Utveckling av kniv-set-koncept för premiumsegmentet

This bachelor's thesis was carried out in collaboration with the knife manufacturer EKA1882, with the purpose of designing a professional kitchen knife set for the premium market segment. The project aims to combine functionality, ergonomics, and aesthetics while maintaining EKA1882’s brand identity, which is based on quality, durability, and Scandinavian design values. The research questions addressed in this thesis are: · How can a knife set be designed to combine functionality, ergonomics, and aesthetics within the premium market segment? · In what ways can EKA1882’s brand identity be integrated into the design of a professional knife set? · Which factors influence the user's perception of quality and functionality in a kitchen knife, and how can these be translated into a new design? The design challenge addressed in this study revolves around creating a product that meets the high demands of professional chefs, while aligning with brand recognition and practical usability. To understand user needs, interviews were conducted with chefs working in restaurant environments. The findings highlighted the importance of hygienic design, lightweight construction, and ergonomic handles. A structured product development process was applied, based on the model by Ulrich and Eppinger. Tools and methods such as need analysis, Pugh matrix, sketching, CAD modeling, and 3D printing were used to guide the design process. The design focused on developing three knives, a chef’s knife, a vegetable knife, and a paring knife with a clean and professional appearance suited for daily use in high-demand kitchens. The final concept combines a sleek form with user-centered features, such as easy to clean surfaces and optimized grip. This work illustrates how iterative, research-based industrial design methods can support the development of premium quality tools that both fulfill professional needs and reflect a strong brand identity.