Scraper Utility Knife for Nova / SafetyTools

Client: Nova Safety Tools
Year of design: 2024
Buy: Amazon or Nova site

2-in-1 Dual-Purpose Design – Combines a utility knife and scraper in one versatile tool. A sliding button allows seamless, instant switching between box-cutting and scraping modes.

Design Objective: Create a more approachable, aesthetically pleasing, and ergonomic alternative to industrial-looking competitors, making the tool equally suitable for DIY enthusiasts and everyday household use, from workshops to kitchens.

Role: Industrial Designer

Scope: Research, industrial design, CMF, CAD, visualization, manufacturing assistance.

Impact: Evolved into one of the brand’s best-selling products, establishing a refreshed design language that now informs both this category and the next generation of products in development.

In Real Life

Why Do These Parts Differ?

Left: rendering, right: product

Because the client decided to proceed with the previous design iteration:

However, Mick preferred the version with a simplified cap design and decided to showcase it here instead of the final production version.

Design Process

Competitors Analisys

Every project starts with competitor research to identify strengths and weaknesses in functionality, avoid design similarities, analyze customer reviews on Amazon and other platforms, and purchase selected products for hands-on testing.

Quick Concept Sketching

Sketching is an essential step in early communication with the client, allowing us to quickly explore different design directions without diving into 3D modeling. Rough sketches help establish the overall shapes and aesthetic language, which are then approved by the client before moving into 3D development.

3D Concepts

Sketching is an essential step in early communication with the client, allowing us to quickly explore different design directions without diving into 3D modeling. Rough sketches help establish the overall shapes and aesthetic language, which are then approved by the client before moving into 3D development.

Concept A