DESIGN NAME: Uni
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Salt and Pepper Shaker
INSPIRATION: I wanted to explore the possibility of taking an ordinary everyday product and convert it into something more elegant, simple, interactive and playful. I love cooking and often use salt and pepper in my meal preparation and at the dinner table. The shakers are so common they can almost be found in every kitchen. So, why not have a little more fun with objects that seem so ordinary and have them interact in a unique way. Then, there comes Uni!
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: In the market today, it is common to find salt and pepper shakers used and stored as two separate pieces. By challenging the norm, Uni was created to connect and unify these pieces into an interactive one. With a unique spherical design, Uni interlocks together as to ergonomically and comfortably fit into one hand for easy usability and for placement into storage. While in the resting position, the pepper shaker snuggly fits into the salt shaker and is then separated during use.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: The pieces are interlocked together as one while resting on the table. The white salt shaker stands vertically with the pushup section facing the table. Remove the black pepper shaker from its interlocked horizontal possession within the salt shaker. Stand the pepper shaker upright with the lid facing upward. Remove both lids from the shakers, by sliding them horizontally and then lifting up. Fill the shakers with the appropriated seasoning and replace the lids. Tilt to apply seasoning to the food. Have fun, apply both at the same time with one in each hand. Don’t forget to interlock them back into place before placing on the table.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: The project started in October 2016 and completed in April 2017 (3D printed final prototype) in the U.S.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The Uni was prototyped by using a very fast growing additive manufacturing process. 3d printing using PLA plastic as the material, allowing for fast and easy iterative models to be produced. Metal and ceramic materials are ideal for production.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 65mm x 65 mm x 65 mm (L X W X H)
TAGS: Uni, salt, pepper, shaker, hug, ball, Black, White, Interactive, Playful
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: Uni is my product research of exploring interactive ways between users and products. After researching the salt and pepper shakers in the restaurant, I realize people don't really pay attention to them. Instead, I want to bring this product to the focal point on the table so that when people sit down and waiting for their meals, they can play with this product.
CHALLENGE: The challenge was to create a form with uniquely interactive properties to a common object and providing user friendly operation. Many iterations were used in calculating the proper tension between the shakers and working mechanisms of the lid to provide a perfectly seamless fit within the body.
ADDED DATE: 2017-10-08 05:42:46
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Yingjie Chen, 2017.
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