THE CUG DAVID BUSHAY
MAKING THE EVERY DAY EXTRAORDINARY Overview We live in a world which has been shaped by design and designers. Almost every aspect of our lives is touched by design. Does the work of the designer define the way we live or does the way we live define the work of the designer? This year Design Factory asks, how can designers challenge and innovate the archetypes, the unseen and the everyday – designs that have become second nature? How can we re-think that which we take for granted and make the everyday extraordinary? This year’s brief encourages students to work across disciplines and interrogate the designs and products we interact with in day to day life. Through design thinking, creative play, experimentation and problem solving, we are inviting students to question the unquestioned and propose innovative and critical redesigns of the everyday. The Brief Design defines our everyday lives yet often the most used everyday objects or designs go by unchallenged. Identify an everyday and unnoticed product/design that you wish to challenge and innovate, adding to the quality of everyday life. Through your own creative design practice explore and experiment with this design in an open and questioning way. The brief is about stepping back and rethinking, adopting an approach of creative enquiry and play.
research Design Factory takes its inspiration from the multidisciplinary nominations and exhibits in the exhibition Brit Insurance Designs of the Year. This year, we have worked with designer Samuel Wilkinson and product design company Hulger who won Brit Insurance Designs of the Year 2011 with their stunning redesign of the low energy light bulb the Plumen 001 to produce the brief. Low-energy light bulbs have never been regarded as a stylish product, the Plumen addresses this by creating an aesthetic bulb which uses 80% less energy and lasts eight times longer than an incandescent bulb. ‘The Plumen light bulb is a good example of the ordinary thing done extraordinarily well, bringing a small measure of delight to an everyday product.’ - Stephen Bayley, 2011 As part of my research I will visit the Design Museum’s This is Design exhibition which proposes narratives about design in mass production and how design has shaped the modern world. I will then select 3 examples from the exhibition, identify and analyse the essence of these objects. I will also look to explore product design and unconventional design practices to help me gain inspiration and a better insight into this project.
Sensor walk
Plumen 001 Plumen is the antithesis of low energy light bulbs as we know them. Rather than hide the unappealing traditional compact fluorescent light behind boring utility, Plumen 001 is a bulb you’ll want on show. The Plumen bulb uses 80% less energy and lasts 8 times longer than incandescent bulbs, giving you the opportunity to purchase an ecological product with style. It works just like any low energy bulb but it has a lot more presence. The name Plumen comes from ‘plume’ – the bird’s decorative feather, designed to attract attention to its’ prowess and beauty. We believe our designs do the same for the neglected low energy light bulb.
Plumen 001
Design museum, This is design
signs A sign, in general terms means a mark or symbol which can consist of words, a picture or a symbol giving information or a warning. There are two types of signs: information and commercial signs. Information signs are very legibly printed and very noticeable placards that inform people of the purpose of an object, or give them instruction on the use of something. Information signs such as the road sign system weren’t necessarily designed in a graphical or illustrative sense but rather constructed by a committee of engineers and administrators to meet complex demands such as reversed type and backlit signs. It is also evident that legibility was more of a necessity than being aesthetically pleasing when it came to assembling the sign system. However this sign system is effective in communicating information because of its dominating, robust but simple letterforms. “Signs should contain only essential information and their significance should be clear at a glance…” The importance of information signs being plain and simple enables the user to read and understand its content and/or navigate an environment at ease. These signs can include a combination of words and symbols.
Information signs - analysis Information signs are legible and noticeable placards that inform people of the purpose of an object, or to give instruction. The design of road signs has succeeded in performing their function. The intricate and precise use of measurements and spacing have proved a success in formulating a formula that appeals to road users. These signs needed to be designed so that road users are able to read them quickly and easily, and the use of bold lettering, correct spacing between letters and size has done this well. They are important pieces of design as they are a necessary to the health and safety of road users and pedestrians alike. They are important as they inform users were to go and provide important information in a short space of time. The importance of information signs being plain and simple enables the user to read and understand its content and/or navigate an environment at ease. These signs can include a combination of words and symbols. I believe they have been designed in response to the demands of road users. The design of the sign system had to meet many complex demands. They had to cater for road users, pedestrians, cyclists, day and night time, legibility ect. So the design of the sign system had to be constructed specifically and not necessarily for atheistic purposes. The sign system is not a stylish piece of design and therefore not very visually stimulating, which could be its only downfall, even though its not their main objective. The intricate detail put into the sign system are successful and work really well which is why they are still in use now.
