HyCite Food Cutter
ROYAL CUTTER
Our Approach
Research
Product Design
Model Making
Engineering
When it comes to major kitchen appliance and cookware purposes, consumers expect longevity, professional quality, and high end materials. Enter Royale Prestige, a high end stainless steel cookware company specializing in direct sales. The Food Cutter, designed by the CHOi team for the HyCite parent company, was developed to compliment the existing line of professional grade products while providing innovative solutions to problems within the current product offerings. With a plated cast zinc body, interchangeable cutting blades and unique storage solutions, the final product is an eye catching piece for any kitchen!
Problems to Solve
The previous product offering had a unique curved design, but too many issues that hurt its sales when demonstrated in person. The blades could only be attached while gripping the sharp outer surface, and the food chute placed users fingers dangerously close to the spinning teeth. The cutter also lacked any storage solution for the various components, and the suction cup base would only fit flat stone counter surfaces, leaving many people without an area to use the appliance.
Working Prototype
The first concept, a vertical configuration with large chute, push down plunger, and blade storage within the body, was build crudely in 3D and cut for breadboard modeling. This initial prototype was built with many adjustable components, allowing for modifications to be made throughout the development and testing process.
Ergonomics
The user no longer needs to directly grip the outer teeth of the blade, only the inner smooth polished surface, preventing injury or mess while handling the blades.
The new blade attachment retrofits to the existing cutter blades, using a rear mounted button that the user can push to move the locking mechanism to engage or release the rear of the blade.
