Contests / Appliance of the Future / Brief
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CONTEST TYPOLOGY: SINGLE - PRODUCT DESIGN (What’s this?)
BRIEF
Summary
A multinational corporation, with a vision of making a difference in consumer lives, seeks to create the future of our home experiences starting with its epicentre, the kitchen.
In partnership with Desall, this design contest invites applications to transform the classic mixer grinder into an appliance of the future addressing deep consumer pains and solving them through cutting-edge technology and design, invoking a sense of pride and ownership.
Company description
This competition is sponsored by a Leading Multinational Appliances Company.
Resources
The brief is available in the following languages:
- English
- Italian
Download the Material files.
Build your inspiration board on the Inspiration tab and explore ideas shared by fellow creatives!
What we are looking for
We’re on the hunt for a mixer-grinder for premium customers. The product should seamlessly blend future looking style aesthetics, multiple innovative cutting-edge features and easy to operate user experience.
Guidelines
To ensure the proper development of your projects, please consider the following guidelines:
The Mixer-Grinder
The focal point of this contest is the mixer-grinder. Currently, this kitchen device performs two primary functions. As a mixer, it chops, blends, or purées soft foods and liquids. Additionally, as a grinder, it can break down tough food items into smaller particles or powder. These distinct operations are facilitated using specific blade types and adjustments in the blade’s rotational speed. Generally, this appliance comprises the following components:
- Main Body: incorporates the motor and electronic components, and features a user interface for product operation.
- Interchangeable Containers: these are equipped with blades and other elements tailored for food processing. They also include secure closing mechanisms and side handles for ease of use.
The challenges
You are invited to design an innovative mixer-grinder, an appliance you are proud to own, that integrates the following features:
- Sou-chef: it is customizable and versatile in terms of functionality, while being simple to use. It does not have an excessive number of accessories.
- Saves time: it reduces preliminary preparation time, requires a low level of supervision during use and reduces cleaning and maintenance time after use.
- Safety and convenience: it has a space-saving design, sturdy structure and reliable safety systems.
- X-Factor: it presents advanced technologies, as well as smart functions related to food preparation.
- Innovative: it presents one or more innovative features, which make it a product capable of conveying a new future-oriented vision within its market sector.
Mixer grinder style and colors
Design Philosophy: the product design should be minimalistic and elegant, embodying a smart and futuristic essence. To achieve this, it’s crucial to steer clear of prominent, flashy knobs to prevent a traditional appearance. However, incorporating minimalistic switches or touch controls is acceptable.
Design looks: the design should feature a unique look which complements any modern kitchen.
Design color & finish: regarding colors, opt for soft and subdued shades that can enhance the product’s premium or luxury appeal, depending on its placement context. The surface finishes can be satin or metal effect.
Design Materials
Main body: The materials allowed are injection molded plastic, for example ABS, PC or PP. The use of glass or metal is not permitted.
Containers: The materials allowed are glass and metal in addition to other injection-molded plastic-type materials, for example ABS, PC or PP.
It is possible to propose the use of sustainable materials, if they are compatible with industrial production technologies. The surface finishes can be satin or metal effect.
Dimensions
The approximate dimensions of the product’s main body should be 200 mm in height x 160 mm in width x 160 mm in depth. The mechanical components housed within the main body will occupy an estimated volume of 183 mm in height x 128 mm in width x 128 mm in depth. The product should be designed to be compact and space-efficient, allowing for potential reductions in size depending on the specific internal components used. It can also incorporate other functions, such as a juicer, etc.
Technologies
We welcome the incorporation of innovative technologies and features beyond blending that enhance food preparation.
Context of use
The product is designed for use in the kitchen and should have a style that complements both modern and luxury kitchen designs.
Market target
The primary market for the product is Asia, with potential expansion into other international markets, including the USA, Canada, Italy, UK, Germany, Austria, Norway, France, Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
User target (profiles)
Profile 1
The consumer is a premium homeowner who desires to outfit their kitchen with elegant and high-quality appliances. In this context, the product does not merely meet functional needs but also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the home and the lifestyle of its owner.
- This individual has a passion for interior design and invests in high-end kitchen appliances to complete the elegant, modern, minimal, and futuristic interior design of their kitchen.
- They seek a product with unique aesthetic and functional elements, akin to a “limited edition,” to impart a sense of exclusivity.
- They appreciate advanced technologies integrated into their appliances (such as touch controls, innovative functionalities, digital displays, etc.).
