, enabling efficient beard removal with a single stroke.
Traditional electric shavers typically house the motor within the handle. However, Panasonic's established models utilise a small linear motor located in the head. This core technology enabled the elimination of the handle, leading to the iconic and distinctly Panasonic design of the Palm-sized Shaver.
Uncompromising, even one millimeter. How he made the design possible
Ken-ichi Muraki [Staff Engineer]
Ideas that designers come up with are often difficult to materialise. But it is no surprise because such ideas are brand new. Palm-sized Shaver especially attracted me, as the concept was unique, and the prototype was impressive and beautiful.
The Palm-sized Shaver was made in an unusual flow where the design precedes the structure. One of the most challenging issues here was whether all the components could be put in the compact body. I reviewed the 3D data provided by designers and shared my feedback, such as, ‘This area looks fine, but this part does not have enough room.’ When we put the components in the body, we have to consider many things, like, ‘Never put something that generates heat close to the battery’ and ‘Durability requires a certain thickness.’ It is not just about making room.
Accordingly, I ask them to adjust the blueprint, seeking agreement. They sometimes flatly refused my alternative. As for the Palm-sized Shaver project, however, it was clear to me that the design should be kept at any cost, so I explored other possibilities.
The battery part was tricky. It is the second largest part after the motor, so I wanted to make it smaller to keep the body compact. I tried various small electric cells that are otherwise not commonly considered, like laminated batteries for smartphones. However, it turned out that the performance and safety were not sufficient, and we decided to use the usual battery.
I have to mention the circuit, too. Many electric shavers have one circuit board in them, but the Palm-sized Shaver does not have sufficient room for a single board. So, we divided the board into three parts to fit them into the body. This is an unusual approach and makes the manufacturing process challenging, so I asked the circuit design department to make it happen.
What they aimed for was perfection
–every detail was cared for
What they aimed for was a posture inspired by nature, like a stone. A stone fits into any environment, be it a washing basin or a working desk. They pursued a product with such a posture and paid close attention to its texture to make it both soft and icy.
One of the best ways to achieve this was carving marble, but artificial marble was difficult to process and too expensive. So, they looked for a suitable material among various resins.
During the journey, they discovered NAGORI® made with a marine mineral by Mitsui Chemicals. Minerals are a type of metal that have a high specific gravity and high thermal conductivity, giving them an icy texture reminiscent of pottery. They thought, 'Eureka!' This material has been used for furniture and miscellaneous goods. Palm-sized Shaver became the first home electric device using it.
NAGORI® is originally white, so they added pellets to give it a marble appearance. Achieving a marble-like pattern similar to real marble was not easy. It was not done by painting or covering with coat, but by adding pellets to the material to mold the composite.
The colors and amount of materials, the temperature to melt the composite, the pressure to put, and many other conditions make the pattern different every time. It took more than six months to achieve the marble-like pattern they sought. They also asked manufacturers specialising in tiling or coloring materials, but the result was not sufficient. Combining various color pellets in the white was the only way.
This was an unprecedented approach, and everything was new to them. The deadline frustrated them. They had to make a lot of prototypes, creating specific molds to perfect the color and pattern.
Every time they mold the composite, the finish uniquely varies. Under these conditions, it was very challenging to keep each piece consistent in their quality and appearance. The marble pattern had to match the exact standard visibility to look clean. The executives said, 'Don't worry about the budget. Make something satisfying.’ That's why they continued the trial and error process.
Develop a product with a vision of the future and the life we want
It took almost one year to finalise the specifications of Palm-sized Shaver after the project launch and another year to put it in the market because the team was so uncompromising. Many companies make a product with a strategy to make it sell well. They research consumer demands, and that is a correct way to materialise a product. On the other hand, developing a product with a vision of the future we want to live in and the possibility of enhancing people's quality of life is another way to create something new. This approach aligns with who we are and involves seeing the present from a future point of view.
The Palm-sized Shaver is a product whose design preceded its demand. This approach surely made us consider what is needed. Their uncompromising attitude towards everything, such as the size and marble pattern, focuses on providing the best user experience. The two men told us, "We will be happy if many users feel it in their hands. "
Muraki
"Hopefully shaving, which is often a nuisance every morning, can be something fun with Palm-sized Shaver."
Bessho
"It will be more rewarding than anything to us if Palm-sized Shaver becomes part of the lifestyles of people in the future."