As the last "thesis" term of my BFA program, we had the freedom to explore our own interests and passions. However, the product accessory could not be larger than a  12”x12”x12” (invisible) cube.  My instructors were keen about the students designing the project as a whole as well as the minute details --- the product & the packaging.  The holistic experience.  I chose the realm of drumming!!

Blistering and dropping/ breaking sticks are common results of poor grip technique.

Current solutions out in the market.  Main feedbacks/ reviews include, a lack of breathability, they fall apart after a couple of months, they don’t provide any feel for the stick, their ugly (other drummers mock others who uses gloves), and that they do not address the root problem.  They do not correct form that cause the problems in the first place but simply masks or “babies” the hands to get by.

There are two main grip types:  Traditional & Matched.  Traditional grip is popular among marching bands and genre's like Jazz.  While matched is used in faster tempo, heavier categories like Punk and Rock and even Metal.  For those reasons, I chose to pursue the matched grip technique due to the type of consumer I am addressing. 

Blistering occurs when the drummer choke the stick (gripping too tightly), which cause excessive friction leading to inflammation.  Common blister points are indicated with gray dots.

Sketches were the result of where the stick would come in contact with the hand, removing material that is not needed. But still keeping in mind how important it is to allow drummers to feel the sticks. And having enough material on the hand so the apparatus will not simply fly off.

Thinking about how the user will keep their form, a rigid material was needed to sculpt the hands.  Something that would force the hand to grip the stick using primarily the thumb and index finger.  Leather came to mind, looking at how molded leather has structure, yet its durable, and its a nice natural material.  Surrounding material would be a performance material that would be breathable, light, stretchy, and comfortable.  Lastly, something that would secure the apparatus to the hands in an easy, comfortable way using velcro/ hook & loop.

ANKR speaks on the idea of solidity, foundation, and a sense of grounding.  Something that all starting drummers need in order to have an awesome experience on the kit.  ANKR’S molded leather piece sculpts the hands in the accurate Match-grip position and the surrounding breathable mesh material ensures a comfortable, sweat-free experience while maintaining feel for the drum stick.