PRICE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC SHAVERS - Bas Snippert ...
PRICE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC SHAVERS - Bas Snippert ...
PRICE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC SHAVERS - Bas Snippert ...
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Evolutionary Product Development<br />
Electric Shaver<br />
<strong>Bas</strong> <strong>Snippert</strong> // s1152734<br />
Industrial Design Engineering // University of Twente
TABLE <strong>OF</strong> CONTENTS<br />
//INTRODUCTION//HISTORY//PRODUCT PHASES 1<br />
//TIME LINE//PRODUCT PHASES//ENVIRONMENT 5<br />
//PRODUCT FAMILY TREE 7<br />
//<strong>PRICE</strong> <strong>DEVELOPMENT</strong> 9<br />
//PRODUCT COMPARISON 10<br />
//BIBLIOGRAPHY 11
1//INTRODUCTION//HISTORY//PRODUCT PHASES HISTORY//PRODUCT PHASES//2<br />
Introduction<br />
Before electric shavers were invented, safety razors were the first shaving tools to be powered by electricity. As early as 1898 the first patent for an electric<br />
safety razor was filed. A man name John F. Rourke residing in New York was the officially the first who filed this patent (1). From the patents it becomes<br />
clear that the safety razor uses an electrically powered motor that somehow drives the razor head. Another patent shows an ‘electric automatic safety<br />
razor’, filed by Isaac. N. Brigham (1). The first commercial electric safety razor was available in 1913: The Lek-Tro-Shav for which patents were granted<br />
in 1913 and 1917. From there several different electrical and mechanically powered safety razors became available.<br />
In 1910 Jacob Schick retired from the army and started doing gold exploration in Alaska and British Columbia. When he sprained his ankle one day, he was<br />
unable to move away from the exploration camp. Colonel Schick, who from an early age proved to have talent for invention, found it difficult and irritating<br />
to ‘wet’ shave himself under the cold weather conditions. Having been restrained to staying in the camp, he started to come up with a solution to this shaving<br />
problem. This is when he came up with a shaving head powered by an external motor. Rather obviously his first design was rejected by manufacturers<br />
and by that time the second World War forced him to put his plans on a hold. During WWII Schick returned for duty as Captain and left the army again in<br />
1919 as Colonel. He resumed his workings on improving his first electrical shaver design to fulfill his dream of creating the perfect dry shaver. To support<br />
this process he required funds, which led him to create another shaving product: the Magazine Repeating Razor. These were safety razors inspired by the<br />
firearms he knew from his army periods, which prevented men cutting themselves when changing blades on their razors. In 1925 he started a company<br />
under the same name which in 1926 started selling the Magazine Repeating Razor.<br />
In 1927 Schick believed his dry shaver design was finalized. This design consisted of a small motor connected to a reciprocating shaver head through<br />
a flexible shaft (2). Consequently he sold his razor company to the American Chain and Cable Group to gain sufficient funds for commercializing his dry<br />
shaver. In 1929 his dry shaver went to the market and from 1930 this was done as Schick Dry Shaver Inc. Initially his sales were not very high, but after<br />
upgraded models were marketed this changed. Finally in 1935 the Schick Model S was developed and marketed, which increased sales (1,5 million shavers<br />
sold within two years) (3).<br />
From there on other brands also started to rise up with similar electric shavers. Some years later a different type of electric shaver was introduced to the<br />
market. This was the first Philishave electric shaver by Philips. During the rest of report on the product phases there will be focused on the Philips electric<br />
shaver, since this is the most renowned and successful electric shaver until this date.<br />
Performance<br />
During the depression in the 1930s, as with many companies, Philips is looking for new profitable products. Therefore a Philips employee was sent to the<br />
United States to explore new possible product groups. He returned with a suitcase full of electric shavers, supposedly several brands such as Schick,<br />
Remington, Zephyr and likely a Roto-Shaver which has a screen with two rotating blades underneath it. These electric shavers inspired Dutch engineer<br />
Alexandre Horowitz to develop his own type of system. He took of the ‘lawn mower’ type of shaving head from the Zephyr and replaced it with his own<br />
system: the first Philishave rotary cutting system (4). This consisted of three ‘chisels’ that rotated under a shaving head containing slots. At first Philips<br />
head management was not impressed with his system. However, after head manager Frans Otten tried out both the Philishave prototype and an electrical<br />
shaver from the suitcase, he was convinced and gave green light for production.<br />
In 1939 the first Philishave hit the market. The first Philishave (7730), which acquired the nickname ‘Cigar’, was of simple design. It had a Bakelite body,<br />
3 bronze cutters which quickly became blunted and only shaved a small area of the face. These characteristics clearly reflect the properties of the first<br />
product phase. The first updated models (7736 in 1941 and 7733 ‘Steelbeard’ in 1946) mainly improved on performance through adding 3 cutters, replacing<br />
the cutter material with steel, increasing the shaving head size and adding an additional ring that stretches the skin around the shaving head (5). These<br />
improvements reduced both shaving time and skin irritation. The main production methods for eletric shavers in general at this time (including Philishaves)<br />
rely on early injection molding techniques. The special Philishave heads are assumingly produced with deep drawing methods. Around this time Philips set<br />
up a dealer network and trained salesmen in selling electric shavers, which all added to the success of the 7733 ‘Steelbeard’ Philishave.<br />
