Ravioli maker
Based on the mini brand
Kristijonas Kairys
2916126
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Introduction
Specification of the
problem
I began my product development by analyzing and
specifying the problem. At first hand, the market for
ravioli makers has looked oversaturated with
competitors in the industrial and home environment.
However, further research has revealed prominent
problems and areas for improvement for existing
products.
I specified my approach to be directed at the
consumer market and my objective was to introduce
a product that would solve the problem of producing
fresh ravioli for an average user and maximizing ease
of use while limiting the effort needed to operate the
apparatus.
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Analysis
Mini Brand analysis
The Mini car brand has a distinct style that has been
outstanding from other car manufacturers for
decades since its founding in 1969 Britain.
It has a significant retro feel compared to other
automobiles in 21 century although the car was
modernized to suit new users its spirit stayed.
These cars are compact consisting mostly of soft
shapes and round lamps that exaggerate the car’s
character as a family automobile on the other hand
mini sports are a pallet of colors that are playful and
bright usually with black contrasting details.
Altho the car is small it has a rich history as a rally
racer and even as Mr. Been’s daily driver! This shows
that the mini brand is targeting very diverse groups
of people.
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Mini Brand
analysis
Form
“Mini” is a small usual hatchback type
automobile with distinct features soft
forms and various color palettes. Many
round and dynamic features help to
bring out its versatility and familyfriendly style
Details
Color palette
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Mini Brand analysis
What makes a “Mini”
The central idea is the combination of clear,
emotionally-appealing design with a focus on the
essential. The motivation of Sir Alec Issigonis, the
creator of the MINI, was to build a small,
economical city car that took up as little space and
used as little petrol as possible.
“Mini” brand future
Sebastian Mackensen, head of MINI, emphasized:
“Since its creation in 1959, the MINI brand has
always stood for ideas, inspiration, and passion.
We want to continue the MINI success story and
have refined our brand strategy and refreshed the
brand’s visual identity – starting with the campaign
for the new MINI Clubman. We aim to make more
people avid MINI fans – with a new brand identity
and new offerings in the future.”
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User analysis
When conducting a user analysis for the “Mini”
brand I was surprised by its diversity. The
company seems to be marketing the “Mini” as
every person’s car. What I mean by that is that
the car’s nationalistic value is used extensively
in wide use of the Uk’s flag in the car’s design
but also on the “Mini” website you can find
videos and descriptions targeting the young
generation in various ways. I believe this is a
great way to approach all kinds of people and
maximize profits which I would love to explore
in my ravioli maker production. I have
developed two user groups that contrast highly
showcasing two different perspectives of the
brand’s audience.
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Person group 1
retro style, loves brunch, loves
diversity and ecology, hypocritical,
wants his fashion to represent him,
monochrome colors, cute details,
vegan, middle class, not a
businessman, artist, edgy, wants to
stand out but also shy, loves dancing,
social media is very important for this
person, wants as ecological engine as
possible.
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Person group 2
Middle-aged man or woman misses
the good old days, British probably,
posh, old style lover, wants his
fashion and car choice to represent
his views, patriotic, politicly incorrect,
against hipsters, loves pubs, takes his
son to footie every Sunday, quite
messy, loves beer and footie, doesn’t
know how to use Instagram.
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Product vision
Human Attachment
I believe any good product should evoke
feelings in a person and stimulate emotions. A
person should feel a connection to the product
he owns and the product should represent this
person’s view on life to other people. I want to
specify the emotions my product should evoke
with its appearance and style.
These feelings can be represented in the
product’s form, touch feel, color, and
resemblance.
Feelings
Emotions
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Trust
Reliability
Adaptivity
Accessibility
Proudness
Versatility
Fulfillment
Peace
Happiness
Calmness
Softness
Cuteness
Friendliness
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Use location
The kitchen
The product mainly will be used in the kitchen
where it will be exposed to all kinds of hazards.
It must be easy to clean and resistant to water.
Must be easily used by new users and reliable
and transportable to minimize shipping costs.
Requirements due to
environment
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Water and dust resistant
Noncorrosive materials
Medium-high drop resistance
Medium scratch-resistant
material
• Easily movable and storable
• Cleanable
• Must not slip on wet surfaces
Environment
The kitchen environment is mostly
controlled and predictable although it has
its hazards like water and other liquids,
and small particles like flowers and spices
that can get into cracks. The product will
be most likely stationed on the table and
it should be resistant to being dropped
from a medium height and also
scratching from knives, washable.
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Boring
Interesting
Old
Modern
Industrial
Personal
Dull
Expressive
Analogs
The market
Market research revealed that there are many
products to choose from but there are also
many aspects to improve on and new
interesting designs to be made.
