DESIGN NAME: The Channel Bowl
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Bowl
INSPIRATION: Everyday objects like the bowl are often overlooked without challenging their usability. As an industrial designer, I noticed moments during meal times that made me question the bowl’s basic form and functionality like my wife struggling to scoop soup one-handed while holding our toddler. It was important to keep the standard high for both functionality and aesthetic. The Channel Bowl enhances meal times, and enhances any table setting with exquisite form and finish.
UNIQUE PROPERTIES / PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Channel Bowl is the evolution of the everyday bowl. It is the first bowl with an innovative center channel which enhances scooping and sipping. Everything from the form to the finish was thoughtfully considered. The lovely high gloss interior provides a smooth surface for scooping and sipping. The soft matte dimpled exterior creates better grip and beautiful form. The Channel Bowl stands out for both function and aesthetic.
OPERATION / FLOW / INTERACTION: Our objective was to create a beautifully designed bowl that out-performed against the basic bowl and spoon. We looked at every aspect of The Channel Bowl and tested its form and functionality. When tested against the household bowl, the users of The Channel Bowl and pairing spoon did not need to tilt their bowl, and used less scooping to finish their meal.
PROJECT DURATION AND LOCATION: We launched The Channel Bowl on Kickstarter and was successfully funded beyond its goal on January 29th 2018. The Channel Bowl is currently being manufactured in Portland, Oregon and available to order online.
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PRODUCTION / REALIZATION TECHNOLOGY: The only ceramic production method that would allow a unique form on both the interior and exterior was ram pressing. Designing with form following function in mind became challenging when accounting for the many different wall thicknesses within the bowl, especially the minimum wall thickness requirement. For example the pill shaped logo portion on the base allowed the channel depth on the interior to be maximized.
SPECIFICATIONS / TECHNICAL PROPERTIES: 163mm x 165mm x 65mm
TAGS: The Channel Bowl, Soup bowl, Cereal Bowl, Scooping, Sipping, Grip, Modern Design Bowl, Homeware, Center Channel, Interior Groove
RESEARCH ABSTRACT: After identifying a range of demographics, 3d printed design variations were created. Multiple users were tested to dial in the overall scale, dimple size, weight, height, scooping angle, scooping direction.
The feedback crafted the design to an ideal direction. This direction was then challenged with manufacturing limitations. However the design intent was carried into the final production.
Feedback since production has been positive. Consumers that would benefit from using the bowl include a wide range, from the elderly and disabled to mothers and children.
CHALLENGE: When crafting the form of The Channel Bowl it was important to maintain a proper wall thickness. The interior channel scoops through the center of the bowl. So we kept the wall of the bowl thick enough not to crack when in the kiln, yet thin enough to keep the weight of the bowl manageable.
ADDED DATE: 2018-02-19 07:49:28
TEAM MEMBERS (1) :
IMAGE CREDITS: Main Image: Seth Whelden
Supporting Images: Ellie Baygulov
PATENTS/COPYRIGHTS: Patent Pending
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