The goal of this project was to redesign the kitchen mixer. Before designing anything, we needed to learn as much as we could about the mixer. First, we researched its history.
We interviewed 11 people about their baking experiences and mixing devices. Some responses were quite interesting and helped us to pinpoint problems with current mixer designs.
We ran tests with a mixer. Two of the people who helped with testing had disabilities that might affect their mixing experience. This gave us ideas for changes we could make to design a more accessible mixer.
We developed an online survey and analyzed results from 38 anonymous users.
We developed moodboards for the form and function of our mixer. Streamline Moderne was chosen for visual inspiration because of the strong association with nostalgic emotions. We thought we could use it to connect generations through memories and a positive sensory experience. The post-war industrial style has ingrained positive memories in the minds of older generations. By using those stylistic signifiers in our mixer, we hoped to incite a bond with the product and give the user the opportunity to share memories with younger kin.
We disassembled a brand new mixer so we could understand the necessary components inside.
We sketched out design ideas for the form and function of our mixer.
Once we settled on a direction for our design, we began developing prototypes.
We produced a 3D model of our design.
Finally, we made several in situ images and a poster for our product.
