Core77

The Design Process of Quirky's Click n Cook Modular Cooking Utensils

By Rain Noe - May 17, 2012

in Homeware

If you're going to make design predictions, you have to get used to being wrong. I'd have told you Quirky's Click n Cook system of cooking utensils wouldn't sell, and I'd have been incorrect.

Invented by Fred Ende, the Click n Cook consists of five commonly used utensils and just one handle, which snaps into each like a razor handle does with disposable blades.

My rationale for dismissal would have been that the footprint of the base isn't much smaller than a cylinder you could throw five full-sized utensils in, thus negating any countertop space savings, but consumers disagree: Since hitting production the Click n Cook has shipped more than 10,000 units, paying out nearly $16,000 to the developer(s). That might seem like a drop in the bucket to corporations targeting Target, but I think it's a handsome payday for Ende and his contributors, considering it took just one month to develop.

I love that Quirky enables these possibilities, and also dig that they put together a nice vid detailing the design and development process:

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Fred Ende

12 years ago

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Hi all. Thanks for all the comments. Just wanted to chime in. As one of two people behind the idea for the Click 'n Cook (my wife was the other), I appreciate all the feedback and think many of you have great thoughts and critiques. The Quirky process is different than the one we would have taken had we gone through the inventing work ourselves. The product changed a number of times (you can find links to its previous iterations) and there were many discussions about features to include (and extras, like a second handle). While Quirky listened to feedback provided, they made the ultimate decision on what the product would look like. While we had to be comfortable with giving up that authority, we also knew we would never have the time to pursue creating it on our own. So, we were willing to share the design thinking (and revenue) if that meant our product could one did hit the shelves.

As for use, we use it everyday, and we couldn't be happier. The cleaning concerns that a few folks brought up are unfounded as the device is a breeze to clean, and the base can easily be taken apart and put in the dishwasher (who really stores a used utensil back in the base anyway. . .just pop it into your sink). It has definitely helped us clean out a portion of our gadget drawer (there is still plenty in there, though) and we like the look of it on the counter as opposed to a random tool holder or cylinder.

Finally, a few comments stated that clearly the designers are not cooks. That is incredibly incorrect. My wife and I happen to cook quite a bit, and this tool has proved quite useful. It works for us and for others we know who have actually used it. Of course, as many of you have mentioned, to each his/her own. I don't know if Core77 actually does reviews, but we would be happy to send a sample to check out and review. We don't expect everyone to enjoy the product (though it would be nice if they did). But, criticism and feedback always mean more when those providing the critiques have experience with the product first. Feel free to let me know if you're interested in trying one out!
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The President

12 years ago

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1. Lack of thought.
2. Not an ounce of common sense.
3. Ejecting attachments? Why? Oh wait..to shoot baskets of course.
4. Do some research. REALLY use your product in the proper environment.

HORRIBLE.
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Lorbus

12 years ago

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I head no idea this market existed. A cooking accessory for people who don't cook, designed by people who don't cont either.
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hugo

12 years ago

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that Justin Bieber sales hundreds of thousands of discs and generates millions of dollars .... makes him a good singer ?
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-Joel-

12 years ago

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I'm not surprised that this product has sold because it looks cool and initially makes sense. The problems lie in the functionality. First of all cooking with more than one utensil is cumbersome with a single detachable handle. Second, is that you are going to want to wash whatever you use anyway and if your like me i let things sit in the dishwasher until I have a full load to wash. If that's the case then you may be without a handle for the next cooking session. Very cool and good looking but rather impractical. I'm guessing this will be a product that people will initially buy but then use less and less after the coolness wears off.
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Luke

12 years ago

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People also buy Snuggies. Consumer tastes are damn hard to gauge, and they're not always tasteful.

Evidently, with the Click n Cook, not always rational or thoughtful either.
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DavidH

12 years ago

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Another completely pointless Quirky product. File this one under; Just because you can, doesn't mean you should.
Also~
Do any women designers work at Quirky? Seams like every video they put out is just a bunch of doods high-fiving each other.
To each their own I suppose.
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mark

12 years ago

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Cool little device, but I'd be interested to know why the clicking mechanism was deemed so important, especially after space-saving seemed to be the original objective. Now there is a holder for all of the heads that needs to sit on the counter top. Its taking up more valuable space then original 5 spatulas sitting handle down in a jar.
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Mike Farnham

12 years ago

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It also seems like with the material to produce the base, you could have made sturdier handles for each. It looks like the base would also accumulate a lot of grime and food unless you properly cleaned everything. I think they would save space in a drawer though.
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J. Spencer

12 years ago

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Just because something sells does not mean it's a good product. Would the purchasers buy it again? I think this is a good example of poor consumer product design.

Not only do you have to change the handle every time you require a different utensil, you can't use 2 utensils at the same time and anyone helping you cook has to wait for you to finish before he or she can use one.

Adding to the frustration, the accumulated food from within the clip cores then has to be cleaned out.

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