Mark 1 prototype thoughts

As the deadline to produce a mark one prototype comes closer I have been struggling to pin point what I really want to produce.

So far I am assessing the mess element that parents often concern themselves with when it comes to preparing food with their children. I am considering non slip surfaces and suction cups on items such as chopping boards and mixing bowls. This feature would reduce spilling and create a secure surfaces for children to work with. Suction bowls are already on the market and are marketed at babies, to reduce the chance of the dish falling from a high chair. However I think a similar concept could be marketed for a cooking aid.

I would also like to improve the safety of utensils such as knifes, graters and peelers in order to give parents the confident to let children use them. This is the aspect I am finding difficult. I have several Ideas that I hope to discuss at my fist mentor meeting to see what would be the most appropriate.

My concepts are inspired by existing products such as circular saws, thats blade is already revealed during use. My question is, is having a blade that is protected unless consciously chopping a significant and worth while improvement? This would protect children if they were to pick up the knife incorrectly, if the knife were to fall, or if there was a lot of movement in the kitchen environment. However the ultimate con of these ideas is the fact if a child’s finger found its self under the knife it would still cause harm. Do children deserve the credit that if they are consciously chopping food they wouldn't be liable to chop their own finger?

At the my first mentor meeting I hope to discuss the viability of the ideas I have and explore the options I have in an attempt to adapt and refine these ideas.