The Home Depot Announces ‘ORANGE WORKS’ Innovation Partnership

The Home Depot(R) today announced the creation of ORANGE WORKS, a new innovation and design venture with Arnell Group, that will redefine product development for the world’s largest home improvement retailer. Comprised of leadership from The Home Depot and Arnell Group Innovation Lab, ORANGE WORKS has a mission to work with expert vendors on unique and proprietary innovation within The Home Depot that will meet the needs of emerging lifestyle and product trends.

This unique venture between The Home Depot and Arnell Group Innovation Lab is a seamless partnership and collaboration among market researchers, store associates, merchants, designers, vendor partners, architects, engineers, industrial designers, graphic designers, and brand and design strategists. ORANGE WORKS will tap global innovations and best practices to bring innovative new products to market across specific "mega-trend" categories, including home safety, aging in place, outdoor living, smart home technology, efficient use of time and space, and eco-friendly products. The multidimensional ORANGE WORKS team will take products from conception to presentation at retail in a holistic program that is thoroughly orchestrated from idea to shelf.

One of the first ORANGE WORKS projects is the launch of a new proprietary brand, Home Hero(TM), which focuses on home safety. The line will feature complementary products, including an innovative fire extinguisher with improved ergonomics designed to complement the decor of any room of the home. In contrast to the traditional red tank that usually is hidden under a sink or in a closet, the new, attractive extinguisher is designed to remain visible in a room and within reach for quick use. The cross-functional ORANGE WORKS team is working in conjunction with vendor partner Kidde, which is a part of UTC Fire and Security, a business unit of United Technologies.

Two additional ORANGE WORKS innovations under development focus on universal design, ideal for consumers who want to age in place or create a more accessible home environment. Easy Reach Storage enables a consumer to raise or lower cabinet shelving units with one hand, eliminating the need to stoop or stretch. The second item is a decorative chair rail molding system that doubles as a handrail, designed for consumers who need the support but do not want unattractive handrails in their homes.

SOURCE: The Home Depot