2 3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
1<br />
7 8<br />
9<br />
10<br />
11 12<br />
6<br />
Optimalisation<br />
After World War II, things changed in the electric shaver market. Most dry shavers consisted of black Bakelite bodies, which became out of fashion. Both<br />
Philips and Philips’ competitors changed the colors of their shavers to cream white, made of urea-formaldehyde. In 1947 Philips entered the US market<br />
under the name Norelco. Since their old ‘Steelbeard’ Philishave went out of fashion, a new design was made for the US market entry. The new model (7737<br />
nicknamed ‘Mouse’) had a synchronous motor, which turned out to have problematic functionality. Therefore soon a new model was developed to replace<br />
the 7737. In 1948 the 7735 ‘Egg’ designed by famous American industrial designer Raymond Loewy replaced the ‘Mouse’ (6). These new models have the<br />
shaving head mounted on the side and a more ergonomic body in contrast to the unidirectional shaped ‘Steelbeard’. The fact that Philips chose a renowned<br />
American designer shows the growing importance of (for that time modern) design. Of course choosing Loewy also ensured Philips of a fitting design for<br />
entering the US market with their shavers. Notable is the fact that Raymond Loewy also designed a dry shaver for Schick in 1942 and a Remington shaver<br />
in 1948.<br />
On the US market many competitors of Philips shavers introduced shavers with two shaving heads. This was a considerable advantage over the relatively<br />
small single rotary cutter from the Philishave. Because of this competitive disadvantage, Philips developed a model with two shaving heads as well (7743),<br />
which boosted their success to a point of breaking the sales records (7). Not only on the US and Dutch market did the Philishave 7743 ‘Doubleheader’<br />
well: in 1954 in France 75 percent of all electric shavers sold were Philishaves. As early as 1956 did Philips experiment with a triple headed Philishave in<br />
Australia, because a failed experiment there would not affect the European market. In the rest of the world Philips focused on improving the double headed<br />
shaver since it still had not reached the end of its market potential.<br />
Itemisation<br />
In 1957 Philips introduced the ‘Fliptop Cleaning System’. A button on the side of the body unlocks the shaving head, which made it much easier to clean<br />
(previously one would need to take the shaver apart to clean it). The SC 7910 ‘Pipe’ and SC 7914 ‘Speedshaver’ (1961) were also redesigned, now having<br />
a new body shape with two colors (8). In 1959 the next model was launched which had two larger ‘Floating’ shaver heads that fit the face contours better.<br />
Later on also so called ‘Magical circles’ on the ‘Microgroove’ shaving heads allowed a closer shave. Meanwhile the promotion of Philishaves expands<br />
from adverts in newspapers and magazines (e.g. Popular Science) to TV with movies such as ‘Rear Window’ and ‘The Long Wait’ both from 1954 where<br />
Philishaves are used. Also famous figure ‘Humphrey Bogart’ uses an electric shaver in the movie Sabrina Fair.<br />
Compared with the previous phase, the focus of developments slowly shifts towards added functionality and use comfort since performance becomes<br />
stable and acceptable. More focus on design and ergonomics can be detected. Later on, in 1965, additional functionality was added when the SC 8010<br />
was introduced, which had a built-in trimmer. This helps the Philishave to keep up with some competitors (e.g. Braun in 1953) which already had a trimmer<br />
for some time.<br />
In consumer tests (Dutch Consumer Guide in 1959 and 1964) show that the Philishave evokes least skin irritation, produces least noise from the motor,<br />
shaves long hairs well and is most comfortable in usage. Disadvantages of the Philishaves: the advertised advantages of floating heads in practice did not<br />
live up to expectations and the carbon brush in the electrical motor wears out over time which reduces durability of the Philishave. A US Consumer Report<br />
in 1959 decided that the Norelco shaver was the slowest model, landing it on the last place. Since shaving faster has everything to do with increasing the<br />
chance hairs are caught in a shaving head, expanding the Philishave with another shaving head is the next logical and major step to take; in 1966 the triple<br />
headed Philishave was launched worldwide, becoming the standard for the high price segment of Philishaves (9). Doubleheaders were not discontinued,<br />
but rather presented as the cheaper alternative to the triple headed shaver. The shaving heads were also improved with 30 more slots and in 1975 the<br />
number of ‘chisels’ per head were increased to 12. Also in 1975 the ‘Telephone Hook’ design was introduced (10). The design of the SC 8130 from 1966<br />
was relatively edgy, compared to the new ‘Telephone Hook’ design of the HP 1126, which has rounded edges.<br />
In 1980 the ‘Double Action’ or ‘Lift and Cut’ system was introduced by Philips. This system encompasses self-sharpening blades: 15 blades that lift the<br />
hair and 15 blades that cut the hairs. The Philishave HP 1601 ‘Rota 80’ had quite a different design from the previous TH Philishaves: the shaving head<br />
was placed in line with the body (11). In 1983 new electronic motor developments allowed for new a new design, returning the design to the head being<br />
placed 45 degrees on the body. This altered ‘Telephone Hook’ design can still on some level be regarded the dominant design for most Philishaves up to<br />
this moment (12). One other major new functionality is the rechargeable battery in the shaver. Earlier in the development of the Philishave did Philips experiment<br />
with this concept (1952 a modified ‘Egg’ could run on batteries, 1963 the Cordless or ‘Penguin’). In 1965 the first rechargeable shaver is produced<br />
by Philips, but became successful in the 1980s when technologies were improved. The usage of rechargeable batteries in the shaver also stimulated the<br />
development of what is now called the ‘minutes left’ display, showing remaining minutes until the battery runs out.
