Shengjie Guo
Winter semester 2022–2023
Main project 3 _ Invisible Things
with Prof. Jan Vietze
Cooperate partner _ OKM
Industrial Design, HTW Berlin
The ESP-1000 detector is a detector designed for professional treasure hunters. It maintains its powerful detection performance while improving user-friendliness.
The wheels provide stability for the user, while the electric drive makes the detection process incredibly easy. The combination of two special detectors enables the detector to utilise different detection capabilities simultaneously.
The brakes are integrated into the entire detector, allowing the user to easily choose between driving and stopping. The overall position and design of the screen also eliminates the need to carry heavy equipment.
The ESP-1000 detector offers a completely new experience.
We tested three different types of machines over the course of a whole day. They were all used in the same way, but we encountered a few problems.
1. The screen device is somewhat heavy when worn around the neck and can strain the neck when worn for long periods of time. People have to look at the screen with the device around their neck for long periods of time, which can lead to an uncomfortable neck position.
2. The portable devices are not light and can strain the arms in uncomfortable positions for long periods of time.
3. Devices with high recognition accuracy are usually heavier, which can cause the arms to remain in an uncomfortable position for a long period of time. This can lead to a poor user experience.
All video releases have been authorised.
To gain a deeper understanding of users' genuine requirements within the metal detection sector, I conducted a comparative analysis of OKM products against key market competitors. This analysis revealed that ergonomic issues—such as device weight, screen positioning, and arm and neck fatigue resulting from prolonged use—significantly impair the user experience during field operations. Entry-level devices, while lightweight, lack sufficient performance, whereas professional equipment, though powerful, is often cumbersome and difficult to operate. Even within OKM's own product range, no model strikes an ideal balance between functionality and user-friendliness. Research indicates the core issue lies not in the technology itself, but in the absence of user-centred design principles within high-performance devices. These insights form the cornerstone of my design direction: to create a solution that combines professional performance with ergonomic comfort, intuitive interaction, and long-term usability.
We then conducted a thorough analysis of the entire metal detector market and existing competitors.
As part of my research, I summarised some of the brands and representative products of our competitors.
Hobby metal detectors
• GARRETT
• MINELAB
• NOKTA
• TEKNETIK
• TEKNETICS
• QUEST
Professional & commercial metal detectors
• Aquascan
• OKM
• Fisher Commercial
• JW Fisher
• Lorenz
I then looked at all OKM products. I researched the various technical features of all models, the corresponding user experience, etc., and summarised the advantages and disadvantages of all products.
- Lightweight and easy to carry.
- No heavy strain on the arms.
- Entry-level product with no more power than other products.
- The device's performance is excellent.
- The device is somewhat heavy when worn around the neck and can strain the neck when worn for long periods of time.
- People have to look at the screen for long periods of time with the device around their neck, which can put the neck in an uncomfortable position.
- The handheld devices are not light and can strain the arms in uncomfortable positions over long periods of time.
- Powerful equipment.
- The weight distribution point of the device is well balanced and the user's arm does not need to be held at an angle to use the device. The arm position is more comfortable.
- Relatively heavy weight.
- The position of the screen may not provide a good user experience.
Tristan is the ideal persona for a metal detector project due to his extensive field experience, deep understanding of detection technology, and ongoing pursuit of more efficient and user-friendly equipment. Having tried and tested numerous products, he’s acutely aware of the common flaws such as poor recognition or detection range, making his feedback invaluable in refining device design. His professional insights—shaped by real-world challenges and successes—allow him to serve not only as a user but also as a technical advisor. His influence within a broader network of young scholars and fellow treasure hunters ensures that any product endorsed or shaped by Tristan is well-positioned for practical, high-impact use.
Tristan Green is a 33-year-old British professional treasure hunter based in England. As the leader of a dedicated treasure hunting team, he has combined his academic background in archaeology with a passion for uncovering history's hidden secrets. Tristan leads an adventurous lifestyle, filled with field expeditions and in-depth research, and enjoys testing out and analyzing various detection devices. Single and deeply committed to his work, Tristan has no current plans to start a family, choosing instead to dedicate his life to solving historical mysteries and sharing his knowledge with both professionals and enthusiasts alike.
After completing all my research, I began brainstorming. All ideas for improvement were compiled and every option that could be tried out was evaluated based on a user journey. After comparing them, the most optimal solution was selected.
Plan 1 Improvement for handhelds
A departure from the previous handheld method to make people feel as comfortable as possible.
Plan 2 Sub-product and BRACE
The development of a sub-product that can be connected to the detector and the development of a connecting product that can be attached to the detector provides a point of force and effectively reduces the amount of force that needs to be exerted, or the combination of a detector with a corset resembles military body armour and futuristic clothing that can be worn directly on the body.
Tristan’s journey highlights both the potential and shortcomings of the new metal detector. While he appreciated its hands-free operation and overall performance, he faced challenges with solo assembly, poor detector positioning, and screen instability. His experience shows that improving ease of use and ergonomic design is key to enhancing the product for professional users like him.
Plan 3 wheels
The additional wheels solve the problem of sore arms caused by the weight of the device when held in the hand. It can also be used in the field on rough and uneven terrain.
Tristan’s experience with the new metal detector was generally positive, but highlighted key areas for improvement. While he appreciated the detector’s functionality in the field, he found the assembly and dismantling process too complex and time-consuming. He also faced issues with mobility in narrow or uneven spaces due to the equipment’s size. These insights point to the need for a more compact, easy-to-assemble design with improved maneuverability to better support professional use.
After comparing the options, I decided on the wheel to address the previously identified shortcomings of the product. Using the wheel solves three of the most important problems:
-Weight distribution of the device.
-Position of the screen.
-The way people hold their hands, or adding something else instead of hands to support the device.
Brainstorming
Final idea
After some thought and sketching, I finally decided on a product in general. The product is optimised by an integrated design and hubless wheels.
I then created a model and produced a simple visualisation.
Finally, I received my end product — the ESP-1000 detector.
The first is the wheel-less tyre design. The hubless tyres reduce the overall weight of the detector and solve the problem of the user having no point of support when using the detector — the wheel effectively becomes the point of support for the entire weight of the detector, and the user no longer has to support the entire detector with one arm in order to move it. At the same time, the wheels and the entire drive system are electric. This solves the problem of not being able to move the detector at a constant speed during detection, as the battery drive allows the detector to be moved at a constant speed.
The display for the detector is also located on top of the wheel. Different light colours are set by adjustment to indicate different things to the user. The user can intuitively obtain information from the changes in light. The light can also be used for illumination at night.
Integral
The integrated design of the entire detector, with the brake integrated into the tyre and the sensor carrier, ensures that there are as few components as possible and that it is simple and aesthetically pleasing.
The user simply presses the detector to automatically bring it to a vertical stop on the road.
Interchangeable
The user can replace different sensors on the same detector for different detection purposes. No more frequent replacement of machines or parts.
Screen position
The height of the screen can be adjusted by the user. There is no longer any need to wear heavy screen devices with shoes around the neck, and it can be adapted to different types of devices such as iPads, etc.
Composition
All components and their composition are shown in the illustration on the right.
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Based in Berlin – Available for collaboration worldwide.
Based in Berlin – Available for collaboration worldwide.