Grater Design:
Chosen Category: Food
Synopsis:
Starting from the ideation process, to using software like AutoCAD 2020. This was the 1st time I was also exposed to printing out my creation physically in 3D. Hence, the goal was to come up with a simple design. This resulted in an environmentally friendly food grater.
Scenario:
Axel prepares breakfast for his family on a day to day basis. Wanting to prepare a sandwich using the food grater he bought from IKEA, Axel prayed he would not injure himself again.
As he began grating the slice of cheese, he found that he was unable to grasp hold of the grater properly. As its base shifted, he had insufficient time to react and avoid the tiny outlets which sliced into his skin. Fortunately, the wounds were not deep enough to be serious.
This incident was the final breaking point for Axel. He decided to never use this grater again and would be starting to search for a suitable replacement. That morning, breakfast was rather bland without the cheese garnish.
Current Grater Analysis:
Pros:
1. Offers 2 sizes of shredders which accommodates 2/4 types:
- Coarse Shred
- Medium Shred
- Fine Shred
- Zester Slicer
2. Innovative design: Most graters come with only the shredder. IKEA however, managed to combine it with a container that clips perfectly to prevent messy preparation and to store food
Cons:
1. Overall materials used were non eco-friendly
2. Lacking proper base material: Little friction resulting in unnecessary movement. Increases risk of injuries
3. Lack handle: Unstable grip, broad design [Width] increase difficulty
4. Opaque container: Unable to view what is stored inside conveniently / how much space is left
5. Troublesome to keep: Individual parts, potential misplacement
Design Process:
Sketches' Design Rationales:
Initial 1:
Shredder plate with 2 shredding options side by side. The lid clips perfectly under the container's base when in use. Using it preserves and prevent moisture from entering which can affect food quality. The shredder may be left at the top before placing the lid over when storing away. 2 flaps at each side allows the user to place and remove the shredder safely. To prevent protruding, they may be kept. Overall, a smart design that allows users to keep away all the components when unused.
Refined Ver. 1:
Features that have been added:
1. Viewing panel
2. Adjustable scroller: Affects type of shred
3. Improved handle shape: In terms of ergonomics, while keeping in mind design compactness. This ensures the user's wrist and forearm is kept straight to prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders
4. Concaved shredder placement: Prevents accidents from occuring
Materials Used:
1. Bamboo: Shredder Sharpness tears large pieces
2. Wood / Water Hyacinth / Bamboo: [Lid] Water-resistant, wash after-use
3. Glass: [Visible section container] Though not environmentally friendly, usage is reduced
4. Wood coated with Foam Technology / Rubber: [Handle] Change form according to how it is held for increased comfortability]
Feedback:
1. Eco-friendly is more than just materials derived from natural resources. It is inclusive of those that can be recycled or decomposed over time
2. Focus on material practicality, whether there is longevity. This reduces the amount of times it is disposed and replaced
As such, the materials proposed initially might not be feasible as:
1. Not durable: Short lifespan
2. Tedious cleaning process: Product could potentially leave a foul smell
Final Design:
Implementations:
1. More basic design for easier and safer usage
2. Eliminating the viewing panels, the container is now fully transparent
3. Stoppers made using non-slip rubber is placed below the container's base
*The grater's dimensions would be slightly altered to be taller after the infusion of the shredder.
Materials:
1. Transparent plastic: Container
2. Rubber: Lid
3. Metal: Shredder
4. Rubber: Stoppers
Understanding the Users:
[User-first] Target audience: Domestic helpers, Stay-at-home mums and dads
[Job to be done] Vision: To create a user / environmentally-friendly grater both functional and practical
[What do we want to achieve] Goals: Enhance user experience and satisfaction with a simple design
Product design, Semantics, and Emotional Response:
[Product Design] Durable, hard, easy maintenance materials that have longevity used
[Semantics] Users may shred with ease as the it fits inside nicely
[Emotional Response] Increased satisfaction and pleasure after solving past user issues concerning their safety
*Shredder's slicers are angled at 20 degrees, to depict a realistic shredder.
