Blind Cutting Calculator

The Blind Cutting Calculator app addresses a common challenge faced by store associates at The Home Depot: accurately setting the blind cutters so that the cut blinds fit the customers' windows. This app simplifies the process, ensuring precise results every time.

How I Built It

The development of the Blind Cutting Calculator was based on the vendors’ laminated cardstock calculators that are hanging in the aisle of D59. The app's interface was crafted to be intuitive, facilitating easy input and output for associates.

Why I Built It

When I was first learning to use the blind cutters I was struggling with figuring out how much to cut off of each side. I noticed some other associates that would prefer not to cut blinds or didn’t know how. Even experienced associates would get tripped up sometimes. A box of blinds will say ‘Width 30inches’, but then in small print say ‘Actual Width 29.5inch’. Then, there’s an additional half inch that needs to be accounted for depending on whether it’s an inside or outside mount.

During the learning process it was stressful fidgeting around with the vendors laminated calculator, especially when there would be a customer breathing down my back. I wanted to make the process of figuring out how much to cut off of each side simple enough that anybody could do it, not just experienced associates, because they aren’t always around to help.

Technicals

Using customer-provided measurements and product details, the app calculates the exact adjustments needed for each blind, ensuring a perfect fit whether for inside or outside mounts.

1. The app calculates the true starting width of the blind by subtracting 0.5 inches from the stated starting width, accounting for the actual product size.

2. The app determines the target width based on the customer’s measurement type (outside or inside mount). For outside mounts, the target width equals the customer’s window width. For inside mounts, the app subtracts 0.5 inches from the customer’s window width to ensure a comfortable fit within the window frame.

3. Finally, the app calculates the amount to cut off each side of the blind by subtracting the target width from the true starting width and dividing the result by 2.

Conclusion

By utilizing the Blind Cutting Calculator, store associates can confidently meet customer expectations for accurately fitted window treatments. This tool not only simplifies the cutting process but also reinforces trust and satisfaction among customers.