Utensil Storage Mat

Prompt: Design a product that assists in organization of silverware/kitchenware to help save space in the kitchen.

Problem: After some research, I found that most kitchen handlers are in search of organizers that can store as many utensils as possible, and also not take up too much space. These two things rarely come together in a product, and therefore many people have a problem organizing and storing their utensils, ending up with them lying around and often getting damaged.

Final Product Supplies:

- Silicone

- Buttons

- Velcro

I initially came up with 3 ideas:

1. A long, mat-type sheet with velcro to attach different utensils onto, which can be rolled up into a cylinder you can stand up on the counter, so it doesn’t take up too much space.

2. A standing shelf, triangular so it can fit into a corner, with 2 -3 shelves to hold different items.

3. A wire rack to hang utensils, good for letting them dry as well as storage.

I decided that Solution #1 addresses the problem the best. It allows for the storage of many utensils, and takes the least amount of space in the kitchen.

After deciding on Solution 1, I finalized each aspect of the design and created a CAD model using Autodesk Fusion 360 and a physical model to test it out.

- I decided that the material for the product would be silicone. This is because silicone is very durable and wouldn't get damaged easily, and is also easy to wash and dry unlike cloth. It's also bendable and easy to roll up, unlike most plastics.

- Each utensil on the sheet will be secured by a flap with velcro. Velcro is very quick and easy to secure, and allows for adjustment of size, since the thickness of each utensil varies.

- Once the sheet is rolled up, it will be closed by a flap with buttons. This is because buttons will close the roll very securely, and the roll won't be likely to come open.

Use of this product is very straightforward:

1. Open up one of the velcro straps on the sheet. Put the utensil under it.

2. Close the strap, attaching both parts of the velcro to secure the utensil.

3. Repeat for all the utensils you want to store.

4. Once all the utensils are secured, roll up the entire sheet into a cylinder.

5. Use the line of buttons on the outside of the sheet to close it and keep the roll securely closed.

6. Stand the roll up on any surface.

Using this product to store your utensils has several benefits:

1. Has a nice color and is aesthetically pleasing, so it doesn't ruin the look of your kitchen.

2. Very simple and straightforward to use, and doesn't require batteries or electricity.

3. It stores many utensils, so you won't have a lot of utensils lying around the kitchen and getting damaged.

4. It is compact and doesn't take up too much space in your kitchen.

5. It's really easy to wash and dry if it gets dirty.

6. It's durable and can stand the rough use in the kitchen.