Max Hite
Product Design PortfolioSelected Works 2023-2024
01. Barrel Side Table
02. Living Table
03. Chrome Light
04. Weighted Whisk
05. WaveFlick
06. Art and Knickknacks
About Me →
Home, Info04. Weighted Whisk
Prompt
Study a user and design a whisk that meets their needs and desires, while ensuring it remains functional and effective.
Picking My User
I decided to interview Philip Docteur, a 19-year-old Culinary Arts and Science major at the University of Pennsylvania. During our conversation, I explored various aspects of his kitchen environment, including his experiences in both messy and clean kitchens, the brands and individuals he admires, and the evolution of his passion for culinary arts. I also inquired about the products he uses, his cutlery handling techniques, and requested a demonstration of making stiff peaks.
Through the interview, I gained valuable insights into the significance of whisk design, particularly the impact of whisk heads and materials. Philip explained that a rubber balloon-shaped whisk head was the most effective for him. He also preferred a wooden handle over a metallic one, as the latter could become heated or scratched. Additionally, Philip highlighted a common issue in the culinary industry: prolonged whisking can cause hand fatigue and discomfort, particularly when the handle is not ergonomically suited to the palm.
Ideation
During my ideation phase, I explored a wide range of whisk concepts, focusing on various factors such as grip, prongs, whisk heads, ergonomics, size, length, weight distribution, and aesthetics.
Research and Conclusions
After my ideation phase, I delved deeper into the research on weight distribution and its impact on whisk performance. I discovered that placing weight closer to or farther from the end of the whisk can influence both efficiency and the time required for tasks. Weights in the 5-30 gram range affect the overall balance of the whisk, potentially leading to fatigue. However, these weights also enhance the user's ability to apply downforce effectively, requiring less effort to incorporate air into mixtures.
Based on these findings, I decided to proceed with a whisk design that features a flat surface to prevent rolling, ridges for improved grip, a wooden handle, a rubber balloon head, and a series of increasing weights positioned closer to the whisk's head.
Final Model