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Stakeholders
Shipping company
User (primary user)
Stakeholders
Mini (Brand)
Waste disposal company
Repair shop
Interests
Size
Package dimensions
Weight
Non-fragile
Ease of access
Durability
Speed
Functionality
Safety
Ease of cleaning
Good quality ravioli production
Good price
No dirt accumulation (No cracks)
Stability
Reusability
Resemblance to existing products
Clear brand visibility
Good quality product
Marketability
Recyclability
Ease of disassembly
Replaceable parts
Ease of repair
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Functional requirements
Function
Basic
Assembly
Operation (producing ravioli)
Raviolis produced per cycle
Disassembly
Cleaning
Ravioli shape
Required force of operation (input)
Hazards
Weight
Excess parts
Size
Sound
Performance
Excitement
20 minutes
10 minutes
No need
2 minutes
1 minute
15 seconds
1
5
10
Need operator
15 minutes
5 minutes
Needs some disassembly
No need for disassembly
Self cleaning
One shape
3 shapes
10 shapes
Average human can operate
Child can operate
Operates using electricity
Has some sharp features that are safe for
operation
Has no possibility of creating hazard for the user
2 kilograms
1 kilogram
< 1 kilogram
Few
Few but controlled (attach to the product)
No excess parts
900 mm3
500 mm3
300 mm3
Some sound
Minimal sound
Quite
Material and fabrication requirements
Parts
Basic
Body made of
Gears and driver mechanism
Ravioli cutter
Non-slip coating
Details
Performance
Excitement
Plastic
Plastic with painted steel components
Plastic with stainless steel components
Plastic gears
Metal gears
Stainless steal gears
Plastic
Aluminum
Stainless steel
Rubber
Nonslip rubber
Rubber, plastic
Plastic, rubber, anodized aluminum
Plastic, stainless steel
Must not oxidate or rust
Must not be fragile
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Idea generation
Idea generation
At this point, I was using my sketches
purely to mediate concepts, look for
mechanisms that could be used, and
brainstorm shapes.
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Idea generation
Using many types of idea generation I
was able to maximize my divergent
part of the design process.
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Form generation
By selecting three main concepts for products I began generating possible
shapes to use in my final prototypes.
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Mechanism idiation
The first mechanism was based on the
pressure plastic cutter that I saw in the
model-making workshop.
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Mechanism idiation
The second was inspired by the
classical way to make ravioli with a
roller and a plate.
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Mechanism idiation
And the third from paper production
machines.
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Concepts
Concept 1
The slick modern design emphasizes the
minimalistic soft forms following the
“mini” design concepts.
Handle transfers torque to a beltdriven system that turns the flywheel
creating pressure and squeezing out
chunks of ravioli.
Inspired by the plastic cut press from
the workshop this concept utilizes the
compact vertical properties of its press
design producing portions of ravioli
from circular patches of doe.
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Concept 2
Inspired by the traditional way to produce
ravioli this flat design fits in every cupboard
and follows a simplistic approach
minimizing the parts.
By pulling the handle force is transmitted and turns into pressure
and rolling motion minimizing the friction.
A simplistic design that adapts organic glass
lets the user peek inside and see the plates
of ravioli being produced.
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Concept 3
The final concept utilizes a well-known ravioli production method used in
industry to create portions of ravioli with maximum speed and efficiency with
meat included immediately.
Turning the flywheel activates a four
roller mechanism that cuts and
distributes meat.
For truly follows the function in this
design controlling the input and the
output strictly by form.
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Functional requirements
Function
Basic (1pt)
Assembly
Operation (producing ravioli)
Raviolis produced per cycle
Disassembly
Cleaning
Ravioli shape
Required force of operation
(input)
Hazards
Weight
Excess parts
Size
Sound
Performance (2pt)
Grading
Excitement (3pt)
Concept 1
Concept 2
Concept 3
20 minutes
10 minutes
No need
3
2
2
2 minutes
1 minute
15 seconds
2
2
2
1
5
10
3
2
3
Need operator
15 minutes
5 minutes
3
1
1
Needs some
disassembly
No need for disassembly
Self cleaning
1
1
1
One shape
3 shapes
10 shapes
3
1
1
Average human can
operate
Child can operate
Operates using
electricity
2
1
1
Has some sharp
features that are safe
for operation
Has no possibility of creating
hazard for the user
1
2
2
2 kilograms
1 kilogram
< 1 kilogram
1
1
1
Few
Few but controlled (attach to
the product)
No excess parts
2
3
3
900 mm3
500 mm3
300 mm3
2
2
1
Some sound
Minimal sound
Quite
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2
2
Material and fabrication requirements
Material and fabrication requirements
Parts
Basic
Body made of
Gears and driver mechanism
Ravioli cutter
Non-slip coating
Details
Performance
Excitement
Plastic
Plastic with painted steel
components
Plastic with stainless
steel components
3
3
1
Plastic gears
Metal gears
Stainless steal gears
3
3
3
Plastic
Aluminum
Stainless steel
2
3
2
Rubber
Nonslip rubber
2
2
1
Rubber, plastic
Plastic, rubber, anodized
aluminum
2
2
1
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Plastic, stainless steel
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Concept
development
“Minirav”
Proof of concept
After selecting a concept and
mechanism, I utilized LEGO to
construct a simple mechanism
to demonstrate that it would be
viable for my chosen prototype.
