While employed at Calphalon, I was named lead designer for the creation of a kitchen gadget set, which was a new product category for Calphalon. Once the product development lifecycle had started, my team and I secured the product to be tested and I prepped the questions for the focus group. From there, I led the focus group to collect invaluable insights.
These lines were also the first products to be entirely produced overseas for Calphalon, which entailed a number of meetings and coordinating schedules with APAC vendors.
I also received two US Design Patents for the gadget handles.
While designing each gadget I also designated the required dishwasher safe material, such as the rubberized grip, as well as the color and finish to make a cohesive line of products that match the Calphalon brand standards. The full gadget collection has an elegant, modern look with an emphasis on ease of use and additional features for the home or professional chef.
This product line was so successful that the line was maintained for another 5 years and a second set of 6 new gadgets was added to the collection.
The ice-cream scoop was the first gadget I designed. I used an organic pedal design for reference for both aesthetics and function. The scoop is designed to make a nearly perfect spherical scoop of ice cream with ease. This pedal reference was carried through to the remaining gadgets to create a cohesive product line.
This slicer requires little pressure to cut and keep the slicer stable due to the overhead handle design.
This can opener was designed for those with common hand discomforts such as tendonitis and arthritis in mind. The unique “wave” turn knob design helps with comfort as well as the hands natural grip and turn motion.
My role in designing the gadgets also included designing the packaging for each individual product.
Spearheaded the design of a 6 SKU first ever cast iron pan line for Target stores. These products would be manufactured overseas.
The wide handles on the Cast Iron line were designed with a broader area for better weight distribution and angles that cup your hand for a more secure grip.
I was also the design lead on creating a new Cast Iron line, which would be a new material the company chose to explore.
Part of my responsibilities while designing the Cast Iron line was to aid in packaging creation.