ADVANTEDGE HOME SKATE SHARPENING MACHINE
year
2024
client
BAUER PROSHARP
Services
Strategy
Industrial design
Mechanical engineering
Prototyping
Project management
ADVANTEDGE
Redefining home skate sharpening
As part of the modernization of the ProSharp brand, Bauer commissioned Alto Design to rethink the user experience and design of the Advantedge home skate sharpener. With its automatic clamping, adjustable height, and programmable grinding profiles, this portable machine allows anyone to sharpen their skates with professional precision at the push of a button.
Designed for portability, this machine allows users to sharpen their skates anywhere, whether on the rink or in a garage. By simplifying maintenance and reducing sharpening costs, it enables athletes to perform at their best on the ice.
A sharp design for perfect precision.
The Advantedge stands out for its ability to translate the technical precision of skate sharpening into an accessible and portable form. Unlike traditional equipment, which is bulky and industrial-looking, this device incorporates advanced automation to streamline the process while maintaining professional-level results.
The design team focused on a visual and functional expression of the “edge”—both in reference to the skate blade and cutting-edge technology—by using chamfered lines and a suspended aluminum body, symbolizing precision, sharpness, and balance. The angled supports not only provide stability but also create a sense of motion, reflecting the dynamic nature of skating. This perfect balance between form and function ensures that the product is both visually striking and designed with true utility in mind.
Simplifying skate sharpening with a seamless empowering user experience.
The Advantedge was designed with user experience at its core. Skate sharpening, often seen as a complex and intimidating process, has been reimagined to be accessible and intuitive. Users simply place their skates in the machine, select their preferred settings on the touchscreen, and let the automated system handle the rest. Convenient features include a “quick sharpening mode” and fully customizable user profiles, perfect for families or coaches managing multiple players. Skaters can experiment with different grinding profiles to find the ideal settings that match their skills and enhance their performance.
The interactive touchscreen is complemented by connectivity to a dedicated app, offering personalized profiles, instructional videos, and troubleshooting resources. These digital tools boost user confidence, catering to both beginners and seasoned players. LED lighting further simplifies the experience, providing real-time feedback with color-coded signals indicating sharpening progress, calibration, or maintenance needs.
Portability is a key aspect of the design. Its compact form and lightweight materials allow users to easily transport the sharpener from home to the rink and beyond. Thoughtful details, such as the suspended main body and integrated dust tray, enhance both ergonomics and long-term durability.
A new visual identity: precision and legacy.
As part of the redesign process, the logo was reimagined to embody the core values of the products: precision and sharpness. The new design features sleek, straight-lined typography, reflecting the rigor and performance of the equipment.
While modernizing the aesthetic, a key element of the brand’s identity was preserved, the segmented lettering from the previous logo, a nod to its visual heritage. Additionally, the recurring graphic line found on the products seamlessly integrates into this new identity, ensuring consistency across the entire range.
The blue color, once dominant in the logo, now takes center stage on the products themselves, reinforcing their visual identity and impact.
Finally, the integration of the Bauer brand strengthens the presence and solidifies the promise of quality and performance that defines this commitment.
