JIHO SONG
@studio_hoji
Thumb & Pinky (2024)
Lighters are consumable tools that see frequent use in different environments. While the J6 BIC lighter is widely used for its compactness and reliability, it lacks ergonomic support during ignition. Repeated use, especially when multiple sparks are required because of wind or fuel wear, creates pressure imbalance between the thumb and lower fingers, causing discomfort, hand strain, and instability.
Problem Statement
When observing how people hold small handheld devices, I noticed that most users instinctively support their phone with their pinky finger to balance its weight and reduce hand fatigue.
I started with clay modeling to sculpt different base contours and study how slight changes guided finger placement.
The goal was to achieve maximum support with minimal change, keeping the J6 BIC’s simple geometry intact. The design was intentionally kept light, slim, and compact so it functions as an unobtrusive enhancement rather than a full redesign.
Design Process
Once the most comfortable contour was identified, I 3D-scanned the clay model and refined the shape digitally in Maya, optimizing the mesh for both comfort and manufacturability.
Final Product
The final prototype was 3D printed in stainless steel for strength, durability, and resistance to outdoor use. The lower contour provides a natural resting point that stabilizes the hand during multiple ignitions. A small keyhole was added for keychains or bag attachment, improving portability.
JIHO SONG
@studio_hoji
Thumb & Pinky (2024)
Lighters are consumable tools that see frequent use in different environments. While the J6 BIC lighter is widely used for its compactness and reliability, it lacks ergonomic support during ignition. Repeated use, especially when multiple sparks are required because of wind or fuel wear, creates pressure imbalance between the thumb and lower fingers, causing discomfort, hand strain, and instability.
Problem Statement
When observing how people hold small handheld devices, I noticed that most users instinctively support their phone with their pinky finger to balance its weight and reduce hand fatigue.
I started with clay modeling to sculpt different base contours and study how slight changes guided finger placement.
The goal was to achieve maximum support with minimal change, keeping the J6 BIC’s simple geometry intact. The design was intentionally kept light, slim, and compact so it functions as an unobtrusive enhancement rather than a full redesign.
Design Process
Once the most comfortable contour was identified, I 3D-scanned the clay model and refined the shape digitally in Maya, optimizing the mesh for both comfort and manufacturability.
Final Product
The final prototype was 3D printed in stainless steel for strength, durability, and resistance to outdoor use. The lower contour provides a natural resting point that stabilizes the hand during multiple ignitions. A small keyhole was added for keychains or bag attachment, improving portability.
JIHO SONG
@studio_hoji
Thumb & Pinky (2024)
Lighters are consumable tools that see frequent use in different environments. While the J6 BIC lighter is widely used for its compactness and reliability, it lacks ergonomic support during ignition. Repeated use, especially when multiple sparks are required because of wind or fuel wear, creates pressure imbalance between the thumb and lower fingers, causing discomfort, hand strain, and instability.
Problem Statement
When observing how people hold small handheld devices, I noticed that most users instinctively support their phone with their pinky finger to balance its weight and reduce hand fatigue.
I started with clay modeling to sculpt different base contours and study how slight changes guided finger placement.
The goal was to achieve maximum support with minimal change, keeping the J6 BIC’s simple geometry intact. The design was intentionally kept light, slim, and compact so it functions as an unobtrusive enhancement rather than a full redesign.
Design Process
Once the most comfortable contour was identified, I 3D-scanned the clay model and refined the shape digitally in Maya, optimizing the mesh for both comfort and manufacturability.
Final Product
The final prototype was 3D printed in stainless steel for strength, durability, and resistance to outdoor use. The lower contour provides a natural resting point that stabilizes the hand during multiple ignitions. A small keyhole was added for keychains or bag attachment, improving portability.
This project demonstrates how small ergonomic interventions can improve a universal daily product.It shows sensitivity to gesture, form, and user comfort through testing and refinement.It reframes the disposable lighter as a durable and reusable object that enhances both comfort and sustainability.