I’m in love with a vacuum

Corinna Proctor / Consumer Products / Human Factors

Yes, it’s true – I’m in love. With… my vacuum.

Ridiculous? Maybe.

True? Totally.

My vacuum is honestly one of the best-designed consumer products that I own. But a vacuum? Really, Corinna? Yep. You’ve got it. To win my heart, it’s the little things that count the most. So let’s start with the basics…

When it comes to the human factors that make or break the success of a product, this vacuum has got it down.

• First off, it does what it is supposed to do to a T. (For those of you who thought you were clean–take a spin with this thing and you’ll have a whole new perspective on clean). Doing what you are supposed to do sounds like a ridiculous criterion. But honestly, how many things that you own eventually let you down? Possibly many.
• Secondly–the logical placement of its attachments and buttons is pure perfection. The handle is large and comfortable to grip. The power button is obvious and clear–marked with red and with the universal power symbol. No weird foot-activated power buttons. This one is where you want it–by your hand; imagine that. The brush button is located just south of where your thumb naturally rests when gripping the handle. Turn it on or off depending on the surface you are vacuuming.
• Thirdly–when you need to empty all of the mess you’ve vacuumed, the canister comes off using a clear, huge push button located where you’d expect it to be. To actually empty the mess, another button releases the bottom of the canister – pop & flop open. Wha-la–all the mess drops right into the trash (Thanks gravity!).
• Fourthly–snap the canister right back in place with a healthy “snappy sound” confirming what you’ve done; my love grows.
• Lastly, my favorite accessory, the upholstery brush is out of control powerful. Have pets? This thing will conquer anything. Snap it onto the extension and it whirls with power so vigorous that it almost jumps out of your hand.

My only complaint? Weight. It’s relatively heavy. Especially going up and down the stairs. Which is not my favorite move.

What’s the brand? Bissell – Healthy Home Vacuum

Does HumanCentric work with Bissell? Nope. But they have a huge fan over here if they ever want an official endorsement.

1. wendy

   Me too !!
   Have two ragdoll cats and have already killed one of these vacs,
   And for the price do not care!
   so went out and bought another one!!!
   This one has some redesign that is even easier to use
   Dyson not worth it in my home!!

   08.19.2009

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