Project 1: Rationale

My aim for redesigning the kitchen peeler is to produce a more aesthetic, ergonomically and pleasurable product. My research has discovered some other peelers in the market can tire users because of its smaller blades, thin hand grip and heavier materials.  

My ‘White whale’ kitchen peeler creates a solution for preventing fatigue by using light-weight plastic and ceramic materials. Instead of using wood which can be harmful to allergic users, plastic is safer for users and plastic are cheaper for processing in mass production. Also rather than metal blades which can rust and get blunt more easily while the sharpness of ceramic blade can last longer making ceramic the ideal material to be used in the design.

The sea animal Beluga also known as the ‘white whale’, its smooth and purely white anatomy has inspired me to design a peeler that will be smooth for touch. The features and physical outlook of the design is important so that user can see there are no angular edges that may cause discomfort and so the user will understand by the look and touch of the handle will be comfortable. 

The suitable angle of the blade that extends from the handle is also essential in reducing fatigue when peeling. 

To achieve ergonomic in the design, organic features in the handle were taken into consideration to put out a more natural firm grip/hold for the user. The shape of the handle is designed for comfort and prevents slipping. 

A more circular grip offer choices to user as they can choose how they will hold the peeler, because offering choices in a design allows the user to personalise their product, which add personal gratification and pleasure in using the product. 

Two finger grooves are introduced for either a thumb or index-finger to rest on the handle at the top of the peeler. The purpose of this was for comfort and pleasurability. A symmetrical design that offers to both right and left-hand users.

In the market there are blades that are immovable and I find that swivel blades are better in a way that it optimise the surface peeling as the blade can follow the contours of the vegetable/fruit.

The two triangular-pointy elements above the blade are there to aid the user in digging out blemish especially in potatoes. You can just turn the peeler around at about 180-degrees and easily arrange the peeler to scrape off any imperfection in the food.

In my design I made attempts in innovation by designing different organic shape and form in my ‘white whale’ kitchen peeler. The painted white and smooth surfaces are there to justify the aesthetic value in the product. The colour white is used not because of the actual pigment of the Beluga, but the particular colour is there to help emphasize the features of this design.

In this design I want to suggest to users while using the peeler, the imagery of white whales diving within the ocean. The whole ergonomic body of the white peeler and the smooth and organic features are the elemental principles of this design that will deliver pleasurability to users when using the kitchen peeler.