Slice Box
Store. Slice. Simplify.
Product & Human Factors Designer
Completed: October 2024
Project Length: 1 weeks
Project Brief: Use the Laser Cutter to create a container for an object in one of the following locations that has a second use.
Hospital roomEntryway of an apartmentKitchenClassroom-
While bread boxes can retain the breads’ quality, they can be messy and inefficient:
Bread knives and cutting boards are often stored separately, increasing the hassle of preparing your bread.
Traditional bread boxes lack versatility or built-in functionality for cutting.
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Prototyping & Construction:
The laser cutting process allowed for precise dimensions and clean designs. While the prototype worked well for demonstration, future iterations would refine proportions for full usability.Key Design Decisions:
Engravings: Added signifiers to make features intuitive for users.
Removable Lid: Improved convenience for cleaning and versatile use.
Material Choice: Opted for sturdier ¼" MDF to handle cutting pressure.
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A streamlined design that combines storage and functionality:
Storage: A box to keep bread fresh, with an engraved slot for knife storage.
Cutting Board: The lid doubles as a removable cutting surface for slicing bread on the box or countertop.
Feedback & Reflection
User Testing & Feedback
Transform the bottom of the box into a cutting board to simplify cleanup.
Add collapsible edges to contain crumbs.
Integrate a feature for improved bread freshness.
Reflection
My goal for this prototype was to create something both convenient and functional. It was my first time utilizing a laser cutter, and I was impressed by the precision and quality it offers. I wanted this bread box to be more than just storage- making it a place where you could slice the bread and store the bread and knife, keeping every piece neatly in one place. The removable lid allows the bread to be cut on the box or flat on the counter, and also makes the cutting board part easy to clean.
User testing provided some great insights for future improvements. For instance, making the bottom of the box the cutting board, with removable edges, could help contain crumbs and minimize cleanup. This would then mean that you do not have to keep cleaning the lid of the box after each use just to put it back on top.