3//HISTORY//PRODUCT PHASES HISTORY//PRODUCT PHASES//4<br />
Segmentation<br />
Recognizing different segments was something Philips started doing early on in the shaver development. In 1931 Philips released the 7735 ‘Beautiphil’, a<br />
modified regular 7735 model (13). The female shavers later on are given the name Ladyshave by Philips and after some modified double headed Philishaves<br />
are marketed as Ladyshaves, a new model is launched in 1957: the SC 7780, which has an entirely new shape compared to previous Philishaves and early<br />
Ladyshaves, but still only a modified single shaving head (14). Colors used remain being adjusted to female’s tastes during that time. In 1959 Philips introduces<br />
the 7787 ‘Coquette’ nicknamed ‘Lipstick’ because of its pink body and gold colored metal head/bottom (15). The packaging and manual are heavily<br />
fashion oriented and everything is feminized to the 1950s female taste (particularly by US women). The packaging says ‘Made in Holland, Styled in Paris’<br />
showing the effort of Philips to market a fashionable and cosmetic-like product. Some versions of the Coquette contain pads impregnated with perfume in<br />
an effort to mask the odor of oil. Later on in 1960 Ladyshaves take on the oscillating foil headed shaving systems (similar to Braun and Remington models)<br />
which further separates the Ladyshaves from the Philishaves.<br />
Early cordless electric shavers were marketed especially for the travelling man (e.g. Braun Intercontinental, Philishave Sportsman/Cordless), showing an<br />
early type of segmentation. However with the development of rechargeable batteries allowing more effective usage in electric shavers, most of them became<br />
packed with a rechargeable battery, making this standard. Later on, young adults were another segmented group of men that got the attention of<br />
electric shaver manufacturers. This was because of market research showing that someone who starts shaving electrically (or wet) most likely will stick to<br />
shaving according to this method. In 1983 Philips created a double headed model that would fit the taste of this target group: the ‘New-Wave Junior’ was<br />
a cheap double header model. In 1985 the ‘Tracer’ was launched for the young adult target group (16). This shaver colored red or blue was accompanied<br />
by a similarly brightly colored advertisement campaign, full of cool and manly items (motorbikes, women adoring freshly shaved men, typical 80s rock<br />
soundtrack, etc.). The triple headers remained as high price segment shavers. 1990 a new coating gave a softer tactile sensation and the design became<br />
rounder, ergonomically more comfortable and increasingly expressive (from the 975 model and on).<br />
Promotion is heavily focused on TV commercials (e.g. the ‘Tracer’ commercial as mentioned before) and Philips advertises through Hollywood, for example<br />
via various James Bond movies (‘A View to Kill’ in 1985 (17) and ‘Die Another Day’ in 2002 (18)). Also sponsoring becomes an integral part of their promotion,<br />
for example having the Philips logo on Formula One racing cars of the Williams racing team.<br />
Remarkably in 1991 the new Design Manager of Philips (Stefano Marzano) decided to take on a new human design philosophy: he concluded that market<br />
segmentation would be over and therefore target groups and high-tech design are abandoned. The first result of this philosophy was the new Tracer in<br />
1995. In the design similarities to the automotive industry are visible and round, asymmetrical shapes and metallic colors are driving factors of the new<br />
design.<br />
During the 1990s wet shaving companies (e.g. Gillette, Wilkinson) started aggressive advertisement campaigns to win over men to wet shaving, by labeling<br />
wet shaving the shaving method for real men in contrast to less manly electric shaving. Likely in a response to this Philips introduced the ‘Cool Skin’ model<br />
in 1996 (development took several years); a triple headed shaver containing Nivea for Men which can be released with the push of a button (19). This gives<br />
a similar sensation to wet shaving and additionally prevents skin irritation or the feeling of an irritated skin. The introduction of the Cool Skin shaver may<br />
be viewed as a product for the target group of wet shaving men. From Philips’ research it became clear that most men using Cool Skin shavers are former<br />
wet shavers.<br />
In 1996 the new design philosophy brought about a new triple headed shaver, the HQ 5000 series with ‘Reflex Action’ (both shaving heads and shaving<br />
holder can now move relatively to each other, increasing adaptavity to face contours). (20) For shavers in the high-end segment, unorthodox colors were<br />
introduced. Accordingly with the newly colored shavers an advertisement campaign together with Dutch painter Corneille was launched. A huge 22 feet tall<br />
shaver was created and painted and toured through Europe.<br />
Philishave HQ series (and presumably all series thereafter) are mass produced through several conventional and unconventional methods, which will be<br />
discussed for some of the most important parts of the Philishave. The body still is being produced through injection molding, although now fully automated<br />
and with much higher quality than earlier models. The shaving heads are produced through deep drawing in several steps (up to ten molds are needed) and<br />
the so called ‘snapspring’ is produced by ‘punching’ (related to deep drawing) which is used only for complex products due to its high costs (21). The polycarbonate<br />
dustcap is made through Sinker EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining), an unconventional technique developed in 1952. Cutters are produced<br />
