DiaLOG

February 13, 2004

Get a grip on your design

If you enjoy cooking as I do, you will recognize name OXO Good Grips. OXO is an award winning manufacturer of small cooking appliances. Their innovative design and attention to how a product is actually used by someone is what makes their products a success. For example, I grew up using the traditional potato peelers that always ended up rusting and always as dull as a microsoft application interface. Well, when my wife and I received an OXO peeler for our wedding there was no denying that this was the best dang peeler ever. It was sharper than a samurai’s sword when you peeled with it. It was easy to handle with its large handle and the tip had a little easy-to-use digger tool to dig out those potato eyes. We have since then upgraded most of our small kitchen appliances to OXO.

In web design it is important to pay attention to the same types of details like OXO does. How does a user use the product? What are their annoyances or problems with the product and how can you correct them? Finally, make it look attractive to the user. It takes time to develop these solutions but it will result in a good product and a loyal customer. Take a lessen from OXO and get a grip on design.