#HTE
Is Dyson’s $400 Hair Dryer Design Worth It?
This week we bring you our pressing topic of the moment straight from our reader-driven discussion boards! Dyson has just released its new ultra-quiet Supersonic hairdryer with a hefty price tag of $399—to many this is a laughably high price point while others argue, if it works, that it could be well-worth the expense.
From a design and manufacturing standpoint, what design elements would make a product worth the ultimately high retail cost? When considering the Dyson hairdryer, a few Core77 readers pontificate on the potential reason behind the price spike. One reason, as slippyfish writes, could be its particular focus on ergonomic considerations:
“I’m guessing that the super-short barrel obviates the need for any angle on the handle, or other ergonomic-related form development. Body care stuff seems like it should have some formal relationship to how its used. (Gillette Sensor women’s razor for one example).”
Reader FH13 thoughtfully writes the price could have resulted by virtue of marketing and manufacturing,
“I guess a lot of the cost is in the re-engineering of the internal components and impeller…there’s a science behind it, selecting the right motor/impeller design. I love the look. I don’t think it would sell for that price looking similar to the rest. Also, a cylindrical handle is perfect for the use since most people hold it in many different ways to reach different parts of their head, kind of like electric toothbrushes…$400 is a lot but hey, if you use it everyday to make you look good I think people would spend it. Also if it works better and is less noisy then it would be a big plus.”
So: why do you think this Dyson product has racked up the $400 price tag? And as a designer, what do you think makes a product worth a large price? Share your thoughts and design insights in the comment feed below!
(Also feel free to check out the original post and contribute on our discussion board!)
http://www.core77.com/posts/52679/Is-Dysons-400-Hair-Dryer-Design-Worth-It