Williams-Sonoma Retailing Inergi-Designed Kitchen Tool

Former Bob Jones student designs innovative grater for home chef market

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., June 14, 2008 – Inergi Design Services industrial designer and recent Auburn University graduate Patricia Forrest can now shop at William-Sonoma for the product she designed as part of a student industrial design project during her junior year at Auburn. Microplane, the project corporate sponsor, financed the research, supplies, and materials in exchange for Auburn student designers’ best efforts at more innovative concepts for a food grater, one in a line of Microplane home chef products. Microplane has honored Forrest’s entry by manufacturing the design and distributing the new grater exclusively through Williams-Sonoma stores, as well as online (photo).

The design project involved extensive research by students, including target market studies to discover the needs of those likely to use the product. Forrest also investigated slicing and grating methods for fruits and vegetables in the Auburn food science kitchen lab. She even traveled to the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University located in Charlotte, N.C., to observe these future chefs handling their kitchen tools.

After the first round of judging designs and student-made prototypes, judges recommended refinements. Students then made final presentations in Atlanta to Microplane representatives. Forrest’s design features numerous improvements over the standard grater, including an ergonomic, overmolded rubber handle; feet that prevent slipping and allow easier cutting and tilting; a removable side panel for easier interior cleaning; and a clear plastic, slip-over storage cover to protect hands as well as Microplane’s patented stainless-steel cutting blades.

Forrest’s interest in industrial design began as a student at Bob Jones High School in Madison when her art teacher and mentor, Melissa Hughey, introduced her to the discipline after having several former students enter the field. Forrest’s successful experiences at Auburn earned her an internship at Inergi and, following graduation, a position with the company. During her short time as a professional designer at Inergi she has already been involved in the industrial design of several electronic devices, a wireless automated home lighting system, a body-worn vital sign and activity monitor, and a variety of other innovative technologies. Forrest said of her design experiences, “ I find it gratifying to see how much atypical solutions are appreciated. Designs that succeed in balancing high function with innovation and beauty bring satisfaction to me as a designer and success in the marketplace.”

Keith Savas, 21-year design consultant and Inergi senior product designer and director of sales, said of Forrest, “I find it amazing that someone so recently out of college has already landed a product in a global retail environment. Patricia is an excellent addition to our design team. We anticipate many more great things from her.”

About Inergi

With its roots in the high tech environment of Huntsville, Ala., Inergi was formed in 1998 with a valuable variety of proven ability and experience in exhibit design, model making, rapid prototyping, and product design. With a rich mix of entrepreneurial spirit and professional talent, the company has thrived in it’s current home in the historic 1920’s-era Martin Industries building in the heart of the city. Today, commercial, industrial, and military clients seek out Inergi as a strategic partner. Inergi offers a complete set of services to satisfy the full range of concept-to-marketplace needs that includes design and development of products, marketing and graphic design, as well as trade show and museum exhibit design. Led by President and CEO Greg Sollie, Inergi is experiencing an exciting period of unprecedented growth.