handle it project
CSULB design 331a junior studio Brian Alton Ricketts
pasta rake
1. Design problem 2. Demographic study 3. Process observation 4. Competitive product research 5. Simplehuman brand research 6. Features ideation 7. Ergonomics of action study 8. Handle option studies 9. Configuration sketches 10. Mock ups, color studies & materials 11. Final renderings & dimensions 12. A day in the life of product 13. Advertisment 14. Thanks to Lum Design associates
project index
This design project is a study of ergonomics, hand forms a nd interfaces, as well as brand styling. You will explore avariety of shapes and ideas in sketch form, as well as create multiple mock ups used for ergonomics research in your target market. You will create a final hard model using the simplehuman brand styling. Description: Design a handheld object that performs a specific task in the kitchen, bathroom or garden. It can be a tool of some sort that cuts, picks, holds or any other defined operation. The object should be mobile and has to be possible to be picked up by one person easily. It can be with or without mechanics but should show it’s function clearly to the consumer. Thehandle part should fully lay in the users hand. Think about a wide range of possible users and associated tasks to define an interesting object. The function can be very simple and you can concentrate on the aesthetic, ergonomic and material.
design problem
problems stated by user group They wanted to reduce the amount of clutter in the kitchen utensil drawer. The tools should not damage our cookware or counter tops.
The Johnson family
“Mom” Pam, “Dad” Patrick, “Daughter” Beth & “Son” Bradley They are a middle class family who enjoys spending time sharring a meal. This provides a break from their busy life throughout the day. On vacation they enjoy camping conecting to their primal natures. All of them wanted the preparation of the meal to be more efficient. This would give them time to enjoy each others company. They have aquired alot of tools over time and expressed the value of products that provided multiple functions.
user group
media outlets with simplehuman product placements
Competitive products
COMPETITIVE RESEARCH Organic
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$$ Processed
Market research
tools for efficient living We design everyday tool to help people become more efficient at home - from a spoon rest on a utensil holder to a pedal that’s engineered to last over 150,000 steps. We know we’ve done our job when you wonder how it’s possible to love a trash can that much. See below for examples of our design innovations.
modular design our dishracks feature a modular design to allow you to place cup holders and other accessories in different spots along the railing to best suit your needs. Do your wet cups need a place to drip dry? Need extra space to fit more dishes? No problem - simply add or remove accessories as needed.
unique features We asked ourselves how we could improve on the traditional utensil holder. How about with different storage hieghts, so you can hold both small and large utensils, and a removable spoon rest that’s also dishwasher safe?
durable construction your trash can has to outlast a multitude of household chores. That’s why each trash can pedal is engineered to last over 150,000 steps. Plus, we back every trash can with a 5 or 10 year limited warranty.
queit close lid We like our trash lids to close quietly, without the jarring”clang”. Many of our cans come with our exclusive lid shoxtechnology, which uses air suspension shocks to contol the motion of the lid for a slow, quiet close every time.
innovative materials Our dish racks are made of rust proof, high grade stainless steel and ABS plastic for superior durability. We use ABS plastic because it’s dishwasher safe, won’t crack or discolor, and is safe for holding dishes in place without chipping. durable construction We make taking out the trash less of a chore with our patented smart bucket bag change system. 1. Integrated handles make it easy to remove the inner bucket. 2. Use the bucket park to rest the inner bucket in position for easy lifting. 3. Tuck away messy bag overhang into the bag tuck for a neat and tidy look.
simplehuman styling is secondary to innovation being offered which often drives the forms language. The use of quality materials is essential to meet the ideology of the brand. The products need to last.
simplehuman brand research
spoon pasta ring portion gauge
serving fork works best on it’s side.
tablespoon
dump it with a twist
fork
scoop action
tea spoon or spatula
treat cut out with off center oval chamfers to double as finger placement indicators. integrate portion rings into handle.
small measuring cup
advantage of flatter server offers use as a spatula.
frosted silicone
handle made of bamboo or stainless steel
serving spoon different line to show amount
spoon rest incorporated into handle stops the mess. on handle end a small tasing spoon or tsp.
features ideation
conour cut of main contact point top = concave pivot bottom = 90 degree outward angle
secondary grip interface for use of the features in primary handle.
the scooping action utensil is typically gripped by top & bottom. Their should be a depression for thumb.
ergonomics of action
primary gripping point
toothbrush style most comfort but only best in one position inserts into silicone server
flatter handle is better for use on both sides
rounded handle is the same grip from any direction but doesn’t lock in position.
The combination of the toothbrush style finger & thumb grip for comfort and flatter extending handle for versatility, gave the most promise of efficient living.
handle exploration
ABS plastic bamboo stainless steel
The materials give an escence of being in nature, connecting to simpler times.
configurations color study & materials
mock ups
final renderings & dimensions
a day in the life of product
Special thank you to Myk Lum of LDA Design studio for taking time to review the work of our CSULB junior studio project. It has been such a great experience getting the insight of Myk throughout the project. The opportunity to present our work and recieve feed back has given us knowledge that will last a lifetime.
thanks to LDA
handle it project
CSULB design 331a junior studio Brian Alton Ricketts
pasta rake