Spatulove
No pain, all gain - in every bite.
As an avid cook, I know the frustration of working with awkward tools for long stretches of time. That experience inspired me to design Spatulove, a spatula that improves the cooking experience for everyone, especially people with limited hand and wrist mobility. Made from lightweight titanium with rubber grips and an ergonomic shape, Spatulove makes it easy to grip, flip, and whip up your next masterpiece, even with weak hands or poor wrist mobility.
Get a grip on the process!
Project detailsRe-design an existing handtool to improve its ergonomics through iterative design and qualitative testing.
User Testing
Using a subjective evaluation technique, several users were interviewed and asked to diagram their pain and pressure points when using spatulas.
Design Exploration
With these pain points in mind, new grip designs were explored. Two goals guided this stage: easing wrist rotation, since standard spatulas often require a painful 180-degree turn, and creating a more ergonomic grip, since thin handles demand a tighter hold that can lead to strain.
Hi-Fidelity Concept Sketches
The two strongest sketches were selected based on aesthetics and functionality, then developed in greater depth.
Foam Models
Foam core models of both designs let users handle them directly and give feedback on what felt intuitive and what did not.
Anthropometrics
Hand anthropometric data guided the sizing of the handle. The ages and genders of potential users were considered so the handle works comfortably for both men and women.
CAD & Finishing Touches
Informed by user feedback, the handle design was refined and finalized. Surface modeling was used to create smooth, ergonomic forms. The final design features a thick handle for control and a softer grip. Rubber grips subtly guide finger placement, and the cut-out offers several comfortable gripping options.