ButterOnce Corn Butterer by Joseph McMahon

---

DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?

JM : I created ButterOnce because, "It didn't make sense there wasn't a knife that could butter corn on the cob as easily as a buttering a slice of bread."

DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?

JM : The main focus was to create a knife that would allow the user to thoroughly butter their ear of corn. The blade had to conform to the shape of an ear of corn so that the pat of butter wouldn't slide off the knife or cob while applying.

DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?

JM : We are currently bringing this to the marketplace and hope to have it nationwide soon.

DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?

JM : From initial concept to manufacturing was about a year.

DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?

JM : The idea came from watching family members struggle at a bbq with buttering their corn and most of the butter ending at the bottom of the plate. I figured I could design a better solution and one that works.

DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?

JM : Our company, J+A Designs is producing ButterOnce.

DI: What made you design this particular type of work?

JM : Product design has always been a passion of mine. When I see a need in a particular product whether it be function or design, I like the challenge of how to make it better.

DI: Where there any other designs and/or designers that helped the influence the design of your work?

JM : I've always been interested in modern, simple designs by the likes of Ron Rezek, Massimo Vignelli, and Charles and Ray Eames.

DI: Who is the target customer for his design?

JM : Everyone, it is suitable for all age groups, size hands and genders. Anyone that like corn.

DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?

JM : What sets it apart is the a curved stainless steal blade that wraps around the ear of corn, perfectly placing the butter into the grooves of the cob. This allows much less effort on the user's part while spreading and a more even butter application.

DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?

JM : The name simply tells exactly what the product does. Each and every time you'll only need to butter your cob once, hence ButterOnce.

DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?

JM : Solidworks, 2d and 3d models and 3D printing.

DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?

JM : The shape and curve of the blade.

DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?

JM : 3D printing was an invaluable tool to be able to test out several models to decide which one to make a prototype.

DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?

JM : I researched a variety of common kitchen gadgets to get a feel for their size, ergonomics and market placement.

DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?

JM : The main challenge was changing the material from plastic to metal.

DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?

JM : Why not. I felt it was unique enough to get noticed.

DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?

JM : How to take an idea and turn it into an actual product.