EvrChill™
EvrChill is a product ecosystem of display-worthy chilling devices designed for consumer and commercial use.
Overview
Food storage is a frustrating experience for many homeowners, particularly for young families who have unique consumption needs. It is difficult to find a product that allows perishable items to be properly stored yet readily accessible. How might we provide users a safe, organized, and potentially aesthetically-pleasing food storage?
Roles
Project management, research, interviews, concept ideation, materials and manufacturing analysis, prototyping
I. Discover
In an effort to identify potential areas for kitchenware product innovation, my research began by observing user behavior as they actively worked in their kitchen. During this time, I encouraged users to talk through their process and conducted focused interviews after.
Extreme frustration with food storage options was a core experience - so much so, in fact, that I coined it the “user’s tupperwar.”
Radical Listening
Jenn, 42 years old
Mother of one daughter, Lucy age 7
Concerned about building healthy eating habits for her family while managing their busy schedules
Enjoys curating an aesthetically pleasing home, especially in her kitchen where the family spends most of their time
Persona
Journey Map
Food storage has unique implications on young families.
I modeled our users’ journey of food consumption.
II. Define
Key aspects of food storage were identified during synthesis.
Insights
Users need food stored correctly to preserve, or extend, its condition. Food safety is non-negotiable.
Users feel are constantly organizing to accommodate the shape and bulk of food storage.
Users struggle with accessing food items, often storing perishable items in hard-to-see and hard-to-reach areas.
Users care about the appearance of their kitchens. Clutter is hidden behind closed doors.
“[My children] grab a lot of unhealthy snacks, but they love when I put out fresh produce. I would buy more if I knew it wouldn’t get wasted.”
III. Develop
In a cycle, I iterated through key concepts by user testing low fidelity sketches created from opportunity areas found from the marketplace landscape and exploratory patent research.
Since the goal was to develop a functional, physical product I also created a mood board to identify the look and feel, explored CMF options and temperature control technology.
Concept, ideate, evaluate 🔁
IV. Deliver
Features
Manufacturing methods
A chilled fruit bowl with a display-worthy design.
Product Charter
EvrChill is design that values parents who…
… believe in providing their children with healthy sustenance.
… are willing to spend on products with a sleek aesthetic.
… need seamlessly integration into their busy lifestyles.
Product Purpose
Functional test
Thermochip and heat sink technology were tested for basic ability to achieve desired cooling (and heating) temperatures.
Estimated manufacturing cost between $30-$40 with room for improvement, with a proposed market range between $100-250.
Product Ecosystem
EvrChill has potential to extend beyond the flagship Fruit Bowl product to a larger ecosystem that brings the display-worthy temperature maintenance to other home goods markets.
Two examples, demonstrated at right, are the cosmetic and medicinal industries. A young teen might wish to show off her skin care collection or warm her gua sha tool without leaving the bathroom. An elderly couple might remember to take their cool-dependent medicine if it isn’t buried in their fridge shelf.
Even within the food industry, catering companies would value a simplistic system of warming plates that don’t require hazardous burners.
Stakeholder Feedback
“I encourage you to file a provisional patent and seriously consider continuing design refinement to bring your product to market. Fantastic job making something with potential to grow into a larger homeware ecosystem.”
V. Debrief
Key Learnings
Observing and listening to users is an incredibly powerful research tool. Natural behaviors often reveal user needs that they cannot or will not articulate.
Understanding manufacturing and CMF procedures are key to designing a market-viable product.
Sketching ideas rapidly though quick sprints yield results in both quality and quantity.
Patent research can inform and inspire technological advances.
Protecting intellectual property, even through provisional patents, is critical to strategic differentiation.
Next Steps
Consult an electrical engineer for thermochip specifications
Consult a materials specialist for CMF considerations
Scale up user research for targeted demographic