Friday the 15th of June, Harro, Wendy and Wesley organized a college. After an interesting and very good presentation by Gijs van Wulfen, the students told us a little bit about brainstorming techniques. One of the techniques we applied in class. We were divided into groups and started brainstorming with “Crazy objects”. This is a creative technique which is completely disconnected from the original product. This technique doesn’t fit businesslike, rational thinkers. With this technique you really learn to think out of the box!
The objects we were given were a snuffer and a fly swatter. Using these objects we had to come up with as many product ideas we could. We started with the flye swatter. We had about ten minutes. In the beginning I noticed that we were all a little bit uncomfortable; I guess everybody was afraid to say something stupid. This is not very uncommon; it’s one of the things that happen with brainstorming. But an important thing about the first phase of brainstorming is that there are no wrong ideas. It’s about quantity, not quality. So after the first ideas were given and everybody got over the being uncomfortable, the ideas followed up very quickly. So quickly that Kim, our facilitator (who ‘manages’ the brainstorm and writes everything down), wasn’t able to keep up the writing. During the brainstorm it was important to look at all the product characteristics separately and see what it could be used for. Some of the ideas we came up with for the fly swatter: filter, bicycle decoration, diving board for hamsters, a wing, sword and a pointer.
The next object was a snuffer. It was obvious that everybody felt good and the craziest ideas were given: vodka dosing cup, mayonnaise dipper, thimble, instrument, fly catcher, egg cup, water finder, spade, stethoscope and megaphone.
The next step now is to take one of these ideas and make a product concept of it. I chose the snuffer and here is the product concept…
Luxurious “bitterbal” server
A “bitterbal” is a typical Dutch snack, served at parties, at bars or just as finger food. They’re fried meatballs and are a small version of the Dutch “kroket”. They’re usually served with mustard. Although the name indicates it, the taste is not bitter. The name originates from the drink they were meant to be served with; a bittertje (a small glass of Dutch jenever).The sight of a formally dressed person trying to elegantly eat a still too hot bitterbal whilst holding a glass of champagne is as Dutch as someone letting a herring slide down his or her throat at a fish stall at the market.
And this is exactly what this bitterbal server is developed for. It’s the solution for the clumsiness which comes with eating a too hot bitterbal! If you recognize the next scenario, the bitterbal server is the solution for you!
You live in a beautiful house; Jan de Bouvrie interior, expensive materials and beautiful colors. You care about design. And then it is time for a party. What do you serve at a party? Yes, bitterballen.
First of all, a bitterbal placed in the bitterbal server, looks a lot better than just eating this strange looking object, which looks like it’s been grabbed from the street, out of your hand. With this server the bitterbal no longer looks like a cheap, ordinary snack. You no longer have to be embarrassed to serve them.
Second of all, the server allows the eater to leave the bitterbal in its holder while eating. This prevents an awful scenario of putting the still too hot bitterbal in your mouth as a whole and having to spit it out because your mouth is burning! With the bitterbal server you can just take small bites and that looks far more charming!
The bitterbal server is created from durable materials such as rust-proof steel. It can be placed in the dishwasher. The grip doesn’t transport heat so you don’t have to worry about burning your hands. The user-friendly design makes sure your guests don’t spill bitterbal particles on the ground. It’s easy to hold and lies comfortably in your hand.
The servers are sold in packages of ten pieces for € 19,95.
Positioning: “The bitterbal server; eating bitterballen with style”
USP’s:
- Takes away the clumsiness which comes with eating bitterballen
- Makes bitterballen look less cheap and ordinary
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