with Wire EDM since this allows very precise and small dimensioning of the cutters. Text and symbols on the shaver and shaver heads are laser marked, a<br />
relatively new technique developed in the 1960s.<br />
17<br />
17<br />
21<br />
13 14<br />
15 16<br />
18 19<br />
20<br />
22<br />
25<br />
26<br />
23<br />
24<br />
27<br />
Individualisation<br />
In 2002 Philips introduced the HQ 8000 series (22). This series contains an improved ‘Lift and Cut’ system (23). Moreover it introduced adjustable pressure<br />
of the floating heads. This way the pressure level can be adjusted per skin type (‘Personal Comfort Control’). This can be viewed as some form of personalizing<br />
and thus individualizing the Philishave, since the user can influence the functionality of the product. However this may be more of a marketing ‘trick’ than<br />
a true step towards individualization, because of the pre-determined possibilities of the ‘Personal Comfort Control’ merely giving the illusion of ‘customizing’<br />
the shaver.<br />
In 2005 the ‘SmartTouch’ and ‘Speed-XL’ shavers are introduced (24). Here performance is further perfected with pivoting and flexing shaving heads which<br />
ensure continuous contact with the skin. Furthermore the shaving heads are enlarged to cover a 50 percent larger area on the skin, increasing shaving speed.<br />
The shaving heads are now divided into three tracks (‘Triple-Track’) with both slots and holes.<br />
In 2007 a new Cool Skin model is introduced with ‘Active-Track’, ‘Precision Blades’ and special rings around the shaving heads, which all can be seen as<br />
minor performance improvements and rather as ‘extras’ (25). Mainly the styling of the shaver is redone and became even more expressive, because a new<br />
development in the electrical system allows for new driving of the cutters (one axis from motor to drive three heads). This development also meant a possible<br />
redesign of the high-end Philips shavers.<br />
In September 2007 the Philishave Arcitec (RQ 1060) was introduced (26). Before developing the Arcitec, extensive research was done by Philips, because<br />
the Norelco market share dropped to 50% (compared to 60% in 1978). Philips somehow left the previously stated human design philosophy somewhat,<br />
and got back to researching their core target group (5000 customers between 35 and 54 throughout the USA, Europe and Asia). Philips hoped this would<br />
deliver some concealed customer needs. They found that the electric shaver needs to do better at shaving flat lying hairs in the neck region. Therefore more<br />
maneuverability was desired by its customers, which was answered by creating a larger space between the shaving head and handle, and miniaturizing the<br />
moving parts. During the design phase the customers were closely involved with the process of improving the shaver through many iterative steps. Also by<br />
interviewing their customers, they found a desire for materials that radiate strength, such as the stainless steel in the shaver head. The design team went<br />
through hundreds of magazines and ads aimed at men and used the Motorola RAZR, BMW Z4 Coupe and Volant Skis as basis for the Arcitec materials and<br />
coloring. The final design of the body of the Arcitec entails an ergonomically fit, high-tech and sleek design. In 2010 a new model of the RQ series was<br />
launched: the SensoTouch 3D (RQ 1200). (27) The design became a bit more futuristic and more ergonomic with more expressive colors, compared to the<br />
Arcitec. Furthermore the new ‘Gyroflex 3D’ further improves the ‘Reflex Action’ system from 1996. The body is of a metal frame and the interface is now<br />
touch sensitive.<br />
Adjusting their latest (high-end) models to the exact wishes of the target group shows another step of Philips towards individualization. Since it is hard for this<br />
product group to be really personalized on an individual level, Philips’ efforts up to this moment are likely as individual as it can get for now. Until of course,<br />
new technology allows the individualization phase to truly set in fully.<br />
Awareness<br />
The first signs of the awereness phase showed up early in the case of Philips. According to their dedicated ‘Sustainability’ webpage Philips started in 1970<br />
when they participated in the Club of Rome to minimize the environmental impacts of their products, processes and services. In 1990 they started energy<br />
and emission reduction programs and in 1993 they became a member of the world business council for sustainable development. In 1994 the first environmental<br />
program was set up, followed by many more programs such as the recurring 4 year Ecovision programs. In 2009 Philips reflected on their sustainability<br />
strategy and in 2010 the so called ‘Ecovision5’ program was started with targets such as: bringing care to 500 million people, 50 percent improvement<br />
on energy efficiency by 2015 (compared to 2009) and closing the material loop by globally doubling collection, recycling and recycled amounts in products<br />
by 2015 (also compared to 2009).<br />
This all resulted in Philips doing well in sustainability indexes such as the Dow Jones Sustainability Index for many consecutive years and winning multiple<br />
awards and notations every year in the area of sustainability (e.g. the ‘Responsible Supply Chain Management Award’ from the Dutch Association of Investors<br />
for Sustainable Development, 9th greenest company in the world in Newsweek’s 2011 Green Rankings, and many more). When customers consciously look<br />
for sustainable companies, Philips will certainly be noticed quickly.<br />
The upcoming part will show the discussed product phases and product history on a timeline together with some of the important factors in the environment<br />
of the Philishave development (and electric shavers in general).
