My boss has tasked me with designing a handle that attaches to the tip of a chefs knife to make it easier to cut through hard squashes. This seems like a great way to break the tip of your knife and possibly injure yourself. He's convinced this a problem that needs a product to solve rather than learning the appropriate knife skills. How do you handle designing something you don't believe in?
Posted Dec 10, 2020, 9:43 PM UTC
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I think how you respond depends on several variables, but I think as designers, ultimately we have an obligation to make sure the products we create are safe to use.
How you handle that is up to you. What's your relationship with your boss like? What's his relationship with the rest of the organization?
In reality, there's a problem he is trying to solve. If you're concerned about his solution, I'd bring up your concerns and problem solve around them, whether it's modifying his idea, or coming up with something new.
As a designer, they are paying you for your opinion. Be upfront and honest about the problems you see. If you have concerns, it's probably likely someone else in the organization does as well. By addressing these as soon as possible and providing solutions, you'll be a lot more respected than "brushing it under the rug" to save face with your boss.
Either experimental test with a prototype, or numerical test with computer simulation.
It's a problem I have, I enjoy cooking but cutting some stuff you need pressure on the blade from both hands. I am actually surprised it's not been done yet.
Two handled knives are a thing, and the tang should be full on both handles. I’d argue that a generic handle attachment on a chefs knife would be pretty dangerous given all chefs knives have different geometries and material properties and properly securing onto a blade safely would be a tough task.
To OP, As other have said, prove him wrong with prototypes. It’s the best way to win arguments in ID.
How is said product going to be produced. Have you heard of the term Chindōgu look into it. I think your approach should be introduce costings and minimum sales into the conversation. The product may or may not solve a problem but is it financial viable. Forgetting about manufacturering,what the expect sales,sales price,root to market etc. Its extremely rare a business can be built around a single physical product
Démonstration is a powerful thing