# NUO: A Rocking Knife and Recessed Board Design A student-led design project reimagining kitchen ergonomics through integrated cutting tools and surfaces. - **Source:** [Yanko Design](https://brifing.si/source/41d28791-ef47-4e0b-a40a-2a5efca0c11b) - **Published:** 2026-10-31 - **Topic:** [Design & UX](https://brifing.si/c/design) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c338d2a1-9597-48e3-aca6-e538770ec2ff ## Addressing Kitchen Inefficiencies Chopping fresh herbs often leads to scattered ingredients and repetitive gathering motions. Münire Çalışır developed the NUO set as a student project at Burg Giebichenstein University to solve this common annoyance. By integrating a shallow hollow into the cutting board, the design actively keeps ingredients contained during the entire preparation process. ## Integrated Design Philosophy The NUO system treats the ash wood board and the stainless steel blade as a unified pair. Unlike standard kitchen gadgets that consume counter space, this set focuses on the interaction between two objects. The recessed surface serves a dual purpose: guiding the knife's movement and providing a resting spot. ## Material and Manufacturing Process The knife is crafted from a single sheet of stainless steel using water-jet cutting technology. A central pressing operation transforms the flat blank into a three-dimensional tool, merging the handle and blade into one piece. This manufacturing approach ensures the handle is not an accessory but an extension of the blade. ## Ergonomics of the Rocking Motion The knife's curved edge is specifically engineered to support a natural rocking motion while cutting. Its weight is designed to reduce the physical effort required by the user. By placing the hand directly above the cutting area, the grip design offers a distinct alternative to traditional knives with long, side-extending handles. ## Visual Contrast and Form The set features a dark, circular ash board with a pronounced grain, contrasting with the bright, silver metal knife. This visual distinction makes the tool easy to read in a kitchen environment. The sculptural silhouette of the knife, resembling a folded metal disc, balances aesthetic appeal with its functional, open-center grip design. ## Functional Limitations and Scope The board's concavity limits its use to specific tasks, such as chopping herbs, rather than serving as a general-purpose prep surface. It is not intended to replace large, flat boards for heavy-duty cooking. This specialized role allows the tool to excel at focused jobs where ingredient containment is the primary priority. ## User Experience Considerations While the design is visually resolved, questions remain regarding long-term comfort during extended prep sessions. The all-metal handle's performance with wet hands or its suitability for various hand sizes is not yet confirmed through real-world usage. These ergonomic factors are critical for determining if the tool can truly earn its place. ## The Value of Thoughtful Pauses NUO succeeds by acknowledging the pauses between cuts, providing a dedicated resting place for the blade within the working surface. By focusing on the entire task rather than just the cutting action, the design transforms a simple kitchen moment. It demonstrates how thoughtful geometry can improve standard, everyday culinary workflows. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.yankodesign.com/2026/10/31/nuo-pairs-a-rocking-knife-with-a-board-that-actually-guides-it/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nuo-pairs-a-rocking-knife-with-a-board-that-actually-guides-it — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._