Three new hammers are envisioned as part of a careful analysis of a typical hammer.

The hammer is analyzed first from the standpoint of a layered object. We started by asking 'what is a hammer?', and mapped a break-down of the tool. Four layers of information were idenitified to exist within a hammer (and perhaps all tools): At the core is its concept (its purpose), followed by its proportions (measurements), then a layer of detail (grips and materials), and finally the surface treatments (colors).

Three spans of focus were layed acorss this map of a hammer's 'exposed layers'. For each of the spans, a new prototype would be created. Each prototype was intentionally made different by tweaking its variables, however only within the layers it was assigned to.

The 'talon' hammer shows variations in proportion and detail, leaving the concept and the surface unchanged. The result is a hammer with changes in form and length however its core use and details are intact. This tool might double as a crow-bar.

The 'curv' hammer varies all but the core concept of a hammer. While still meant to drive nails, the proportions are drastically altered, form of the claw is merged with the hammer head, and surface details stripped for smooth lines. This tool might best be used as a light-duty safety hammer.

The 'lateral' hammer shows variation in all four layers. The concept of a hammer as a force amplifier is nearly lost with the removal of the handle in this prototype, perhaps presenting a new use entirely. Perhaps this tool is better used as a paint can opener.