Black & Decker Thermal Leak Detector

Imagine
Simple and comfortable were driving thoughts while developing the look and feel of the device. Thermal detection involves fairly technical problem solving but the Black & Decker development team wanted to shield the consumer from the technical aspects and present a product that is approachable, easy to understand and use. The pistol shape is familiar and suggests how the user aims and shoots at targets for insulation. The two tone body is clean with strong branding and directional graphics.

Implement
Black & Decker combined potentially confusing thermal detection technology with a usable color coded spot projection. This turns the task of temperature measurement from an analytical and technical digital reading (reading and LCD temperature range) to very user friendly visual feedback. This provides the user with instant visual recognition versus requiring calculations. By combining a maturing technology of thermal temperature detection with declining manufacturing cost and the intrinsically low cost of LED light, this product can be manufactured to make this high end technology affordable to most home owners at a suggested retail price of $49.99.

Impact
The true impact of the leak detector is reducing energy use and saving the consumer money. The detector is now available through broad distribution after having been released during peak heating season. The new device was also featured in Popular Science, Wired Magazine, Gizmodo.com, engadget and other popular web sites.