5//TIME LINE//PRODUCT PHASES//ENVIRONMENT TIME LINE//PRODUCT PHASES//ENVIRONMENT//6<br />
Political<br />
Economical<br />
Social<br />
Technological<br />
Environmental<br />
1920s 1930 1940 1950<br />
1927 KEMA mark for safety regulations<br />
1921 First Injection Molding Machine<br />
1930s Great Depression<br />
Companies start looking for new products<br />
1933 Shaving becomes mainstream for women<br />
Late 19th century ‘War of the currents’ resulting in both AC and DC power grids<br />
Different electric motors work on different grids<br />
1930s/40s Cadmium coating to prevent corrosion<br />
1937 Injection Molding Fully Automated<br />
Late 19th century 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990<br />
2000 2010<br />
1939<br />
1939<br />
1947 1951 1957<br />
1957<br />
Performance Optimisation<br />
1940s Raymond Loewy ‘designs America’<br />
1940s Injection molding industry expands rapidly<br />
Demand for inexpensive mass production due to WWII<br />
1940-1945 World War II<br />
Shortage of radio tubes, low use of plastics- and mechanical producing<br />
capacities (B&O, Philips)<br />
1950s Multiple medium advertising<br />
Entertainment industry ‘endorses’ electric shaving and increases<br />
popularity through movies (The Long Wait, Rear Window, Sabrina<br />
Fair)<br />
1950s Expensive dry shavers become more like a gadget for modern men<br />
1946 James Watson Hendry invents first screw injection machine<br />
More precise and detailed molding, also different materials can be mixed<br />
1950s Polycarbonate discovered<br />
1950s Melamime Formaldehyde widely used<br />
Itemisation<br />
1960s/70s LCD developed to point of usable displays<br />
1959<br />
1960/70s/80s Polycarbonate for electrical safety<br />
1969 Philips researches rechargeable battery technology<br />
1960s Scientists show that PVC is carcinogenic<br />
1966<br />
Segmentation<br />
1980s Market research reveal that ‘old habits die hard’<br />
Young adults that start with dry shaving will likely stay<br />
Awareness<br />
2004 Cadmium (for most uses) banned by European Union, due to toxicity<br />
1990s Gilette and Wilkinson start aggresive ad campaigns<br />
Effort to win over men to wet shaving with wet shaving advertised as ‘masculine’,<br />
focus on wet and cool sensation in ads<br />
1980s Metal Hybride Rechargeable batteries developed and become widely used, rechargeable batteries become the standard<br />
1980s Automatic voltage selector becomes standard (no more AC/DC switch)<br />
1983 Improved electromotors become available<br />
1985 Lithium Ion batteries are safe and available for industrial application<br />
1980s/1990s Cadmium use decreases for coatings due to health regulations<br />
1980<br />
1990s Waterresistance of shavers becomes standard Both wet and dry shaving possible with electric shaver<br />
Scientists suggest that nickel release from eletric shavers (including several<br />
Braun and Philishaves) causes Allergic Nickel Dermatitis 2012<br />
1983 1998 2007<br />
Individualisation
Philips Philishave 8130/1302 Dominant design for Philishavers<br />
Philips Philishave 7737 ‘Mouse’/7735 ‘Egg’<br />
Philips Philishave 7860/7910/7914 ‘Pipe’<br />
Triple shaving head to increase<br />
7//PRODUCT FAMILY TREE Ergonomiccally adjusted to fit hand, designed by Raymond<br />
‘Fliptop Cleaning’ (push button to flip shaver<br />
PRODUCT FAMILY TREE//8<br />
Major events/product developments<br />
Women’s shavers (only first models)<br />
Schick Original Electric Shaver<br />
External electrical motor (commercially unsuccesful)<br />
1929 1930<br />
Competition: rotary cutter with round shaving head<br />
Philips Philishave 7730 ‘Cigar’<br />
Rotating Philishave cutting head<br />
(3 blades), brushed motor in line<br />
with head, bakelite body<br />
Roto Shaver model 1<br />
Rotating cutter, two circular cast alloy heads, induction motor<br />
Schick Model S<br />
Internal electrical motor (commercial success), oscillating cutter<br />
Original dry shaver: oscillating cutter with rounded shaving head<br />
Early competition: oscillating cutter with straight shaving head<br />
Remington Model E<br />
Similar to Schick model, plastic urea formaldehyde body<br />
1937<br />
1939<br />
1938<br />
1941<br />
Philips Philishave 7733/7736<br />
Bronze cutters replaced with steel, 7736 with 6 blades,<br />
additional ring to tense the skin around the shaving head,<br />
larger shaving head<br />
1948<br />
1942<br />
Loewe for US market, synchronous motor (7735), self-start<br />
universal motor (7735), urea formaldehyde plastic body<br />
1947/1948<br />
Braun L70 (Launch delayed to 1950 due to WWII)<br />
Black ribbed phenol plastic body, oscillating cutter, foil head<br />
with tensioner<br />
Schick Model 20<br />
Thermoset cream<br />
urea plastic body,<br />
double cutting<br />
head, dimples for<br />
better grip<br />
Schick Super Twinhead<br />
Double shaving head, ribbed body, designed by Raymond Loewy<br />
Remington 60 Model AO<br />
New palm grip design, two long cutters (Model E),<br />
plastic urea body, turnwheel started induction motor<br />
Remington Model E<br />
Triple cutting head, designed by Raymond Loewy<br />
