Design Case Study - Next-Generation Steam Scrubber

My Role: End-to-end Industrial Design project lead, concept visualization & prototyping, CAD development, DFM implementation

Building on the commercial success of the foundational S7000 platform, I served as the Industrial Design Lead for its next-generation successor, the Shark® Steam & Scrub Pro (S8000). Owning this program’s lifecycle from conception through mass production allowed me to leverage field performance data and manufacturing insights to meaningfully refine the product architecture. This evolution required optimizing the internal mechanical packaging, enhancing user touchpoint semantics, and executing a sophisticated CMF strategy to elevate the premium tiering of the line. The project stands as a premier showcase of multi-generation design stewardship—proving an ability to evolve a successful platform, navigate complex legacy constraints, and maintaining brand continuity.

ID “sprint” case study of the new Shark Steam Scrubber 2025 design.

S8000 - Steam Scrubber: The Next Generation

Shark launched its first steam scrubber in 2021 and the “Steam Blast” sku extension in 2023. Shark’s dominance in the category has gained steam over the years and the Steam Scrubber design was due for a refresh. The new design would need to be elevated and improve both product perception and user experience, but also capitalize on cost-saving opportunities.

S8000 - Project Pillars

With an expedited project timeline, the team established clear pillars to target for the design evolution of the generation steam scrubber.

S8000 - P1 ID: Initial ID Proposal

Based on the optimized legacy architecture, we developed a new “unibody” ID gesture we affectionally called “the wishbone.”

S8000 - P1 ID: Nozzle Concept Variations

S8000 - P1 ID: Nozzle Size Reduction Exploration

S8000 - P1 ID: Nozzle Size Comparison

S8000 - P1 ID: Base & Blast Skus

The cross-functional team aligned on the key differences between the sku offerings.

S8000 - P1 ID: Refined Design

S8000 - P1 ID: Foam Model

ID commissioned a scale foam model to evaluate the size and design. The model was a combination of CNC foam, 3D printing, and an existing S7000 nozzle.

S8000 - P2 ID: Refined ID

The P2 ID evolved seeking to keep the essence of the “wishbone” ID, while baking in the reality of engineering and performance requirements. The molded wand was not strong enough and wasn’t meeting our packaging requirements. The wand was updated to be a plugged in aluminum extrusion. The handle was optimized to balance the mechanical trigger with appropriate pull force. The swivel was updated for maneuverability and upright locking. These changes along with other finer design refinements led to a new scrubber look that spoke to some of the premium Shark cordless design language.This design is representative of what was proposed to leadership for TRA.

S8000 - P2 ID: SKU Assortment

S8000 - P2 ID: UI Flow

S8000 - P2 ID: Legacy Comparison

S8000 - TRA ID: Design Pivot

The P2 ID was not well received by leadership in the TRA review. The feedback was that the ID was too derivative of the S7000 design and appeared too heavy and bulky (especially with the D shaped wand extrusion). The ID team scrambled to reinterpret the design, and within 2 days presented the ID shown below. The team gained ID alignment with leadership and TRA was approved.

S8000 - TRA ID: Nozzle Reduction Options Comparison

The internal structures and engineering components were optimized allowing ID to investigate top cover design variations. In the end, the team aligned to proceed with the “expanded island” with the smallest size reduction. It felt the most balanced, and allowed for a dominant billboard for branding and future embellishment opportunities.

S8000 - MP ID: Final Design