Food & wine preservation and user research, industrial design, UI/UX mapping, brand language, marketing collateral, corporate/brand identity/logos, exhibit design and show management
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Awarded 2010 and 2011 Best of Year by 'Interior Design'
The development of the U-Line 3000 Series was driven by extensive research and ergonomic studies focused on understanding consumer preferences for storing perishable food items. This research revealed the need for a flexible and customizable storage solution that could adapt to various storage preferences and access points.
The design solution involved creating a market-first, truly modular platform that offered consumers unparalleled flexibility and control over their food and beverage storage. The 3000 Series was designed to provide a range of storage options tailored to meet the diverse needs of consumers, including customizable programmable storage for root cellar, pantry, market, deli, and frozen items. Another key design objective of the fully modular system was not only eliminate the "monolith" in the kitchen but also to provide optimal storage options precisely where consumers want and need them.
​The 3000 Series represents a groundbreaking advancement in food and beverage storage technology, offering consumers customizable and intuitive solutions that meet their evolving needs and preferences. Through research-driven design and innovation, the series delivers exceptional performance, convenience, and freshness, largely enhancing the overall consumer experience in the kitchen.
The development involved the creation of multiple layout concepts tailored to different types of storage needs, all with a focus on maximizing comfort, capacity, and accessibility. These concepts were designed specifically for undercounter installation, offering consumers a space-efficient storage solution that seamlessly integrates into their kitchen layout.
The layout concepts were developed with the goal of providing consumers with a versatile, efficient, and user-centric storage solution for their kitchen. By offering customizable options tailored to individual needs and usage patterns, the series aimed to enhance convenience, comfort, and accessibility while minimizing the footprint of traditional refrigeration appliances in the kitchen.
To ensure maximum visibility of stored items and prioritize food and wine preservation, various simulations of interior lighting types and locations were prototyped during the development . These simulations allowed for careful consideration of lighting placement, intensity, and color temperature to create an optimal environment for showcasing stored items while maintaining their quality and freshness.
In developing the user interface, emphasis was placed on ensuring maximum intuitiveness and ease of navigation for consumers, minimizing the need for referencing the user manual. The goal was to create a user-friendly interface that seamlessly integrated into the appliance's design, enhancing accessibility and differentiation from competitive products.
The UI design prioritized intuitiveness, accessibility, and product differentiation, ensuring that consumers could easily navigate the controls and access the functions of the appliance with minimal effort.
The platform of the 3000 Series was meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate into its surroundings, ensuring a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing appearance with no visible fasteners or unsightly gaps. The goal was to create a design that would blend harmoniously with both American and European style cabinetry, providing a versatile and universally compatible solution for consumers.
My designs of U-Line catalogs, marketing collateral, and exhibit/trade show booths aimed at effectively communicating the brand's value proposition, showcasing its products, and creating memorable experiences for customers and stakeholders. By aligning with U-Line's brand identity and emphasizing quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, these design elements contribute to the overall success and recognition of the brand in the market.
"Having worked with Kevin previously at Jade, where we developed an entire new product line in 15 months and won the accolades of Best of Show and Most Innovative new product at KBIS, I hired him as the Industrial Design and Product Manager, while in the capacity of Vice President of Sales and Marketing with the U-Line Corporation. Through detailed research of food science and preservation, Kevin designed an entire new line of premium, modular undercounter products. The design of this new product line garnished the prestigious Best of Year award from Interior Design magazine in 2010 and 2011. With his limitless experience and talents, it is my pleasure to recommend Kevin for any business with its research, industrial design and product development needs."
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Vice-President Sales & Marketing, U-Line
Product Testimonials:
"The U-Line 3000 Series premium modular refrigerators use the most advanced technology to preserve foods and drinks for as long as possible without freezing. Each module is specially designed using the Modular 3000 Series Control Modes, with temperature ranges and set points in mind.”
Reviewed by Snyder Diamond
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“The U-Line Modular refrigerators are completely customizable to meet your exact needs. Each unit comes with various temperature control settings to ensure optimal freshness. Items such as deli meats, dairy, and oils have a lower set point than items like root vegetables and carrots. You control the settings depending on the food and beverages you’re storing.”
Reviewed by Built-in Distributors
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“The U-Line 3000 Series Built-In Beverage Center is a great option. This undercounter refrigerator is made right here in the United States. We’ve had one for seven years and have had great success with it!”
Consumer Review