1950<br />
1951<br />
Philips Philishave 7743/7748 ‘Double header’/’Speedshaver’<br />
Double shaving head to keep up with competition, extremely succesful<br />
(outsells Schick and Remington in USA)<br />
1951<br />
1951<br />
1953<br />
Remington Duchess model AL1<br />
First dedicated women’s electric shaver,<br />
restyled version of Model E<br />
First ladyshave<br />
7738 Beautiphil<br />
1950<br />
1955<br />
From 1950 First electric shavers for women<br />
1957<br />
1956<br />
head open), restyled body in two-color body,<br />
‘Floating Heads’ (suspension to follow head<br />
contours)<br />
Philips Ladyshave 7787 ‘Coquette’<br />
Lipstick shape, single rotary cutting head,<br />
fashion oriented, some versions with perfumized<br />
pads to disguise oil smell<br />
SC 7780 Debutante<br />
Schick Model 25<br />
Wider cutting head than<br />
Model 20, finely ribbed<br />
red body<br />
Dominant design<br />
for foil headed shavers<br />
Braun model 3 / Ronson Model 4<br />
Large foil head, Model 4 with side trim function in cast alloy,<br />
ribbed cream urea plastic body<br />
Remington Princess<br />
Small size, matching<br />
pink flex and plug<br />
efficiency and speed of shaving,<br />
cast alloy head, trimmer on top<br />
1959 1962/1965 1966 1975 1980/1983 1985 1987 1990<br />
Philips Philishave<br />
7920/8010/8060<br />
Voltage switch in body,<br />
added trimmer, ‘Flip Top’ and<br />
On/Off switch (8010/8060)<br />
Schick Jewel<br />
Tiny electric shaver for<br />
women, luxurous and<br />
kitsch design, ivory<br />
plastic body consisting<br />
of two parts<br />
1996 1996 1999 2005 2007 2010<br />
1960 1967 1979/1980 1990<br />
2000 2006 2009<br />
Braun Sixtant<br />
First rechargable Braun<br />
shaver, cast alloy shaving<br />
head with brushed finishing,<br />
platinum coated shaver foil,<br />
galvano plastically produced<br />
Philips Philishave 1126/1308<br />
‘Telephone Hook’ design (pre-dominant<br />
design), 6 knives added to cutter heads<br />
(12 per head),<br />
Remington Lektronic<br />
First rechargable Remington<br />
shaver, adjustable<br />
rollers that follow face<br />
contours<br />
Philips Philishave 1601<br />
‘Rota 80’/1700 ‘Rota 83’<br />
´Double Action´ system (first<br />
knive lifts, and second knives<br />
cuts the hair), number of knives<br />
increased to 15 per head,<br />
‘Rota 83’ can be downsized<br />
due to new electronic technologies<br />
and therefore a restyled<br />
‘Telephone Hook’ style can be<br />
brought back<br />
Philips Philishave Tracer<br />
Two-headed shaver aimed<br />
at young people, low-cost,<br />
colorful design to seperate<br />
from high-priced Philishave<br />
Braun Micron<br />
Introduction of removable<br />
foil cartridge, trimmer´s<br />
functionality seperated<br />
from shaver<br />
1960 1962 1964<br />
Remington Deluxe<br />
Body from ivory melamine,<br />
triple head cutter,<br />
padded for better grip<br />
Braun Flex Control<br />
First Braun with double foil shaving<br />
head, LED indicators, trimmer<br />
slide functionality expanded with<br />
3 different positions<br />
Philips Philishave Cool Skin<br />
Waterproof body, Nivea for<br />
Men cream to give ‘wet shaving’<br />
sensation and reduce skin<br />
irritation<br />
Philips Philishave 950 and 975<br />
LCD battery indicator on 950,<br />
‘Minutes- Left’ interface on 975,<br />
change in design from edgy to<br />
more rounded ergonomic shapes,<br />
from 90s new coating for soft<br />
feel<br />
Braun Syncro System<br />
‘Clean&Charge’ system<br />
automatically cleans<br />
shaver with special fluid,<br />
four-way flexibility of<br />
shaver head increases<br />
shaving area with 60%,<br />
style of design shifts<br />
to more dynamic and<br />
rounded shapes<br />
Remington Selectric<br />
Polished alloy trim, large vinyl paddings,<br />
six-stage adjustment knob, pioneer of the<br />
typical 1980s box-like styling<br />
Philips Philishave HQ 9000<br />
‘SmartTouch’ cushioning system for<br />
more efficient guiding of shaving head<br />
along face contours, ‘Speed XL’ 3<br />
tracks per head, 50% larger shaving<br />
area, additional knives and slots/holes<br />
to increase efficiency<br />
Philips Philishave HQ 5000<br />
´Reflex Action´ both shaving<br />
head and shaving head holder<br />
are suspended to follow head<br />
contours more precise, introduction<br />
of distinct colors in<br />
high-priced Philishaves<br />
Philips Philishave Arcitec<br />
‘Flex and Pivot Action’ three independent<br />
moving shaving heads for more efficient<br />
tracking of face contours, leap forward<br />
to next design style (more futuristic look),<br />
new one-axis output from the electrical<br />
motor enables new design possibilities<br />
Philips Philishave HQ 6000<br />
´Quadra Action´ shaving slots<br />
on the shaving head are<br />
partially replaced with holes<br />
to catch longer beard hairs<br />
more easily, expaned range<br />
of colors<br />
Braun Pulsonic/Prosonic<br />
Sonic technology transfers<br />
micro-impulses via shaver head<br />
to skin to increase shaving effeciency<br />
and reduce skin irritation,<br />
two trimmers, floating<br />
