Kenn
Kenn is a Food Processor designed to fit into any room in the modern day home environment.
The idea for this came about when Kenwood reached out to Loughborough Design School students to redesign one of their kitchen appliances to fit into the 'anti-kitchen'. This is my interpretation to redesigning their Food Processor.
January 2021
University Project
Deadline
Kenwood tasked us one week to complete this brief. This helped us focus our ideas and make quick but informed decisions. All work was completed within this week except for extra renders for presentation purposes.
Brief
As more apartments are getting smaller, kitchen space is also decreasing. The design style of blending multiple rooms into a singular space is becoming more popular. As young generations start to get into food preparation, they need appliances that work for their needs, rather than becoming a cumbersome, unattractive objection that ends up in the back of their cupboards.
Brand Analysis
Before idea generation, it was necessary to analyse current Kenwood products as well as their brand ethos. This highlighted areas that could be changed without losing the product's association with the brand image.
Identifying the User
This appliance was designed for the younger generations who may not be used to cooking frequently and just getting into their food preparation journey.
Inspiration
Kenn was inspired by the environment in which the product would be placed. Modern artwork, ceramics, and soft forms inspired the overall form of the final design.
Initial Ideas
Rough sketches on post-its and paper helped explore a range of different shapes, proportions, and features without going too in depth on the products functionality at this stage.
Rapid CAD Ideation
CAD ideation helped visualise the initial ideas, as well as helping to find the right proportions of the product. Each model took minutes to make, complementing the fast pace of sketches.
3D Printing
3D printing some of the best initial idea CAD models at 10% the original size helped finalise the proportions and helped to observe how light hit the object.
Final Design Details
Once a final design was picked, the next step was to finalise the minor details of the product. This stage included a combination of sketching, CAD, and rendering.
Summary
The initial stages of the design process were collated into a singular image to help show design thinking from the very beginning to the final design result.
Final Design CAD
The final CAD model was made, this step focused on creating smooth transitions between surfaces, improving the usability of the device and ensuring the product didn't lose its functionality.
Storyboard
Storyboarding helped to present the use case of the device to others in a quick and effective way. Seven distinct steps were displayed that show the overall product use case.
Form
The Food Processor was designed to gently reflect light without drawing too much attention to itself. The texture on its base was inspired by modern ceramics and vases that would be places around the home.
Usability
The handle is one of the main aspects of the design. It features a curved grip and two points of orange colour that associate the product to the Kenwood brand.
Accessories
Each of the accessories were created to fit into the product. The funnel faces inwards, rather than outwards like the current design, to reduce visual impact and help the product retain it soft form.
Multi-Functionality
Kenn also acts as a wireless charger and docking station for keys, headphones, or anything the user needs to place down. Its docking base helps support the device while giving the product more functionality than just processing food. This multi-functionality increases the likelihood of users putting the device throughout their home, rather than just in the kitchen.
Thank You for Viewing