pictograms A pictograph, also called pictogram or pictogramme is an ideogram that conveys its meaning through its pictorial resemblance to a physical object. Pictographs are often used in writing and graphic systems in which the characters are to considerable extent pictorial in appearance. Pictography is a form of writing which uses representational, pictorial drawings. It is a basis of cuneiform and, to some extent, hieroglyphic writing, which uses drawings also as phonetic letters or determinative rhymes. Early written symbols were based on pictographs (pictures which resemble what they signify) and ideograms (symbols which represent ideas). Ancient Chinese, Sumerian, and Egyptian civilizations began to use such symbols over 5000 years ago, developing them into logographic writing systems around the third millennium BCE. Pictographs are still in use as the main medium of written communication in some non-literate cultures in Africa, The Americas, and Oceania. Pictographs are often used as simple, pictorial, representational symbols by most contemporary cultures.
pictograms - analysis Pictograms succeed in performing their function. It’s an effective means to communicate a message or instruction to the public in a simple and understandable way. Simplifying the movement and function of a human into shapes allow the viewer to understand what its saying which contributes to its effective medium. They are important as they can be used as symbols and signs to convey an instruction or message that is appealing to all and not a remnant few. Unlike of text, whereby not everyone is literate, pictograms are an easier, more general form of communication. I believe they have been created based upon human behaviour because in order for a pictogram to be created it is dependent on the resemblance of human behaviour and action. This is what helps the viewer relate to a pictogram. Pictograms may not all be easily understandable or recognizable at first glance. As simple as they may be, what they are trying to communicate cannot be easily decoded at times, due to the complexity of the image or message. This can be a problem as pictograms are meant to be easy and quick to read and understand. The ability to deconstruct objects and movements in a system of limited shapes which illustrates the same movement is a innovative idea, but if there is a strict system to follow and adhere to when creating pictograms would help them be easier to read and interpret, as nowadays there are many different types of pictograms which all convey the same message slightly differently. This is confusing especially as some aren’t effective as others. If there was a strict system in place this would make it all easier for viewer to understand as well as easier to create.
Pictogram sketches
2424 24 pictogram
stackable stools A stool is one of the earliest forms of seat furniture. It consists of a single seat, without back or arms rests, on a base of either three or four legs. A stool is distinguished from chairs by their lack of arms and a back. Variants exist with any number of legs from one to five. The origins of stools are lost in time although they are known to be one of the earliest forms of wooden furniture. Percy Macquoid claims that the turned stool was introduced from Byzantium by the Varangian guard, and thus through Norse culture into Europe, reaching England via the Normans. In the medieval period, seating consisted of benches, stools and the very rare examples of throne-like chairs as an indication of status. These stools were of two forms, the boarded or Gothic stool, a short bench with two board-like feet at the ends and also the simple turned stool. Turned stools were the progenitor of both the turned chair and the Windsor chair. The simplest stool was like the Windsor chair: a solid plank seat had three legs set into it with round mortice and tenons. These simple stools probably used the green woodworking technique of setting already-dried legs into a still-green seat. As the seat dries and shrinks, the joints are held tight. These legs were originally formed by shaving down from a simple branch or pole, later examples developed turned shapes.
stackable stools - analysis These stackable stools are successful in their function, as they are practical, stackable, light and compact. They are a simpler alternative to the chair due to the simple components of three legs and a top, which all connect and are puzzled together to construct the stool. They are important pieces of design as they are a more practical version to the chair, consisting of a single seat, without a back or arm rests, on a base of either three or four legs. They are distinguished from chairs by their lack of arms and a back. I believe they have been created based upon human behaviour and have also changed the human behaviour based on their inception because as much as they are similar to chairs they require a different posture, challenging the user to adjust. The stackable stools have there flaws in being quite dangerous and not providing enough back support and security in comparison to the chair, but in saying this they do have their advantages. The designers innovation in creating the stackable stool is great design as they analysed the current use of a chair then simplified it into four simple parts, put together to form a suitable means of furniture.
hidden heroes Where would we be without the little heroes that underpin our everyday lives? Could you be bothered to brew leaf tea five times a day or fish the beans out of your morning coffee? Hidden Heroes: The Genius of Everyday Things was a innovative exhibition giving the spotlight to the miniature marvels we couldn’t live without. The featured inventions are presented alongside original sketches and drawings by their inventors, patent specifications and original advertisements. The exhibition reveals the efforts made to establish each product, as well sharing quirky titbits of information such as Napoleon’s role in the evolution of the tin can and the connection between a descending plane and bubble wrap. I went along to take a look at the 36 objects that shape our everyday life. From the corkscrew to the post-it note, these were apparently objects that I could not live without. Some were more obvious; the juice carton for example; a cardboard packaging which stacks and transports liquid to shops all around the world saving in plastic and cash. There were some objects I was unconvinced about. Lego; the famous coloured brick aimed at 5 year olds? How has this shaped our everyday? According to the blurb ‘the possibilities, with Lego, are endless’! Nevertheless, the exhibition allowed me to open my eyes to the minor things in our day that we take for granted; every little thing we touch and use has been invented and developed in order to make our day run more smoothly; how often do we notice the genius of the ball rolling around so fluently in our biro, or the way the post-it note sticks, but doesn’t cause damage to the surface.
