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Click above to see the
Salad Spinner in action
The OXO Salad
Spinner speaks in a language which addresses its universal design,
simplicity and implicit ease of use.
A smile turns on
the face of all first users. Is it a subliminal childhood
recollection of pumping a favorite spinning top? Is it the
exuberance of creating so much action with so little effort? The
surprising stability of a wildly spinning mass? Or is it simply the
realization that such a familiar one handed action had, until now,
been overlooked in a marketplace replete with pull strings, cranks
and winding mechanisms?
 In preparing a competitive product
survey, graduate students of the Babson Business School noted the
awkward use of salad spinner cranks, winding mechanisms and pull
strings. In a trip to a toy store, they also identified an
interesting alternative. Recognizing the capabilities of Human
Factors Industrial Design, Alex Lee, who is now president of OXO,
approached them to develop a better salad spinner.
 Data acquisition research was used to
establish the functional parameters of existing products. Simple 2-D
sketches and 3-D volumetric foam mock-ups were used to explore
alternative forms and proportions. Informal evaluations were used to
ensure intuitive use. What is this? How would you use it? These are
questions which needed to be answered without instructions (no one
reads them anyway).
 Concurrently, form, function, assembly
and manufacturing methods were developed through accurate CAD
sectional assembly layout drawings. Component views and sections
were sent to vendors for preliminary tooling estimates. Parts were
constructed and assembled in 3-D CAD as solid models to finalize and
check details, fits and clearances.
 Dimensionally accurate models were
achieved with computer aided modeling processes: Stereolithography,
Selective Laser Sintering, NC lathe turning and multi-axis. Working
models of the OXO Salad Spinner provided proof-of-principle, and
were photographed for the packaging.
Although the electronic
3-D CAD files were used for machine tooling, specification drawings
were also prepared to document critical dimensions, tolerances,
finishes, gates, knock-outs, parting line conditions... providing
accurate basis checks and production quality control. Take a spin!
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