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Consumer feedback and market experience are key to making a success of new products. We discover the design story behind the latest additions to Rangemaster’s sinks and taps range
Above: Quadrant Contemporary mixer tap Left: Nevada sink
IT
is doubtless realtively easy to come up with a new product to bring into the market - the hundreds of new product launches into the industry every year are testament to that.
What sets apart those that are set to fall
from those set to succeed however is the attention to detail that goes into all the pre- launch stuff – the research and development, getting the manufacturing right and, first and foremost, a thorough understanding of what the consumer wants and needs. When Rangemaster set about creating its new collection of kitchen sinks and taps, the aim was to come up with products that would add significant value to kitchen retailers and reflect the needs of the UK kitchen market. Its new range is intended to do just that. In addition to designs created to suit both contemporary and traditional style kitchens,
Rangemaster has also developed a new surface finish called Micro-sheen which has been applied across the full stainless steel range. This enhances the colour of the steel, avoiding yellowing and masking any natural faults by creating a soft brushed effect. Rangemaster has also introduced a
ground edge trim to all stainless steel inset fitted sinks, creating a subtle frame for a neat finished look. Each inset stainless steel sink is supplied with an automatically applied sealant and pre-fitted clips to help reduce installation time and cost. The new product range represents a major
enhancement to Rangemaster’s current sinks and taps offering, but the thinking behind these new additions has not just been plucked from thin air. A thorough and detailed development process has made it all possible. James Cunningham, Product Marketing Manager at Rangemaster, says: “We
continually analyse and review the various product portfolios we have for each brand through product lifecycle analysis and other marketing tools. A full review of the current range of sinks and taps was undertaken as well as a full SWOT analysis compiled of the UK sink market as well as kitchen trends current and future. “A number of product opportunities were
identified and were tested through consumer and customer research. Once complete, a formal business plan and design brief were created. This instigated a development plan along with launch dates and the rest is history!” In order to keep this process on a
smooth path, it helps to have a significant heritage in manufacturing within the market. In AGA Rangemaster’s case, the business has been manufacturing kitchen sinks for over 75 years and has a wealth of experience in product design and how to make a high
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