OXO POP Containers – exploring the "POP-abilities"
--------------------------------------------------
For generations, people everywhere used round storage canisters
to keep dry ingredients (like flour, sugar, coffee and pasta)
fresh. Round canisters were believed to be simpler for brands to
manufacture and easier for users to seal.
OXO challenged the norm with its line of POP Containers, proving
to consumers they can have the total package: easy-to-open,
airtight and space-efficient dry food storage containers.
Fun Fact: The friendly shape and pop-up functionality of the POP
Container button was inspired by our iconic Salad Spinner. In
research we found that it encouraged users to “reach out and
touch it.”
Problems Identified
-------------------
* Inefficient use of space: While using round containers, users
lost valuable pantry space when stacking them next to one
another.
* Difficult to Open: For many airtight containers, users needed
significant hand strength to open and close the lids and achieve
an airtight seal.
* Troublesome to Clean: Lids on airtight containers are difficult
to take apart for cleaning.
Early POP Container PrototypesEarly OXO POP Container Prototypes
The Process
-----------
* Square peg: The team was well aware that it is easier to
achieve an airtight seal with a round shape, because there is an
equal distribution of force when closing the lid. On the other
hand, it is difficult to apply even pressure on corners of
square-shaped lids. Engineers on the POP Container project
devised a "pop-up" mechanism that would raise and lower the
ket in the lid evenly to solve this problem.
* Push of a button: The idea for a push-button to open and close
the lids was borrowed from user research conducted while
developing OXO's Salad Spinner and Travel Mug. With both, the
team quickly learned that people inherently enjoy the action of
pressing down on a button. Not only is it fun, but it enables
users not to have to use two hands and gives a sense of
satisfaction that something is working.
* It's what's inside: Adding a lid that comes apart for cleaning
brought complexity to the project, but as the team watched users
interact with prototypes it was clear they wondered what could
get caught inside. Right away, the team knew it was an essential
feature not to be left out.
OXO POP ContainersOXO POP Containers
OXO's Solutions
---------------
* Stackable and space-efficient: POP Containers are available in
square and rectangular shapes to make the most of any storage
space. When sealed, the lids are flat to encourage modular
stacking.
* One-handed operation: POP's unique push-button mechanism makes
it a cinch to open and close and the button acts as a handle to
lift the lid, offering a one-handed solution for storing foods.
Users with dexterity problems such as can open POP
Containers without even bending their fingers.
* Easy-to-clean: The lid twists apart with a simple 90° turn to
get inside all the nooks and crannies, while smooth edges on the
body keep food from getting trapped, making it easy to achieve a
thorough clean.
The OXO Story:
--------------
In 1990, OXO staged a revolution (of sorts) by offering an
easy-to-use, high-performing alternative to uncomfortable and
ineffective kitchen gadgets. OXO's innovative take on the
traditional Swivel Peeler, complete with its pudgy black handle,
raised consumers' expectations of what could be expected from
household products.
Today OXO offers over 800 products, each developed with a close
(some might say "obsessive") attention to detail. Our goal is to
deliver products that maximize comfort AND performance,
illustrating our mission to create innovative consumer products
that make everyday living easier.
Ever wonder what makes an OXO product an "OXO Product"?
-------------------------------------------------------
OXO employees believe there are two rules that should guide
product development: First, every new product must deliver a
tangible improvement over the existing product. Second, the
functionality should never be sacrificed for its aesthetics –
above all it should work well.
- Square-shaped, space-efficient container with 4-quart capacity.
- Ideal size for a 5-pound bag of flour or sugar, or other dry food.
- Unique push-button mechanism provides airtight seal with just a touch.
- Pop-up button doubles as a handle.
- Measures 6-1/4 by 6-1/4 by 10-1/2 inches.