October 18, 2005
OXO & Lowe's: Hand Tools Developed On Universal Design Principles
OXO is the champion of kitchen utensil Universal Design with its Good Grips line of products. I carry one of their ice cream scoops to every speaking engagement as a "show & tell."
Lowe's home improvement stores and OXO have teamed up to launch a line of 22 hand tools using the principles of Universal Design.
Beginning to feel like a revolution yet? World Usability Day broadcasting the benefits of Universal Design worldwide on November 3, Green Construction and Universal Design converging, and Lowe's arming both the professional and the Do-It-Yourself crowd with a 9-piece "Essential Home Tool Kit."
What's to stop bands of skilled volunteers from descending on New Orleans, or Biloxi, or Banda Acheh and using these appropriately designed tools appropriately -- to rebuild them with state-of-the art accessibility?
Lowe's Announces Exclusive Launch of OXO Hand Tools:
22 Tools Developed On Universal Design Principles That Offer
Functional Improvements To The Widest Range Of Users
MOORESVILLE, N.C., Oct. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lowe's Companies,
Inc. (NYSE: LOW), in collaboration with OXO International, announced today it
will offer the first round in a series of hand tools based on the principles
of Universal Design. Available this fall, the line features 22 distinct tools
and two kits that is the result of extensive user input and observation to
improve comfort and usability for a wide range of consumers.
"Both Lowe's and OXO desire to improve the quality of people's lives by
offering innovative and thoughtfully designed products to everyone," said
Melissa Birdsong, vice president of trend and design at Lowe's. "Based on the
principles of Universal Design, these hand tools were created to be
comfortable for any user regardless of hand size, grip strength, or level of
experience - from beginning do-it-yourselfer to professional contractor."
In development for nearly two years, the process for creating the line
included nationwide research that incorporated users of all levels. The OXO
team talked with users and spent time observing them using tools in either a
home environment or job site to identify opportunities for improvement. The
research found that while there were some specific tool requirements to meet
the needs of each group, in general all groups wanted their tools to look
familiar, be made of quality materials, and be straight-forward and durable.
"This partnership was ideal for OXO since both companies believe in
creating a user-friendly experience for consumers whether through products or
a retail experience," said Larry Witt, vice president of sales and market
development at OXO. "With the experience Lowe's has in hand tools and our
knowledge of Universal Design, together we can make meaningful improvements to products in the hand tool category. We are excited about the potential this relationship holds for both companies."
The tool line exclusively at Lowe's and with the OXO-signature contoured
black handles for a comfortable grip features:
- Three varieties of hammers: 8-ounce curved claw hammer and 16-ounce rip claw hammer both including clever patented features such as MarGaurd(R), a soft bumper on the hammer head to prevent damaging the work surface, and a 5-ounce tack hammer;
- A multi-functional 9-inch torpedo level;
- Two screwdrivers including: a 6-in-1 screwdriver and a ratcheting
screwdriver with an easily accessible bit storage system;
- Seven pairs of pliers including: 6-inch long nose pliers, 6-inch
diagonal cutters, 8-inch linesman pliers, 6-inch slip-joint pliers,
8-inch slip-joint pliers, 8-inch groove joint pliers and 10-inch groove
joint pliers;
- Two tape measures: 16-foot and 25-foot lengths, with 1/8-inch and
stud markers, easy-to-use toggle switch, durable nylon-coated steel
tape and a comfortable Tape Brake(TM) to control the speed of tape
retraction;
- Multi-purpose snips that feature an Off Ramp(TM) that prevents
materials from bunching when cutting, deflecting them up and away from
hands for a smoother, safer cutting action;
- Two adjustable wrenches: 6-inch and 8-inch, with Lead-in Edges(TM) on
the jaw tips making it easier to re-engage during projects;
- Two utility knives constructed of die-cast aluminum with a
Quick Draw(TM) blade cartridge that presents the safe edge of stored
replacement blades.
Select tools are also available in a 6-piece Quick Fix Kit and a 9-piece
Essential Home Tool Kit. All tools within the line also offer a lifetime
guarantee. A second phase of more extensive hand tools is currently in
development and slated to launch soon.
"It is not often that a tool line is created that meets the needs of all
of our customers," said Craig Webber, vice president of merchandising for
tools at Lowe's. "Lowe's is committed to helping its customers improve their
lives with unique products that suit their diverse needs and lifestyles. By
working in collaboration with OXO on these new hand tools, we are very excited
about their potential in the market."
About OXO
Founded in 1990 with a mission to create consumer products that ease the
tasks of everyday life, OXO International is widely recognized as an example
of a well executed Universal Design strategy. This philosophy not only creates
user friendly products for a wide spectrum of users, but has proven to be a
very successful business model. From its original 15 products, the OXO product
line has grown to more than 750 products covering various product categories
including tools for cooking, gardening, cleaning and home organization. Over
the years, OXO products have won over 100 international design awards, and are in several permanent museum collections including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Based in New York City, OXO currently has 43 employees and has enjoyed a compounded annual growth rate of over 30 percent since 1991.
About Lowe's
With fiscal year 2004 sales of $36.5 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a
FORTUNE(R) 50 company that serves approximately 11 million customers a week at more than 1,125 home improvement stores in 49 states. Based in Mooresville, N.C., the 59-year old company is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit Lowes.com