POLISH™ STAINLESS STEEL TODDLER UTENSIL SET
Light-weight Hollow Handle Stainless Steel Utensils for Big Kids
Brand: Munchkin
Launch: 2017
“Big on style but small enough for toddler mouths and hands, Polish stainless steel utensils give mealtime a much-needed upgrade.”
Helps toddlers transition to self-feeding with style and ease. They'll feel like grown-ups at the dinner table with stainless steel forks, spoons and knives designed with their safety and size in mind.
Parents love the neutral, goes-with-everything design and toddlers love elevating their status to "big kid." Everyone wins!
INSIGHTS
“Stainless steel rules for kids' health—no chemicals transfer into food, just pure, clean eats.”
“My kids always want to mimic what I do.”
“Stainless steel retains its integrity for over 50 years.”
PROCESS
DEVELOPMENT
USER RESEARCH
Conducted hands-on testing sessions with toddlers using a variety of open market products to observe their interaction with each utensil, aiming to gain insights into usability, ergonomic advantages, and potential challenges.
PRODUCT RESEARCH
Conducted a comprehensive analysis by measuring and comparing utensils of different sizes, followed by panel testing to evaluate usability, advantages, and disadvantages.
IDEATION
Explored as many ideas as possible through quick sketches and 2D illustrations .
COLLABORATED WITH INTERNS
Mentored and coached design interns during the design phase and collaborated on developing ideas. During this time, we explored ergonomics, materials, manufacturing methods, and finishes.
PROTOTYPING (HAND SCULPTING)
Based on the selected utensil sizes and silhouettes, hand-sculpted prototypes were created to explore three-dimensional forms, evaluate comfort and ease of use, and visualize potential design directions.
SAMPLE REVIEWS
The manufacturer produced a series of physical prototypes, each with slight variations in shape and size, which were then tested and reviewed to assess usability and manufacturing quality.
CMF
Color-material-finish specification was created for costing and sample making purposes.
PRODUCT VISUALS AND INSTRUCTION MANUAL DRAWINGS
Created 2D and 3D visual assets for Sales presentations and instruction manuals.
3D CAD
Based on research findings, detailed 3D CAD models were meticulously crafted using Solidworks, ensuring precision and accuracy in representation.
PROTOTYPING (3D PRINTING)
3D printed prototypes were developed and evaluated with stakeholders to validate form, ergonomics, and functionality. The selected design was then approved for transition into manufacturer-produced physical samples.
BENEFITS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Hollow handles replace traditional stamped or heavy metal for strength and versatility
Durable design withstands toddler use and doubles as dessert utensils (spoons, forks, spreaders)
Balanced weight ensures stability, even when resting in bowls
Innovation impressed Munchkin executives, leading to premium packaging and curated gift sets
Added engraving option allows personalization, making them a popular gifting choice
