THE CREW

What it does

The Crew is a set of playful, character-based kitchen tools that make cleaning feel fun and intuitive. Each figure is designed for a specific task, blending charming personalities with thoughtful usability and human-centered design.

Your inspiration

The idea for The Crew began with a common frustration: the mess that lingers after cooking. In my survey, 82% of respondents said cleaning discouraged them from cooking, and 67% said they wished cleaning felt “less lonely.” One interviewee shared, “Sometimes I just want someone—or something—there with me at the sink.” I realized cleaning tools didn’t have to be cold or invisible—they could be expressive companions. What if your sponge holder looked scared for you? That spark led to The Crew—quirky, task-specific helpers that turn cleaning into moments of play, connection, and teamwork.

How it works

The Crew is a set of highly functional kitchen companions made from semi-rigid, food-safe silicone—each designed for a specific cleaning task and compatible with standard tools for easy part replacement. Champ holds replaceable steel wool for pot scrubbing; his rounded body fits snugly in the hand and makes swapping scrubbers effortless. Casper grips a dish towel with his teeth, keeping it suspended and dry. Chuck holds a sponge upright to stay clean and mold-free. Cody mounts on the wall and hangs utensils with his arms, keeping tools within reach. Designed for young adults with limited cooking experience—or anyone who craves a little company while doing chores—each character brings humor, clarity, and emotional connection to cleaning. Their expressive forms and oversized eyes guide interaction intuitively, making chores feel like teamwork instead of a solo task.

Design process

The design process began with a broad exploration of how playfulness could ease the frustration of kitchen cleaning. Initially, the focus was on creating functional tools with quirky shapes—fun to look at, but still centered on utility. These early forms weren’t characters yet, but they planted the seed. Over time, I shifted toward human-like figures to introduce emotional engagement and a sense of companionship. I sketched dozens of original character concepts inspired by awkward, timid creatures who might stumble into our world and start helping. Once I settled on four core personalities—each tied to a specific cleaning task—I began rapid prototyping with 3D printing. These models helped me test hand grip comfort, weight balance, and how well the characters could hold standard tools like sponges, steel wool, and dish towels. I refined their postures, expressions, and attachment methods based on user feedback and functional testing. Each revision brought them closer to feeling not just useful—but alive.

How it is different

Most cleaning tools are designed to blend in—cold, minimal, and purely functional. The Crew flips that idea by embracing visibility, emotion, and character. Each piece is not just a tool but a tiny teammate with a distinct personality and task. Unlike novelty products that prioritize cuteness over usability, The Crew balances expressive design with thoughtful human factors. Every form is carefully shaped for grip, stability, and compatibility with standard cleaning tools. Their gestures and oversized eyes act as intuitive visual cues, guiding interaction. They're not passive decor—they’re active participants that make chores feel like shared moments. No other sponge holder stares at you like it’s scared too.

Future plans

Next, I plan to expand The Crew into new areas like bathroom, office, and general home cleaning—bringing the same mix of function and personality to other dull tasks. It also has potential as a tool to teach kids healthy cleaning habits by making chores feel fun and rewarding. With further testing and refinement, The Crew can grow into a full product line that turns boring routines into playful moments, giving users not just tools—but a sense of companionship in everyday life.

Awards

The Crew was exhibited in the Prism Design Show, part of NYC Design Week, showcasing emerging talents and innovative design solutions. The exhibition highlighted the project’s playful approach to function and emotional storytelling in product design.