Science in the Kitchen:
A Thermoreactive Trivet
High-Low Tech
Small-Batch Manufacturing
Business Development
Project type: Innovative kitchen product concept design, manufacturing & marketing
Duration: Oct '19 - Dec '19'
Collaborators: Olivia Seow, Saket Adhikarla, MIT Hobby Shop↗
Awards: MIT IDM Sales Gala First Prize↗
What is Thermochromism?
Thermochromism is the property of certain substances to change color due to a change in temperature. Liquid crystals, such as those found in LCD displays, demonstrate thermochromic properties.
Concept Design
In response to a design challenge to create an innovative kitchen concept, my team set out to understand what makes a product stand out to in the competitive kitchen and diningware space.
Based on initial market exploration and user insights, we were fascinated by the idea of creating objects that are both playful and functional. We wanted to introduce an 'fun' element around the dinner table, designed specifically with families in mind. We explored a number of high-low tech concepts that met these requirements.
Our final selected concept was Spectra, a thermochromic trivet with a dark stone top. The thermochromic effect is activated between 60F and 90F, with different colors appearing throughout this range.
Product Manufacturing
Before manufacturing begun, we had to perfect the process of applying a thermochromic coating to stone through trial and error to ensure longevity of the effect.
The product is composed of a treated stop etched with computer-generated designs and a wood bottom that isolates the heat from surfaces. We optimized the manufacturing and assembly process of both elements for small-batch production.
Product Marketing
We capitalized on the product's novelty & offered a variety of etching patterns on the stone top available for pre-order. Customers also had the possibility to customize their own.
