Category Archives: Consumer

KKDU Plum Bike Trailer and Rack

Posted on by

Stack it, Pack it, Bike it, Love it! Thats the motto for Melbourne based startup KKDU Plum, and their first product certainly lives up to it.

Founders Astrid and Haydn Sharratt approached Charlwood Design in 2014 and engaged us to help develop a their new bike trailer. The brief was to develop a trailer that could not only haul all your “stuff”, but also double up as a fully functional shopping trolley- one that was easy and comfortable to push or pull around.

The end result is a smart system made up of two key devices- the trailer and the rack. The trailer consists of an upper and lower tub for holding anything and everything, traditionally formed tubular frame, fully adustable handle that doubles as a hitch point for towing, and a fold-away third wheel to convert it from trailer to trolley in a matter of seconds. The rack, stunningly finished in bright chrome, is designed to fit most bikes. It is also the mounting point for the quick release uni joint hitch- an incredibly simple to use design that allows the trailer to be removed from the bike effortlessly.

For more information on this product check out the KKDU Plum website here.

Additionally, you can read more on our design process over at our blog, here.

 

BAT Logic Rowing Shoe Plate

Posted on by

BAT Logic and Charlwood Design partnered up in 2013 to develop the innovative ShoePlate Pro QuickRelease foot plate, and have since seen the devices installed in performance rowing boats worldwide.

The click in-click out system offers rowers increased performance by enhancing leg muscle use, reducing injury through better gluteal control and enhanced stability and connection. Additionally, it also allows the user to click in and out of boats or ergometers and retain their own shoes and settings- contributing to not only an easier to use system, but also improved hygiene.

BAT Logic approached Charlwood Design to re-develop the click in and out function of the foot plate, as well as consult on material selection, tooling design and manufacturing decisions.

The end result has seen positive results worldwide, and has been installed on many winning boats at various rowing competitions and regattas. The BAT Logic team are tirelessly representing their product at most events, and the results speak for themselves.

For more, check out the BAT Logic website here

Hydrawise HC Smart Irrigation Controller

Posted on by

Charlwood Design were approached by Hydrawise back in 2013 to re-design the controller housing for their Smart Watering and Irrigation system. Hydrawise had previously been using an OTS housing for their main controller unit, but after experiencing some growth, felt they needed to create something unique to represent the same level of intelligence and sophistication that their software and system design displayed.

The Hydrawise system allows users to manage their irrigation controller from anywhere worldwide using a smart device or web browser. Predictive watering adjusts schedules based on forecast temperature, rainfall probability, wind and humidity using a vast array of weather stations around the world. The system can setup for everything from a small courtyard to a large vineyard.

Our brief was to create a simple, low cost, water resistant housing that stood out from the competitors and was easy to install. The finished product met all criteria, and helped boost Hydrawise sales three fold. In addition to the controller, Charlwood Design also helped to develop the user interface for future use.

In 2016 Hydrawise was acquired by irrigation giant Hunter Industries, fantastic news for the small Australian technology start up.

For more information on this product, head over to the Hunter Industries website – hunterindustries.com

 

Oates Eazy Reach Dustpan

Posted on by

A simple yet functional dustpan, with an iconic form and some very clever construction methods.

Oates Clean sourced Charlwood Design to develop and design a new free-standing dustpan (also known as a lobby pan) in 2012, after the idea was conceived during a “new product” brainstorming session.

The resulting product allows users to easily sweep up their floors without having to bend over to pick up the mess. Its clean and iconic form is achieved by reducing the dustpan to a single moulded part, whilst the broom sub assembly consists of an advanced ultrasonically welded handle- avoid the use of the generic tubular steel handle seen on most of the competitors.

See website for details – oates.com.au

Elevare Shower Foot Rest

Posted on by

The Elevare shower foot rest is an easy, non-slip way to shave, tan, exfoliate or moisturise your legs in the shower.

Charlwood worked very closely with Elevare founder Leanne Welsh to help turn a dream into a reality.

The end product looks like an extremely simple device, yet is full of innovative thinking and careful development. The footrest simply leans into the corner of the shower, allowing the user to rest their foot on top and easily shave their legs. This prevents the user from having to bend over, lean down, balance on one leg or use a makeshift ledge whilst shaving their legs.

The Elevare project was a full service, start to finish project for Charlwood Design. We were involved from day one- from the very first sketch on a page through to the design and managing of items such as the in-store Point of Sale stand, packaging and even producing the crowd funding promotional video.

You can purchase the Elevare Shower Stool via their website elevare.com.au

 

Classical Fingers Clarinet Teaching Guard

Posted on by

Charlwood developed “classical fingers” as an innovative training tool for clarinet players. An elegant, clear guard inspired by a treble clef is attached to the clarinet via silicone rings with integrated magnets. The guard helps guide a players fingers to ensure they are positioned correctly and develop the correct technique.

Charlwood Design worked closely with our client to get the perfect shape for the product, prototyping and testing the idea and then engineering the product for production. We also sourced suppliers to manufacture the components.

www.classicalfingers.com

Uppercup

Posted on by

UPPERCUP is a sustainably designed, reusable takeaway coffee cup. With a strong belief that good design is long lasting the product has been designed as an elegant, durable alternative to disposable cups. The unique, double wall tumbler is made of Tritan plastic and is ultrasonically welded. The result is a BPA free design that not only insulates the cup but also doesn’t absorb odours and flavours and is fully recyclable. The sturdy plastic construction ensures it is not fragile like ceramic or glass.

The unique rotating lid can be turned to reveal a tilt-up spout and then resealed flat to prevent splashes. The PP and LDPE parts separate for easy cleaning and recycling at the end of life. Designed and manufactured in Melbourne Australia the cup is available in white/black in two sizes – 8oz and 12oz. It is currently featured on the crowdfunding site pozible

321 Water Bottle

Posted on by

The 321 Water bottle is a reusable personal water filtration bottle with a unique plunger filter mechanism invented and designed by Charlwood Design. The ecologically sustainable design encourages the environmentally conscious user to carry and refill the bottle and the carbon filters are easily replaceable. They can be plunged repeatedly to filter the water.

Oates Cleaning Product Range

Posted on by

Charlwood Design developed a comprehensive range strategy for Australia’s leading manufacturer of industrial, commercial and domestic cleaning products. The range, comprising 40-50 products, which could be implemented over time to minimise capital outlay, but would build into clear categories and market segments. This strategy has enabled the brand to be defined, for the first time, as more than its logo. In addition to a comprehensive colour strategy other elements that are key to the brand are function, form, innovation, value and sustainability.

The Oates squeeze mop was redesigned to remove all metal components and resulted in three individual patented design features. The end result reduced production cost, increased quality and performance and with the compete unit made out of polypropylene and free of adhesives, is fully recyclable.

Shower Timer

Posted on by

Charlwood design was commissioned to re-engineer a four minute shower timer for environmentally friendly manufacture, minimising the need for unneccessary screws and components. Sustainable design principles were utilised throughout the development process and the final product is completely recyclable.

The ShowerWatch was a finalist in the 2006 Premier’s Design Awards Victoria, in the category ‘City of Melbourne Sustainability Design Award’.