b.box 2-in-1 Suction Plate

The development of the plate went through all stages of the design process. Research included competitor market research, portion sizes (cross cultural), parent and children mealtime prep and eating behaviours, suction cup size, and surface testing before going into iterative prototyping testing with parents and children. The final design also went through DFM, standards compliance, and minimised packaging development to ensure the product meets global regulations and safety standards.

The product has passed all regulations and standards requirements and is already being sold on the market with great success in sales numbers and reviews by parents.

Addressing the brief, the following was achieved leading to the success of a product well received by parents:

• A robust suction cup was designed to allow the plate to stay in place, without sliding on most home surfaces, helping reduce mealtime mess.
• An inward curved overhang on the divider helps guide food onto utensils and minimise spills. This empowers children to eat more effectively while they are still working on their fine motor skills.
• A modular design with a removable divider and suction cup means the plate can accommodate different foods from fruit and purees to large sandwiches or pancakes, growing with the child.
• All parts can be separated to make it easy to clean and recycle. Unlike co- moulded suction cups which cannot be recycled when used with mixed materials.
• Parts can be replaced.
• The materials chosen are durable and will maintain function for a long time.

Functionally, the product designed met and exceeded all the goals set out by the brief.

In terms of safety, the product underwent third-party testing for both chemical and mechanical safety to meet global requirements. Conducting and passing these requirements is a formality that is not taken lightly. In-house testing was conducted throughout the development process to ensure not only will the product pass the minimum requirements but that special attention is placed to exceed the requirements set out.

To ensure the product’s success, the design included a targeted price goal, aiming for affordability without compromising function and form. Visually, the product incorporates clean, continuously curved surfaces, avoiding sharp corners on the plate. Additionally, it features a removable divider for easy cleaning.

The materials chosen are commonly used, commonly kerbside recyclable, known to be reliable and trusted by consumers. Whilst the suction cup is made from silicone which may be difficult to recycle it is not a plastic and its material properties allow for the suction cup to have a life far longer than a similar product commonly made from a TPE or TPU which degrade over time and when washed. This means that the product can last a long time and can be reused or passed on.

The removable component also prolongs the overall life, allowing the product to accommodate different scenarios and age requirements. The plate can progress for use without a suction cup and divider whilst remaining elegant and desirable. There is no doubt that the b.box design team based in Notting Hill have designed a product which has quickly become successful nationwide and cherished by parents across Australia.

This product’s patent-pending design establishes a groundbreaking benchmark for innovation in product and industrial design practice. Integrating a food-loading rim and a detachable divider introduces potential world-first features, offering a unique and imaginative value proposition. The versatility, providing four configurations in one, enhances cost-effectiveness and significantly reduces material usage and storage requirements.

The detachable divider serves as a multifaceted innovation. It can accommodate diverse food needs and features an overhanging edge to help guide food onto utensils and reduce spills, especially for children. This unique design pushes the boundaries of new thinking in product design practice.

The product’s forward-looking modularity allows it to grow with the child, simultaneously providing long-term usability and addressing disposability concerns associated with children’s products. This innovative approach sets the benchmark for sustainable and user-focused design practices.

Moreover, utilising recyclable polypropylene for the plate and divider with an enduring silicone suction cup showcases a clever application of materials. The clever use of polypropylene and innovative geometry creates a durable, flexible, and secure attachment for the divider, showcasing inventive construction methods. Additionally, the material selection significantly improves usability and ease of cleaning through being dishwasher, microwave, fridge, and freezer safe.

This innovative product addresses disposability concerns, provides versatile configurations, reduces material usage, and incorporates clever construction techniques. Its sustainable material choices and modularity set new standards in product design and contribute to a user-centred approach in the industry.

This versatile and innovative product will have a significant and lasting impact on many levels. The adaptability and versatility of the product offer a strategic advantage in the market. The patent-pending elements and unique design position the business as an industry leader in product innovation and contribute to increased market share and customer loyalty.

For end-users, the impact is tangible and immediate. The product’s user-friendly features, such as the detachable divider and food-loading rim, significantly improve the quality of life for parents and children during mealtimes by reducing spills and messes. This reduces mealtime stress for parents and enhances the overall dining experience for children.

The recyclable polypropylene aligns with sustainability goals, while the silicone suction cup’s durability aids performance and minimises the need for replacement. The suction plate’s modular design provides a 4-in-1 solution, saving the customer purchasing additional products for the same outcome. Thus, by design, this product reduces material usage and storage requirements, and extends product lifespan, offering an eco-friendlier approach to the industry.

The product’s unique features, sustainability considerations, and versatile configurations position it as a market leader, driving increased sales and customer loyalty. The potential for positive change extends beyond the immediate market impact; the product has the potential to inspire a shift towards sustainability, adaptability, and user-focused innovation in the industry. This can contribute to a safer and more prosperous future by driving greater demand for professional design and setting an industry-wide standard for positive change.