shaving head and floating foil<br />
heads to follow face contours<br />
better, more ergonomic and<br />
rounded design<br />
Philips Philishave Sensotouch<br />
‘Gyroflex’ improved ‘Reflex Action’<br />
system that enables shaving head to<br />
adapt to every contour, ‘UltraTrack’<br />
contains both slots, holes and canals<br />
to catch different hairs<br />
Braun Series 7<br />
3 settings for more personalized<br />
shaver experience, ‘ActiveLift’ assymmetrical<br />
middle trimmer to lift<br />
up flat hairs, interface indicates<br />
hygiene status<br />
Remington abandons straight shaver head and takes over both Braun and Philishave style shavers
9//<strong>PRICE</strong> <strong>DEVELOPMENT</strong> PRODUCT COMPARISON//10<br />
The price development of electric shavers over time was calculated with price data<br />
from various sources. For the early years advertisings in US ‘wishbooks’ (catalogs)<br />
and other US magazines were used (1930s, 1940s, 1950s) (1). For the 1960s and on<br />
Dutch consumer guides were used (2). Most recent prices were looked up on various<br />
web pages that track price changes over the year (e.g. camelcamel.com, tweakers.<br />
net). Noticeable is the ´Craftsman´ imitated Philishave with four shaving heads (3).<br />
Overall the prices of electric shavers have decreased somewhat, although the highend<br />
shavers remain almost as expensive as the first shaver by Schick. The lowest<br />
priced shavers did decrease in price significantly (exactly 100 euros compared to<br />
1936, according to the available data). This is most likely due to new and improved<br />
production methods that allow for cheaper (mass) production (4). One of the reasons<br />
for the high-end shavers to be still as expensive as 70 years ago, can be the efforts a<br />
company such as Philips puts into research and sustainability. Also using high quality<br />
material that in the future will likely remain expensive or become even more expensive,<br />
raises the cost price significantly.<br />
For the next part of the EPD course, most likely a redesign for the high-priced segment<br />
will be made. The aim for this is the same as new models of the Philishave, which is<br />
usually around 200 euros depending on the model being high-end or sub-high-end.<br />
On the following page the product characteristics table and a product comparison of<br />
the Philips shaver and two competitors will be made on eighteen statements/points.<br />
1 2 3<br />
<strong>PRICE</strong> <strong>DEVELOPMENT</strong> <strong>OF</strong> <strong>ELECTRIC</strong> <strong>SHAVERS</strong><br />
corrected for inflation<br />
4<br />
On the right there is a table with the product characteristics. It is clear that the electric shaver has fulfilled or at<br />
least reached all phases. Some characteristics are only documented from a certain period in the history of the<br />
product, resulting in a few questionmarks for the characteristics ‘Service’ and ‘Ethics’. Furthermore, a plus sign<br />
means this characteristic is fulfilled, a minus means this is not fulfilled and a plus-minus sign indicates only partially<br />
fulfillment of the characteristic.<br />
Below is a table with advice for Philips with regard to several statements or points about the product development.<br />
For most points a short advice can be given, however some other points are at this time developed to such<br />
an extent that no improvements or changes are necessary. To give such advices, the current shavers by Philips<br />
are evaluated with two main competitors in mind. For electric shaving this is most likely Braun and of course wet<br />
shaving remains as the biggest competition to Philips products. Therefore Gillette was also taken into account as<br />
a competitor.<br />
This part also is the end of this report on evolutionary product development. Concluding, the development of the<br />
electric shaver (and Philishave in particular) follows the theory of product phases very well. For the next part of<br />
the course Evolutionary Product Development, a redesign of a Philips electric shaver will be made, based on the<br />
history of the product and the suggest future developments according to the evolutionary product development<br />
theory.<br />
#<br />
Statement Advice for Philips related to main competitors Braun and Gillette<br />
1 Newness Market penetration on Western market high, logical step is to introduce cheap shavers in third world (wet shaving is largest competition it is less expensive).<br />
2 Functionality and reliability Both very high, improve on durability (reserach new coatings and metal alloys for longer cutter blade lifespan), distinguish through ‘positive wearing’ of product.<br />
3 Technology At the moment at a high level, possibly further develop touch sensitive displays, reduce noise when shaving, research sonic technology used by Braun in series 7.<br />
4 Number of parts The number of parts is actually higher than with earlier models, functional integration could be an option, research modularity in design (both internal and external).<br />
