Where to put the spatula?
Blackstone griddles are great products - but I noticed that there wasn't a good place to store the spatula while it wasn't in use.
Users Were Searching for Solutions
In order to validate my observations, I joined several groups on social media where Blackstone users shared advice. Several were looking for solutions for quick access spatula storage.
The concept
I noticed how restaurant griddles had a bar running across the back to allow the spatula to be slid into it while the chef is cooking. I decided to come up with an add-on solution so this same feature could be on a Blackstone griddle.
Iterations
In order to find a form that was both aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive, I explored a variety of options through sketching.
Prototypes
By building several of my concepts in the real world, we were able to test how easy they were to use and learned the following:
Production Sampling
Having developed the most promising concept in CAD, my team had a production-level prototype made. This helped identify some minor changes to the geometry to make it easier to use.
Final Design
The end product is affordable, user-friendly and portable.
Reception
With a 4.8-star rating, this product has been on sale for over 3 years at Walmart and other retailers.
