Understanding Universal Design Through OXO
November 4, 2024
With Intent podcast hosts Thamer Abanami and Albert Shum discuss the roots of universal design through the optimization of everyday kitchen tools.
The latest episode features Davin Stowell, the founder of Smart Design and the visionary behind the design of the popular OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler.
Form and Function in Balance
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- How Sam Farber’s insight into his wife’s struggle with kitchen tools inspired a radical redesign focused on accessibility.
- Behind-the-scenes insights from Davin Stowell of Smart Design into the development process, from partnering with the Arthritis Foundation to testing prototypes with users.
- Thoughtful design features, including tactile ergonomic handle and intuitive blade orientation.
The List
In 2020, ID and Fortune magazine collaborated to produce the a list of the 100 greatest designs of modern times. The collaboration brought together insights about the evolving role of design in today’s world.
Fortune and ID first collaborated on such a list in 1959, and though some designs made both the original and the 2020 list, there were important differences in the kinds of designs that we now consider “great.”
This season of With Intent explores some of the most groundbreaking design solutions in recent history, inspired by ID’s award-winning list of 100 Great Designs of Modern Times (originally featured in Fortune magazine).
OXO’s Good Grips Peeler is #6 on that list.
Listen to Season 3: Episode 5 of With Intent now to learn more about how OXO Good Grips started with Sam Farber contacting Smart Design to create an ergonomically superior peeler for his arthritic wife.
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