The kitchen is one of the most vibrant places in the house. Several activities converge in the kitchen, not just those related with food, but also with social interactions.

Given its dynamics, the kitchen combines several devices/places related to the different actions that take place in it. In a typical kitchen we can observe devices/places connected with cooking–making, cooking–preservation, storing,  cleaning and for some kitchens an eating section. However, there is a very specific place that has been overlooked, not just in terms of functionality but also in terms of communication: the cabinet/space under the sink.

 

The space under the sink in the American context is the place in which a lot of systems, devices and uses coexist. The average under the sink space includes but is not limited to the following elements: miscellaneous storage items, temporary storage disposal (trash can), plumbing, garbage disposal and water filter systems. 

 This complexity of interactions has caused this space to become one of the least cared and overlooked in the house, leading to a wide range of dissatisfaction and disagreement regarding its use. No one wants to show the space under the sink, and in some cases it is a reason for embarrassment or discontent. So, we are approaching a common space in the kitchen with diverse uses and purposes and which dynamics involve several elements and their related behaviors.

 Therefore we have a great opportunity for analyzing the relations existing between uses, behaviors, features and desires that this space converges, and approach it in a different way that could lead to the re- framing of the issue and result in alternative considerations.

 

 

How might we change this unsatisfying experience? The space under the sink has many challenges such as unsatisfied space, ambiguity and general abandonment. A better design approach to the sink might shift the value of this space and make of it a more enjoyable experience.

 

 

· Understanding the different interactions between users, environment, and products in this space

· Converting the space under the sink to be accessible

· Improving the images and function of this space

· Exploring the probabilities in using the space more efficiently

· Developing a better environment for the sink in which focus remain on concern about safety and sustainability

 

 

Given the fact that this space is related with garbage disposal and taking into consideration the environmental situation we are facing, a huge opportunity arises related with sustainable systems for the kitchen. Some alternative ecological uses should be considered in the design process.

 

First we conducted research, the resultant data was affinitized by AEIOU framework.

 

From the analysis of the subsequent trends we established three main categories : challenges, opportunities and goals; these categories facilitated the development of three archetypes that were the guideline in the proposal development.

 

Based on the analysis of the archetypes and the research, we REFRAMED  the problem by exploring three main creative concepts, this process leaded to four final ideas. 

 

The criteria for selection was determined following the SWOT framework and Pugh Chart. Here we present the  prototype of the final concept and the service related to it.

 

The space under the sink is a complex area. In order to be able to address it in a proper way we need to understand its components, dynamics and the related behaviors associated with it. That is why in our research we decided to conduct the following steps:

 

Photo documentation-   we collected a large amount of pictures documenting the space from different angles

 

Visit the industry (Home Depot)-    we did a study on the structure under the sink

 

Review -  here we examined videos of innovative furniture designs on YouTube and read blogs about under current under-the-sink products; we also reviewed a Design journal article regarding consumer behavior

 

Conducted interviews and surveys- here we observed the behaviors and opinions about this space

 

The resulting findings from the research were categorized under the AEIOU  framework and placed into statements of Challenges, Opportunities, and Goals. 

 

These categories along with selected insights from the interviews, illuminated the development of three archetypes that were the guideline for the proposals. 

After identifying the main challenges, opportunities and goals, the team developed several ideas focused on re-frame  the under the sink complex situation . These preliminary concepts  were always focused towards the three archetypes  and their specific needs and desires.

After the selection of the four main concepts, we carried out an intensive sketching process under the parallel thinking methodology. The aim was to explore the possibilities and viability of each proposal. 

Later, the ideas were evaluated via SWOT analysis and a nested value proposition.  With all these information, we made the selection by using a Pugh Chart with the parameters of competitive advantage, consumer satisfaction and market success.

 

In the prototype stage the team explored the different possibilities for the Dispenser concept. We examined several  alternatives that shaped all the features  into a single system. 

In this section we introduce the logic behind  the system, its function and  performance, and  the service that is related to it. 

 

We think about the convenience of the soda gun in bars and restaurants. We combined with the functionality of the printer’s cartridge refill system, and also with the ecological and economical saving of the pouch refill package. Sounds interesting, right? We took these really good systems both in function and efficiency and apply them into the kitchen cleaning product dispenser. 

 

SPLASH! is the system that unifies all the cleaning products for the kitchen into a single device. It features a tank, a hose, and a dispenser gun.

It is compact and fit perfectly under the sink.  

It is designed  to help user in the following levels:

 

Space Saver. Since you don’t need to buy several kinds of cleaning products, that take lots of space in the cabinet.

Ecological. Because it uses concentrated biodegradable and non toxic cleaning products. Also, it is Eco-friendly because it eliminate a lots of plastic containers.

Money Saver. The cleaning products are deep concentrated and can be used up to six months.

 

SPLASH!  works following to these processes: 

1.The User select the kind of detergent that he/she needs by  pushing the specific button

2. The water pipe pumps water into the tank

3. The concentrate gel goes into the water tank

4. The concentrate gel and the water mixes together, making the cleaner ready to use

5. This blended detergent is taken through the hose into the dispenser gun

6. The blended detergent is delivered by the gun

 

We create our service model to provide a supporting system for our product. Service can create value and relationship between users and provider, between users and product, and between provider and stakeholders by building a tangible system. On this project, we give an outline of users and provider activities thru the activity task, storyboard, and service blueprint.