5 Ergonomics Ergonomics are very well developed, likely better than Braun and Gillette. Possible improvement is ergonomical adaption to individual needs.<br />
6 Safety Safety is very high, similar with Braun, Gillette and wet shaving in general will likely always remain less safe.<br />
7 Assortment Assortment is extensive, number of accesoires (stands, automatic cleaning and charge systems, additional trimmers and groomers) is also good.<br />
8 Adaptability to consumer wishes<br />
and ethics<br />
Consumer ethics are not explicit yet for the haver product group, however Philips scores very well on this anyway (likely much better than Braun/Gillette)<br />
Adaptability to consumer wishes is similar for Philips and Braun (personalized settings), possibilities may be guided shaving to help with trimming certain hair styles.<br />
9 Product development Very high for both Philips and competitors.<br />
10 Styling Expressive and material use adjusted to modern man taste, new Philips models are probably one step ahead of competition.<br />
11 Integration of form Very high: no improvements necessary.<br />
12 Number of competitors Many competitors, mainly Asian imitation brands (mostly Chinese) and large electric appliances brands such as Panasonic, Hitachi, Seiko, etc.<br />
13 Price High-end shavers remain expensive, one of the main disadvantages compared to Gillette, however Philips also markets mid- and low-end shavers.<br />
14 Production Production is highly automated and optimalized, similar for Braun and Gillette, production facilities in China keep costs low.<br />
15 Assembly Assembly is partially automated, partially manual, therefore looking for new methods to fully automate is a possibility.<br />
16 Promotion Very good: mass media advertisement, mainly TV, communication about ethics via internet (sustainability website). Also sponsoring in sports (AT&T Williams F1, PSV)<br />
17 Influence of the consumer on<br />
the final product<br />
Product Phases<br />
Characteristics<br />
Performance<br />
Newness + + + + + +<br />
Functionality + + + + + +<br />
Product development + + + + ± ±<br />
Styling + + + + + +<br />
Number of competitors + + + + + +<br />
Pricing + + + + ± ±<br />
Production ± ± + + + +<br />
Promotion + + + + ± ±<br />
Service ? ? ? + + +<br />
Ethics ? ? ? + ± ±<br />
Latest models ‘co-developed’ with customers, in future fully customizing the product per individual may be the next step (when technology allows this in the case of<br />
electric shavers).<br />
18 Service organisation Service is very well for Philips and competitors, also due to large electronics stores offering replacements, additional warranties, etc. No improvement necessary.<br />
Optimisation<br />
Itemisation<br />
Segmentation<br />
Individualisation<br />
Awareness
11//BIBLIOGRAPHY<br />
Baudet, E. H. P. (1986). Een vertrouwde wereld: 100 jaar innovatie in Nederland, B. Bakker.<br />
Consumentengids (1959). Elektrische Scheerapparaten. Consumentengids.<br />
Consumentengids (1964). Elektrische Scheerapparaten. Consumentengids.<br />
Consumentengids (1968). Elektrische Scheerapparaten. Consumentengids.<br />
Consumentengids (1975). Scheerapparaten. Consumentengids.<br />
Consumentengids (1980). Elektrische scheerapparaten niet slecht, maar een mesje scheert gladder. Consumentengids.<br />
Consumentengids (1994). Scheerapparaten goed maar; Nat gezicht toch gladder. Consumentengids.<br />
Corson, R. (2001). Fashions in hair: the first five thousand years, P. Owen.<br />
Derks, S., Nuijen W., Spierings P., De Weijer, P. (1996). Scheren: van klapmes tot Philishave, Philishave Verzamelaars Club.<br />
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Eger, A.O. (2007) Evolutionaire Productonwikkeling. Uitgeverij LEMMA<br />
Kals, H. J. J., Buiting-Csikos, Cs, van Luttervelt, C.A., Moulijn, K.A. (2003). Industriële productie: Het voortbrengen van mechanische producten. Den Haag, Ten Hagem & Stam.<br />
Krumholz, P. L. (1987). A History of Shaving and Razors. Bartonville, IL, Ad Libs Publishing.<br />
Linell, P. (2011, 23 May 2011). “A Virtual Museum Of Small Early Electrical Appliances.” 2012, from http://homepage.ntlworld.com/paul.linnell/sso_01/index.html.<br />
McConnon, A. (2007, 11 June 2007). “Case Study: Philips’ Norelco “. 2012, from http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/07_24/b4038413.htm.<br />
Ortner, E. H. (1969). What We Learned About Electric Shavers. Popular Science.<br />
Pennewaard, M. (1999). Sneon en Snein. Friese Dagblad.<br />
Penney, J. (1966-1976). JC Penney Christmas Catalog USA.<br />
Philips (2012). “Sustainability.” 2012, from http://www.philips.com/about/sustainability/.<br />
Sears (1937-1988). Sears Catalog USA: 622.<br />
Spiegel (1955-1972). Spiegel Catalog (Christmas) USA.<br />
Technology”, M. o. (2007). “The Great War and WWII [1850-1980].” 2007, from http://www.museumoftechnology.org.uk/domestic.php?cab=body_care.<br />
Thyssen, J. P. (2012). “Allergic nickel dermatitis caused by shaving: Case report and assessment of nickel release from an electric shaver.” Acta dermato-venereologica 92(1): 95-96.<br />
Wards (1975-1984). Wards Christmas USA.<br />
2012//Industrial Design Engineering//Evolutionary Product Development