Since 1947, Bernard has been a trailblazer in the welding industry, renowned for designing and manufacturing durable, high-quality, semi-automatic MIG welding products used worldwide. Among their continuously improved products is the new Clean Air E™ Fume Extraction MIG Gun, a project carefully balancing product innovation, traditional versatility, and visual brand evolution. When Bernard first set out to add a new and advanced extraction gun to customers’ toolkits, they turned to Design Central, a collaborative partner with widespread experience in welding product development.
The first goal presented to our team was to improve the ergonomics of the handle without constricting the barrel of airflow through the gun – the key component to an advanced fume extraction system, creating a cleaner and more compliant work environment for users. Our teams worked to mesh current CAD with design and engineering concepts that strategically improved welder comfort while ensuring the inside construction remained powerful. To further prioritize the user experience, our team helped Bernard test these concepts in research. Appearance model prototypes solidified key design elements for their team when presented to research participants and showcased at tradeshows.
A key understanding when working with welding tools is the need for versatility. Many professions utilize welding/extraction guns, and each type of professional has identified their ideal grip, trigger, and more. Once professionals have built a familiarity with their tools, significant updates to elements could cause hesitation and even refusal to adopt to the change. Having kept this in mind, the final design includes two different trigger types while maintaining a consistent aesthetic between the options. Each trigger is familiar among professionals but strategically updated to help increase productivity and limit hand fatigue.
Design Central and Bernard’s collaboration extends beyond the Clean Air E™ Fume Extraction MIG Gun. When the project began, our teams were working to update Bernard’s visual brand language. This effort would result in cohesive and intentional design elements like color, shape, and composition for future products. Good timing and a strategic mindset allowed our team to finalize the VBL direction with Bernard’s team while designing the Clean Air E™ Fume Extraction MIG Gun. After seeing the updated brand in real life through Clean Air prototypes, our work aided Bernard's approval process. By providing Bernard with Alpha prototypes, they physically saw their vision for an updated and stand-out brand enhancement. They gained a better sense of its significance to stand out among competitors.