DESIGN NAME: a-maze
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Knifeblock
INSPIRATION: Albeit not new, a-maze’s visual execution of a function driven product is innovative in this industry segment. Its inspired maze theme came of the need of storing multiple knife sizes on a very compact footprint. a-maze utilizes every bit of space that it occupies to satisfy said purpose. It brings order into the perfect chaos and interacts with its user thoughtfully.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: a-maze’s free hanging knife storage solves both problems of trapped moisture and mould built up. Damp blades dry from natural air flow in the chamber. The patented construction is easily disassembled if the inside needs cleaning. The design is kept simple putting focus on the maze on top. Though seemingly random a-maze’s layout was carefully designed to put primary blades outside where the user can consciously separate them from other secondary knives and still create personalized arrangements.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: a-maze takes a globally recognized visual and puts it to new use. Though it may not be obvious at first, it requires no explanation as to how it works because it naturally triggers the mind to accept a challenge that translates into an enjoyable and memorable experience.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The Concept Design of the a-maze knife block started in early August of 2013 and finished by the end of October of 2013. Engineering and production development started soon after and finished in early December. a-maze is now in production phase with initial product release in March 2014.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: a-maze is in its idea alone a sculptural and iconic Design created to outlive many everyday kitchen items and maintain a timeless demeanour throughout. a-maze body made from extruded Aluminum will prove to be a durable design that can retain and grow its initial emotional value beyond its looks.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: The knife block measures 120mmx120mmx250mm.
TAGS: a-maze, knifeblock, maze, amazing, funky new knifeblock, amazing knifeblock,
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Working close with our client WIKO Cutlery, makers of knives and knife blocks our Design team was able to get good insight about what was happening in the market. So we asked ourselves how we could shake up the traditional way of storing knives in a wood block. Occupying more space than required to store standard household blades, conventional wood blocks are desperately wasteful. In addition they expose problems of proper drying, trapped moisture and invisible mould built-up inside the slots.
CHALLENGE: The goal was to create a Design that could really stand out aesthetically and still be functionally innovative. The real challenge was to do with less yet to infuse new life into a tiresome household item. In addition we needed to keep components low and the Design safe. Safety issues involving drop tests and a lack of development time pressed us to change the shape from a slanted Design to a straight body which actually resulted in better storage for all types of knife handles giving our Design overall a better performance.
ADDED DATE: 2014-02-20 02:11:30
TEAM MEMBERS (3) : Prompong Hakk, Surakead Hemwimon and Jonathan Lo
IMAGE CREDITS: Prompong Hakk, 2013.
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