IHA speaks with Keith M. Nielson, co-founder of KMN Home, based in Traverse City, Michigan to hear about the genesis of the company and their latest innovations. KMN will present their latest kitchen accessories alongside other design-driven companies at the 2017 International Home + Housewares Show in Discover Design.

A passion for creativity, design, innovation and enjoying life lies at the core of KMN Home. Founded in 2011 by lead designer Keith Nielson and CEO, Kevin Vann, KMN launched the unique DrawerDecor organizing system, their first achievement in their efforts to succeed in the world of consumer product design and manufacturing. The drawer organizer’s unique design and innovation helped establish KMN as an up-and-coming consumer brand.

Keith, tell us about your company’s beginnings.
In 2005, a couple of grade school friends began meeting late on Thursday nights to rebuild a ‘41 Chevy truck. However, with engineering and creative backgrounds, Truck Night quickly evolved into product development and start-up projects. That poor Chevy is still in pieces—SOME day we’ll get back to it! But yes, we still call it Truck Night and we get together every Thursday to keep the ball moving forward.

Where do you find inspiration when designing new products?
We find inspiration in many places but the biggest is any time we notice a ‘pain point’ in the user experience. That is an opportunity.

Can you point to any key influences?
We are inspired by the future—what can be and what should be. Companies with product design we like are Apple, Method and Dyson.

How do you choose which idea to take into development?
Whichever one my wife likes… Seriously though, we look at many factors and one key one is feedback from people we view as our core customers. Other factors we include are manufacturability, costing, differentiation and intellectual property, among others.

How do you identify the key user audience for your products?
We use surveys extensively to hone into our core demographics.

Is there an approach or look that joins the functionality, form or emotional appeal of your product line?
We call our approach “clean-modern” with a little bit of fun and cool mixed in.

How do new technologies influence your product design?  Do you use 3-D printing, Kickstarter or other platforms to develop or launch products?  How do you use social media?
Yes, we use 3D printing for rapid prototyping. We have used Kickstarter several times for presale of products and for market feedback. We use social media to engage with our customers mainly through Facebook. In addition we use Facebook for marketing activities. 

How do you see design’s importance in our industry as it moves forward?
Innovation moves industries and society forward. Design is central to innovation. So we must constantly innovate to move forward the quality of people’s lives.

You have exhibited with us for several years but Discover Design is a new direction for you.
Yes, I think this is our sixth Show, but we are new to Discover Design. The first few years in our former location were great, but as we expanded our offering and became aware of who we are as a company we felt the Discover Design community is where we belonged. We are very much looking forward to it.

Can you give us a preview of what you will be showing in your booth in Discover Design?
We will have our DrawerDecor silicone drawer organizer which was our first product and always draws a crowd. In addition, our FingerMitt silicone mini oven mitt. It is the only mini-mitt on the market with five fingers for improved dexterity. Our aluminum rolling pins, which won the Red Dot Award for Product Design, will be showcased as well. In addition, you’ll see our silicone cups and trivets which are new this year.

Thanks, Keith, for sharing your story with us. We look forward to seeing your latest products in booth N8508. Your continued success might keep you from working on that truck!

For further information, contact Kevin Vann, director of sales, kevin@kmnhome.com and learn more about their company at www.kmnhome.com.

Discover Design is the premier destination at the International Home + Housewares Show for trend spotters who make design their priority. Retailers looking for the unique will find early 200 design leaders at Discover Design located at the front of the North Building.

Anchored by renowned brands such as Alessi, Blomus and Charles Viancin, Discover Design welcomes new exhibitors, such as notNeutral, Luckies of London, and S’well Bottle, and introduces 10 emerging companies at the Design Debut incubator. Additional fresh offerings from veteran design-focused exhibitors such as Kikkerland, Zoku and Magisso will also inspire your choices for the coming year. Find more information on Discover Design exhibitors online.