EDGE hand brushes – shaping hygiene
Focus on hygiene, functionality and ergonomics were combined in ICONO’s design of Vikan's new line of hand brushes
EDGE design concept: Peter Bysted
ICONO designteam: Peter Bysted, Philip Egebak,
Christian Bjørn, Claus Mølgård (technology), Casper Rasmussen
(construction)
Client: Vikan
"The innovative hand brush design is an
excellent example of how the collaborative dialogue we maintain
with our customers delivers real benefits in the form of new
products that directly solve their cleaning challenges," says
Global R&D Manager and Hygiene Specialist at Vikan Debra Smith.
"These brushes are designed to deliver the optimal efficiency and
hygienic cleaning our customers expect from Vikan, but also to look
appealing and feel good in the hand".
http://www.vikan.com/uk/news/edge-launch-of-new-brush-range/
A brush is a brush is a brush.
Or could there be more to it?
When Vikan, one of the world's leading manufacturers of maximum
hygiene cleaning tools, asked ICONO to design a new line of brushes
for the food & beverage sector, we were surprised to discover
that the design of many existing brushes still carry the design DNA
of traditional wooden brushes. While development in material
technology and a strong focus on hygienic aspects has secured Vikan
its role as one of the world's leaders of maximum hygiene cleaning
implements, form elements of traditional wooden brushes still
prevailed.
We decided to go for an alignment of the design with Vikan's
standing as leader in advanced hygienic cleaning
solutions, when taking the new brushes one more step away
from their wooden ancestors and fully devote the design to the
potentials of plastic. The material was given. Polypropylene, a
type of plastic with excellent characteristics when it comes to
durability, high temperatures and disinfectants and ergonomics -
all essential prerequisites for use in the food industry.
Usability
Ergonomics studies were an integral part of the development
process. Some were too heavy, some had handles that were too small
and did not provide an optimal grip for the user. The top of the
handle-less scrubbing brush, resembling former wooden brushes, was
concave, not filling the palm of the hand.
Ergonomics, hygiene and safety are key to Vikan and the mere
looks of the new line of brushes signal this. As Vikan puts it:
"Who knew that efficiency could look this good".