And it worked!
I then tested the mechanism to
ensure that it could withstand
the stress of the prototype's
intended use. I also took into
account the durability of the
chosen material, making sure
that they could withstand the
wear and tear of the prototype.
After making the necessary
adjustments, I was confident
that the mechanism would be
able to perform the task of high
compression needed for my
prototype.
Design
I constructed a model of the product I envisioned in the concept
generation phase. This revealed several issues with the current
design: it was not stable, the flat handle did not match the
rounded design, and it was too big. Taking this into account, I
continued by attempting to solve these problems.
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“Minirav”
Redesign
Finally, the improved product
emerged. I solved the big problems
mentioned before and improved the
design following Dieter Rams' rules of
good design by minimizing parts for
easy disassembly and cleaning,
remaking the mechanism to better
perform the function, and following
the design of my selected brand, MINI.
Following requirements
The ravioli maker has been redesigned
with a focus on reducing part count
and object size, as well as improving
stability and overall look. The chosen
product has been improved based on
the requirements set, resulting in a
higher score.
Some of the changes that have been
made include reducing the number of
parts from 15 to only 9, as well as
decreasing the size of the object. In
addition, the stability of the product
has been improved, making it less likely
to tip over. Finally, the overall look of
the ravioli maker has been enhanced,
making it more aesthetically pleasing.
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“Minirav”
Brand identity
final design is truly in line with the brand's identity. The forms,
colors, and aesthetic are eye-catching and the overall look strikes
a chord with Mini fans. The metallic paint finish with chrome
lining and black polymer draws inspiration from the Mini's body.
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Using “Minirav”
How it works
The Minirav works by pressing
down on the ravioli sheet which
indents the dough, meat is placed
and then another layer of ravioli
dough, then everything is pressed
more firmly and fresh raviolis are
produced and ready to be cooked.
They all accumulate in a
compartment placed below in
which a pot or bowl can be placed.
The interchangeable cutting
element allows for all different
forms of ravioli.
Ease of use
The improved design of the Minirav allows it to be operated by all age
groups, from young children to elderly people. This is because the
Minirav requires very little force due to the long lever, and it consists of
less than 10 parts, making it easy to disassemble and clean as well
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“Minirav”
Construction
Minirav is designed for production and user shipping, with a simple,
ergonomic design that is easy to repair and minimises manufacturing costs.
The lever mechanism produces energy multiplication as well as transferring
linear motion into rotational motion.
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Details
The body forms of the Minirav are made from plastic and
follow the Mini brand, being soft and round. The chrome
lines made from aluminum accentuate the forms and
resemblance to a car. Furthermore, the color palet is taken
straight from the official colors of the Mini Cooper.
Details
The product is simplistic and soft, staying true to the new
Mini identity. The products form follows function, and the
overall aesthetic resembles an automobile design.
Details
Parts the product is made of are easily
separable which enables easy recycling. The
materials are kept cheap: the body is made
of painted plastic and aluminum lining; the
working parts used to make ravioli are kept
from stainless steel; as well as the lever
mechanism.
“Minirav” series
Ravioli is one of the most popular italian dishes, enjoyed by people all over the world. but
what if you could take your love of ravioli to the next level? with the miniraw series of
products, you can. miniraw is available in a color pallet taken from the Mini Brand and
users have a wide range of interesting options. The collection features slick and modern
design that every ravioli lover will adore.
Mini brand celebrates diversity and love of life and they represent all people from young
to old, all races, and all genders. They believe that everyone is unique and special in their
own way, and that everyone has something to offer the world. They strive to create a
positive, inclusive environment where everyone can feel comfortable
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Conclusion
Conclusion
Final remarks
The final design of the product satisfies all requirements and suits the needs of the stakeholders. In addition, the product has fulfilled
many "excitement" requirements. The product followed the brand style with its automotive design elements like chrome details and color
palette. The product is easy to use and targets a wide range of consumers
Mechanism
Cutting element
Dust and liquid protection is a must for any product
that is going to be used in an kitchen setting.
Sealed bearings are a great way to protect a
product from these elements, and can also make it
more resistant to wear and tear. If you are looking
for a product that is both dust and liquid protected.
The most important part of this product is the
cutting disc and indenter. The cutting disc is
responsible for the actual cutting of the material,
while the indenter is responsible for the
indentation of the material. Both of these elements
need to be designed and tested to perfection in
order to ensure the quality of the product.
Body
The body of the product is satisfactory, although it
could use some improvements if production is
taken into account.
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Sources
Sources
https://www.mini.com/en_MS/home.html
https://www.mini.com/en_MS/home/people.html
https://www.mini.com/en_MS/home/heritage.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini
https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mini/89417/eight-designinnovations-that-made-the-mini
https://www.carbodydesign.com/2012/03/mini-design-dna/
https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/brands-and-services/mini.html
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