Usability for Everyday Things

Makers of everyday things like toothbrushes and spatulas have started researching how people actually use their products and use that knowledge to design a better product.

Oxo’s Good Grips line of kitchen utensils and tools fit easily in the hand and are easier to use than their traditional counterparts. When they noticed that people had trouble slicing bread because their hand reached the counter before the knife made it all the way through the bread, Oxo created the Offset Bread Knife.

Radius has applied the usability concept to make "mouth-friendly toothbrushes" with larger handles and softer, longer-lasting bristles. By applying usability research to the toothbrush, Radius has seen success in what traditionally was a commodity market. The dentist gives away toothbrushes, yet Radius is able to sell their mouth-friendly designs for $9 apiece.

If you want to increase demand for your product, invest more time and money in creating a product that is easier to use.