Tom Chan and Melanie Man · CLIENT: Hazuto
Hazuto is a fresh aesthetic on the ubiquitous kitchen board space. A brushed metal rim binds the board, protecting it from warping, splitting, knocks and drops. The metal-wood combination is a pleasing new tactile experience. The warmth of the wood contrasts with the austere stainless steel frame. The screws are characteristically placed to complete an industrial sensibility. A negative corner-space forms a handy hook. The singular shape is preserved, absent of unnecessary distractions or additions. The result is an efficient, clean, two-tone form that’s as eye-catching as it is ergonomic.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Wood boards with metal elements or handles are not new. But fit a one-piece steel rim around it, create a corner nook, and you have an on-trend package that works as well as it looks. The aesthetic differentiators here are efficiency and form. No separate handle to disrupt the singular rectangular flow. Functionally, the rim prolongs warping. Knocks and drops are insulated. The austere stainless steel rim contrasts with the warm wood. The screws are characteristically placed to complete an industrial sensibility, communicating sturdiness. This two-tone form is clean and eye catching.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- 230 x 14 x 325 mm
Width mm x Depth mm x Height mm - Tags
- kitchen, cutting, serving, board, wood, hazuto
- Production Technology
- Black Walnut is selected for the wood type, due to its perfectly moderate hardness (Janka index 1010) that doesn't dull knives nor easily dent. A rich dark colour elevates the board beyond your everyday bamboo board. Edges are carefully rounded for durability and handling comfort. Food-grade 304 stainless steel is used for the rims and screws, to be long lasting and corrosion resistant. The rim has been brushed and polished multiple times, achieving a brushed effect that renders any welds miraculously invisible.
- Design Challenge
- The concept simplicity and execution are the most challenging parts.
It was not easy to fit the metal rim to be in full contact with the board, especially the corners. Our benchmark was always to have the rim in one continuous piece, as a demonstration of workmanship. We spent a long time testing options to ensure welding spot is invisible. Of many, only one metalworking supplier achieved our satisfaction.
The market variety is a benefit (for research) and a difficulty (to be original). To excite users in an over-saturated category is hard, but our design was readily accepted by our testers. - Project Duration
- Project started in October 2019, with final design completed by December 2019 and first batch samples made by 2020 January.
- Operation Flow
- No instruction manuals need to be included for the endless uses of this versatile board! Hazuto board can be used for everyday cutting, or for serving bread, cheese, salad, fruits, steak. On display, it can be hung up or used as a table condiment tray for complementing most atmospheres.
- Research
- Research: Online channels (e.g amazon, hktvmall), social media channels, industry reports.
Methodologies: Product Value radar chart, Aesthetic mapping, competitive analysis, small focus group meetings.
Impact on design: size to be small for space-conscious urban kitchens, but big enough for needs of small family. Material to be decorative and high performance (hardness, shape stability). Market analysis suggested to consider gifting, serving, decorating functions as well as everyday cutting. Warping is common issue so the screw locations are chosen to delay warping. - Inspiration
- I was partly inspired by the endless technology product varieties that seemed to encompass us now. I am drawn to some of their use of contrasting metallic elements, to bold visual results. The concept culminated from a daydreaming moment, where I thought a chopping board bound by a metal rim could look engaging and robust. Coming from a metal works background myself helped inform the rim specs. Deep dive into online retailers and industry reports gave us user expectations and trends. We ended up prototyping different materials, adjusting dimensions and features before we were happy.
- Patents
- Design registration pending in Hong Kong and China.
Trademark registration pending in HK and China.
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