Tokyo Design Awards Silver Winner

2026 | Student

SprayFlow — An Ergonomic Spray Can Assistive Tool

Entrant Company

WUHAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

Category

Conceptual Design - Hobby

Client's Name

ZENG JIANTAO

Country / Region

China

SprayFlow is an ergonomic assistive tool designed for graffiti creators who experience finger, wrist, and upper-limb fatigue during long spray-painting sessions. Traditional spray cans require repeated single-finger pressing while the wrist is extended and the arm is held away from the body. Over time, this high-frequency action creates localized pressure on the fingertip, increases wrist strain, and interrupts the creative flow.

The design rethinks how force is applied to a spray can. Instead of pressing the nozzle directly with the index finger, SprayFlow redirects the actuation force to a side trigger operated by multiple fingers. This larger contact area distributes pressure across stronger muscle groups, reducing fingertip overload while keeping the familiar spraying logic of a standard can. The user can still aim, move, and control the spray naturally, but with a more neutral wrist position and less repetitive strain.

The product is installed directly onto the spray can valve. Its internal slider mechanism transfers the side trigger movement into a downward force on the nozzle. A transparent top cover allows users to observe the internal motion, while screw-reinforced assembly improves structural stability. The ergonomic trigger surface is shaped to fit the fingers, supporting comfortable grip and repeated use.

Through clay mock-ups, posture testing, 3D-printed prototypes, and user feedback from graffiti practitioners, the final concept balances three key goals: force redistribution, posture improvement, and intuitive precision. SprayFlow is not intended to replace the spray can, but to enhance it — helping artists paint longer, reduce fatigue, and stay immersed in their creative process.

Credits

WUHAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
ZENG JIANTAO
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