Power tool
Spring 2026 | 12 Weeks
Design a power tool specifically engineered to improve the efficiency and outcome of a particular task.
Research
Photographer: Albert Cesare | @albertcesare on Instagram
Interviewing Gabrielle | Rink & Trail Skater
Gabrielle has been a competitive roller derby player since 2016 and was behind the creation of the Cincinnati Skate Collective and is the community engagement director for the Cincinnati Skate Park Project.
Interview TakeAways
Keeping it small
Efficiency
As Gabrielle explained how an average skate session goes for her, she emphasizes how skaters are often wanting to get right back to the action and don’t want to spend too much time adjusting their board or skates. Making the new tool powered would lower this time spent.
Gabrielle describes her bag that she takes everywhere, it was noted that storage and portability is something that needs to be kept in mind while designing. Skaters carry many things in their bags so the smaller, the better.
All-in-1 Tool
Gabrielle showed her array of tools that she brings with her to skate and she expressed how helpful an “all-in-1” tool would be. There needed to be the main socket sizes used across most types of skates: 9/16” socket, 1/2” socket, 3/8” socket and an allen wrench tip.
Current tools
T-tool:
Current tools are too weak. They’re very skinny making them hard to use.
Y-tool:
Another tool to add to your bag, very similar to the t-tool but a bit easier to grab and use.
Handled allen wrench:
Usually a separate tool that is very small and attaches to the t-tool, very easy to lose.
original Inspirations
The original aesthetic that was followed for the quick model making was focusing on simple, minimalistic style of tools.
quick ideation
Quick Modeling
Creating quick foam models and getting them critiqued led to a more refined design.
brand & design goals
Simple curves
Thin bottom
Heavy metal
After going through the modeling making a brand was decided to better help guide the design. The brand “Silver” was selected. Silver’s current t-tools are often referred as the “gold standard” for skate tools, but none are automatic.
Design goals:
Follow the basic shape of the classic t-tool
Keep with the simplicity
Explore multiple colorways
Refined design
Final direction
Key Features:
Includes every size socket needed on the average skateboard
9/16” Socket (manual)
1/2” Socket
3/8” Socket
Has a build in screwdriver head for hardware
Made of strong plastic for stability
colorways
Another thing Silver is known for is the broad range of color ways, the grey and black design is the base colorway but would be made in many other options.
Render done in Vizcom