- They favor smart features that enable connectivity with other home devices and provide a wealth of detailed information (for example, ingredients, calories, etc.), seeking a coherent and connected living experience.
- The consumer places value on the quietness of the appliance, showing a preference for maintaining a peaceful and stress-free environment in the kitchen.
- They prefer to rely on a well-known brand, as a guarantee of quality and reliability.
- They are willing to invest in a product that offers sustainable technologies and materials.
Profile 2
The consumer is a culinary expert or a professional chef, operating within a professional environment. In this case, the product is chosen for its technical features, advanced functionalities, and excellent user experience.
- They demand efficiency and precision in cutting to achieve the exact results needed for their recipes.
- They require a versatile product capable of handling a wide range of activities, from grinding spices to blending sauces. They are attracted to the potential for streamlining workflow and equipment.
- They prefer a space-saving design with a limited number of accessories to make the product less bulky.
- They favor a product that is easy to clean and maintain.
- They appreciate a modern design that serves functionality, with solutions that can enhance the overall user experience and make work more efficient.
- They expect a product with a robust structure, featuring advanced safety systems, such as secure locking mechanisms, overload protection, overheating protection for the container, non-slip bases, etc. A product that requires minimal supervision, ensuring a safe working environment.
- They often need customization options (like the ability to specify the type of food being processed: dry, wet, hot, frozen, butter, baby food, etc.), adjustable speed settings, and interchangeable blades to tailor the product to their individual needs.
Summary of the main mixer grinder problems emerged
- Ease of operation: too many jars/ attachments
- After operation, a lot of ingredients are wasted as they get caught between the blades and the jar
- Cleaning post-operation is complex
- The product requires a lot of pre and post operations
- The product requires a high degree of supervision
- High noise levels
- The product does not harmonize well with modern interiors
Benchmark products
Please consult the downloadable Material files to explore a series of reference products highlighting innovative and inspirational features.
User target (demographic information)
- Age: 26 to 40 years old
- Gender: the product does not differentiate based on gender
- Occupation: on average, well-compensated workers, or small business owners
- Purchasing power: individuals with good purchasing power, within the premium segment.
- Geographic location: urban centres
- Technology preferences: individuals inclined to purchase innovative products and eager to try the latest technological advancements available on the market.
Submission materials
Provide detailed descriptions and up to 5 images to effectively present your projects. Images should be in 4:3 format, with .jpg, .gif or .png file formats acceptable. The color mode should be RGB and the maximum size of a single file should be 1 MB.
You’re also invited to use the designated field on the Upload page to attach a .zip file containing 3D files and high-resolution versions of the project images. The maximum file size for the .zip archive is 100MB.
Judging criteria
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria:
Degree of innovation 5/5
Aesthetic quality 5/5
Functionality/Usability 4/5
Customization 3/5
Technical feasibility 3/5
Contest Timeline [Updated]
Add the contest to your calendar
Upload phase: 09 May 2024 – [Updated] 04 September 2024 (1.59 PM UTC)
Concept review: 12 June 2024 (1.59 PM UTC)
Client vote: from 04 September 2024
Winner announcement: tentatively by the end of November 2024
Concept review (optional)
Participants can request an optional review of their project by the Desall team by the date indicated above. To do so, they must 1) save their project as a draft from the upload page and 2) send a request to the Desall team via email at contest@desall.com or through the contact form. This review is entirely optional and only provides an opportunity for participants to receive feedback but does not constitute a necessary condition for participation or provide any advantage in the final evaluation by the Sponsor.
Eligibility and submission
Participation is free and open to creative talents of any nationality aged 18 or older. Participants may submit one or more projects, but only projects published on the website www.desall.com from the upload page dedicated to the contest will be accepted.
Award
1°: €5000
The selection of the winner by the Sponsor will be the result of an unquestionable evaluation and it will consider originality, feasibility and consistency of submitted projects with the presented brief.
Extra Award (option right fee)
€2500
Throughout the duration of the option right, the Sponsor offers an additional opportunity to all participants by setting the compensation of €2500 for the purchase of the license for the economic exploitation of projects not recognized as winning proposals. For more information, log in and read the Contest Agreement from the Upload page. For questions about the brief, use the “Have a question” button or write to contest@desall.com
Language
Since we are an international Community, all texts provided with your uploads (abstract, description, tags, etc.) should be written in English.
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Desall required files
Minimum 1 image, up to 5.
Recommended dimensions: 960 x 720px (player size) ; allowed format: .jpg , .gif , .png; color mode: RGB;
allowed resolution: 72 dpi ; max file (for each one) size: 1 mb.