Tomato Crates
Co-Partner Design Experience
CHALLENGE
Collaborate with “We the People Farms”, a nonprofit supporting formerly incarcerated individuals, to design a transport system for tomatoes. The crates needed to be durable, protective during transit, easy to carry, and stackable for storage and distribution.
Insights
Through direct conversations with the organization, we learned that traditional bins were damaging produce and difficult to move. The key needs were cushioning, stackability, and ease of handling, built from cost-effective, sustainable materials.
INITIAL THINKING & SKETCHING
Working with a team of three other designers, we quickly sketched ideas that addressed structure and stacking. We evaluated different crate joints and form factors for strength and modularity. After prototyping several concepts, my crate design was selected for full production due to its balance of simplicity, strength, and manufacturability.
PROTOTYPING & PRODUCTION
Once the final design was approved, we milled our own lumber and began fabrication. As a team, we built 60 full crates in just a few weeks; over 200 combined hours in the shop. For many teammates, this was their first time working with wood, so I helped guide construction and solve fabrication challenges.
Final Product & Features
A durable, easy-to-carry crate system built for real-world farming logistics
Modular design allows crates to nest securely when stacked
Protective build prevents damage to tomatoes during transit
Ergonomic Handles allow for efficient two-handed lift
Rapid fabrication is possible with these easy-to-build crates