Softworks Kitchen Tools
Client: OXO
Role: Design Engineer
Team: Eli Worden, Vincent Valderrama, Albert Kwak, Brandon Rodriguez
Year: 2021
Background
After Smart Design redesigned OXO’s core Good Grips line of kitchen tools, we were tasked with redesigning their Softworks line. In comparison to Good Grips, Softworks is a slimmer, nimbler, more essential line of tools that is exclusive to specific retail channels. Engineering development for the tools was divided across a team of engineers, and I was responsible for the final tooling CAD of the Y-peeler, swivel peeler, pizza wheel, trigger ice cream scoop, grater, apple corer, restaurant turner, and mini whisk.
Prototyping
I worked closely with the industrial design team to prototype, test and iterate through numerous form models. We used FDMs to assess overall scale and SLAs to assess ergonomics and surfacing details, especially around the butt-end of the handles. Before releasing CAD for tooling, we outsourced high fidelity, machined and painted prototypes for final evaluation.
Tooling CAD
I was responsible for the final tooling CAD of the Y-peeler, swivel peeler, pizza wheel, trigger ice cream scoop, grater, apple corer, restaurant turner, and mini whisk. To develop tooling CAD, I worked closely with the industrial design team to refine parting lines, handle and fin profiles, and nuanced surfacing around the butt-end of the handles to achieve a very specific highlight that was consistent across the entire line of tools.
After completing the final tooling CAD, I created a design guidelines document in close collaboration with ID that established the design principles and intent around key elements of the line, and included engineering instructions to standardize the CAD construction process from a surfacing and DFMA perspective.
Product Launch
The Softworks line has successfully launched at Target and Walmart, and our internal design guidelines have aided the design and development of additional tools within the line.
