Form and function with details that define

Smart, sophisticated and just what every drinking moment needs. BOSSE not only stands out for its ability to smoothly open caps, but also impresses with its 3D printed elegance, soft lines and adorable charm. The Stockholm-made innovation also has a built-in magnet that quickly and safely catches the cap before it escapes.

In Johan Pihl's world, there is always room for improvement, and no detail is too small to be ignored. And it was in this world that the simple but ingenious BOSSE was born, the bottle opener that is anything but ordinary, with a design that is as smart as it is sophisticated. You can find bottle openers everywhere and in all shapes and sizes, but with BOSSE came the opportunity to make the opening process a little smoother. And considerably easier for all those who struggle with weak pinches and mischievous joints.

"I wanted to create something that not only fell naturally into the hand, but also something with design charm. And of course, something my grandmother with rheumatoid arthritis could use without any trouble."

From sketch to creation

The prototyping phase resembles a playground of ideas. Endless variations are born, tested, rejected or celebrated. One particular challenge was trimming the design so that the hand doesn't pinch during use - a tricky detail that required several iterations. And it is this endeavour that has driven Johan through countless hours of sketching, prototyping and testing, only to return to the drawing board again. Each problem has led to a new solution, and eventually, to a better version of BOSSE. The core of the design has always been that BOSSE should be easy to use in a single movement, with one hand, and without unnecessary fumbling.

"Small details are only discovered through practical testing. You can plan and simulate endlessly, but it's only when you test the product that you can really understand its function and usability."

Both the prototyping and manufacturing of BOSSE is done with 3D printers that build the product layer by layer, until it reaches its perfect shape. In total, BOSSE consists of 417 layers of 0.2 millimetres in PLA plastic, a material that is both durable, environmentally friendly and known for its ability to create products with a smooth and fine finish. 3D technology allows for flexible manufacturing, enabling rapid iterations and customisation - fitting for BOSSE, which required around 100 prototypes before rolling out the final version. With the on-demand production model, manufacturing is easily scaled up or down depending on demand, which also contributes to sustainable and more flexible production.

A driving force to be reckoned with

BOSSE is not the result of chance, but the sum of a design that thinks one step further. From the initial sketch to the packaging, materials and fonts, everything is the result of a single visionary. Johan has not only imagined the product as a whole, but also designed the experience around it - with each individual part reflecting a coherent and thoughtful design philosophy. Looking ahead, Pihl is planning new products that promise the same precision, but first, production will be scaled up to give more people the chance to familiarise themselves with all that BOSSE has to offer.

Tips for other innovators

 Showcase your idea to others, even if you are not completely satisfied yourself.
 Dare to test your ideas. If the idea is good, the step to production is smaller than you might think.
 Build physical prototypes of your idea, it is only in reality that you can evaluate whether it works or not.