KOHLER Prolific™ Line Extension: 2017
In 2015, KOHLER introduced the Prolific™ Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink. The 33" sink featured beveled tiers and 5 accessories that let you create a customized, multi-use workspace.
The tiers support the sink’s accessories; letting you place each one at the height you need + move them as you’re working. The Prolific was awarded both RedDot and iF Design Award that same year.
For 2017, the Kitchens Team decided to expand on the popularity of "workstation sinks" and develop multiple configurations of the successful Prolific to accommodate multiple kitchen cabinet sizes while repurposing the existing accessories from the original 33".
ORIGINAL accessories for 33" Prolific
• BAMBOO CUTTING BOARD (10" x 16"): For keeping crumbs + messes contained inside of the sink.
• PLASTIC COLANDER: For rinsing + draining food items.
• PLASTIC WASH BIN: For utensils + small items without having to fill the entire sink basin.
• PLASTIC/REINFORCED MULTIPURPOSE GRATED RACKS (2): For drying dishes + for creating an extra elevated workspace inside of the sink.
2017 LINE EXTENSION PRODUCT SCOPE
The design brief for this project called for three new size configurations:
• 23" Sink (for a kitchen island or as a bar sink)
• 29" Kitchen Sink (for a smaller kitchen setting)
• 44" Extra Large Sink (for those seeking an ample workstation)
DISCOVERY
After working closely with our Kitchens Engineering Team, we discovered that of the original accessories for the 33" Prolific; the only item that seemed dwarfed in the context of the larger 44" Large Single Bowl was the original 10" x 16" cutting board. We realized that there was a need for a custom-sized version that would suit this new larger size in the same material set of the original.
After a 2 week iterative process of sketching, CAD and mocking up foam-core + bamboo prototypes, the team approved of my final design: a 21"x16" cutting board that sat flush with a standard 3cm countertop; creating a seamless and optimal countertop - to - cutting board experience.
OUTCOME
With the new design for the larger cutting board, not only did I solve for spatiality in terms of length + width, but also height; affording it some added benefits that pleased the team:
• It possessed feet to elevate it so that it now sat flush with a standard countertop (3cm); as the original 10" X 16" never did.
• It was easier to chop on + more ergonomic; keeping knife handle from hitting countertop.
• It possessed cut-outs on its sides for easy handling.
• It also had some great heft to it; increasing the perceived value + quality.
• It also had some great heft to it; increasing the perceived value + quality.
• It suited the 44" as a single cutting board, but if two were used simultaneously, it could serve as a full-on sink cover.
• It suited the 23” Prolific as well; not only as a cutting board, but as a serving tray + full-on sink cover.
LAUNCHED AT KBIS 2017
I executed with excellence by meeting our aggressive timeline + delivering results on three new sink additions to the KOHLER Prolific family and a new accessory with enhanced functionality for a more gracious user experience.
IMPACT
• Debuted at the 01/2017 Kitchen & Bath Show in Orlando, FL.
• Placement at KOHLER Signature Stores + Ferguson Show Rooms in 2017 - 2018.
• Amazon.com: 4.5 Star Rating for the largest configuration (44") with 300+ Reviews.
• As of 2025: One of the best-selling of stainless-steel sink families for KOHLER. [Sales figures not immediately available].
• As of 2025: One of the best-selling of stainless-steel sink families for KOHLER. [Sales figures not immediately available].
If you'd like to experience my entire design journey + some good storytelling,
please click on the button below to direct you to my process page.