Adding Design to a Dry Product

Beyond Design’s influence on Excalibur’s Dehydrators was anything but dry. Our design team explored stylish concepts and designs to create a fresh Visual Brand Language (VBL) for the company’s product line. We configured Industrial and Engineering Designs for Manufacturing (DFM) and improved the product’s UI/UX Interface.

Designers gathered inspiration and developed detailed illustrations via sketches. Beyond Design enhanced the form and shape of the box, transitioning the dehydrators from plastic to stainless steel. We also enhanced the style and ergonomics by designing a modern control panel with an touch screen interface and a top window. The product sketches were refined and a “good,” “better,” and “best” strategy was developed to differentiate the various models and sizes.

When Function Meets Aesthetics

The team wanted to push the opportunity of a redesign to its limits. Not only did designers add value to the dehydrator’s aesthetic appearance, but they also validated the end user experience when it came to door and control accessibility. Design decisions resulted in two new door configurations, more cooking visibility through windows, and upgraded controls from traditional knobs to a UI touchscreen.

Designers had more ideas to enhance the final product, so we took the design above and beyond. We also included a transparent top so users could effortlessly check on the status of their food. Having clear top views allows users to monitor their cooking without losing heat when they open the dehydrator’s chamber. This was the first time an accessible viewing window was incorporated into a dehydrator.

Lastly, design engineers supported the initial engineering of the product. Building CAD models and assembly instructions for production. Our experience as Industrial Designers and Product Development Specialists brought the client’s vision to life and elevated their product line