Design museum, This is design
Just Between You And Me ‘Just between you and me’ sees artist Keetra Dean Dixon transformed everyday objects intended for use by one person (or at least by one person at a time) into objects of codependency. While the everyday objects involved are simple, the results are unbelievable! Examples are Ballon titled Just Between You And Me; Cigarettes titled Every Breath You Take; Spectacle titled Just keeping an eye on you; shoes titled I’ve got your back and so on...
The Wood Hanger Just Got Better I love the look of wooden clothes hangers, but because of their rigidity they tend to be difficult to squeeze through the neck of shirts. With just a simple squeeze, this clever design, appropriately named the Bender Hanger, slides easily into the smallest of garments, making for a quick an easy way to hang clothes while retaining the sophistication of the classic wood hanger.
T&T Pen-ink Chamber Another everyday object rethink, redesign. Instead of having a straight tube ink refill, the designers create a spiral tube, thus double the ink capacity & the lifespan of a pen. While the spiral tube not actually eco-friendly, but the design definetly create less waste for the earth (the pen will last longer!)
Let’s Rethink The Battery When you are changing batteries in your remote control, one of the primary concerns is to make sure that they don’t roll off the table and fall down. This may sound like a comic situation right now, however it happens to almost every one of us. So is coming up with a hexagonal shape the answer; is Hive the answer to this problem? According to the designers, Hive’s unique shape make them roll-safe and save a lot on packaging and shelf space. I believe there is a reason why those AA’s are round, if there were merit to the hexagon, Duracell and the likes would have picked up on it.
Toothbrush Upstanding Tall, With Pride Ever felt icky about putting down your toothbrush onto the sink? Keep it rested on the toothpaste or balance it on the soap dish, but never flat on the sink surface! For hygienefreaks like me is the DEWS Toothbrush by Ryan and Harc, an ergonomically designed brush that keeps standing upright and never tipples over. There are weights at the end of its rounded handle to create a centre of gravity at the handle base. When you set it down, it stays put for a second and then springs back upright. Tumbledoll-brush!
object development After thorough research, I will now look into finding an object to analyze, improve and challenge its use. I will seek to find objects with open possibilities and provide a range of inspiration. I will do this by analyzing the purpose of a select few, asking how well have they succeeded in performing their function? What makes them important pieces of design? Have they been designed in response to human behaviour or changed human behaviour in their inception?
Idea generation
Re-Designing Affordances - The Remote This task was to choose an artefact to modify, whether it be modifying the use/ meaning of the affordance, adding or subtracting affordances, or changing the affordance only slightly or drastically. The meaning of the artefact has to be different from its original affordance e.g. ironically, dramatically, funny ect. I chose a remote to enhance and improve its performance.
Screen, to preview and select channels
LCD Screen
Scroll, to adjust volume Track & Ball, to search and select
Product design
light fixture A light fixture, light fitting, or luminaire is an electrical device used to create artificial light and/or illumination, by use of an electric lamp. All light fixtures have a fixture body, a light socket to hold the lamp and allow for its replacement—which may also have a switch to operate the fixture, and also require an electrical connection to a power source, often by using electrical connectors (e.g. plugs) with portable fixtures. Light fixtures may also have other features, such as reflectors for directing the light, an aperture (with or without a lens), an outer shell or housing for lamp alignment and protection, and an electrical ballast and/ or power supply. A wide variety of special light fixtures are created for use in the automotive lighting industry, aerospace, marine and medicine. The use of the word “lamp” to describe light fixtures is common slang for an all-in-one luminary unit, usually portable “fixtures” such as a table lamp or desk lamp (in contrast to a true fixture, which is fixed in place with screws or some other semi-permanent attachment). In technical terminology, a lamp is the light source, what is typically called the light bulb. Light fixtures are classified by how the fixture is installed, the light function or lamp type. Fixture manufacturing began soon after production of the incandescent light bulb. Examples of light fixtures include: Table lamp fixtures, standard lamp fixtures, office task light luminaires, nightlight, torch lamp, pendant light, sign light, street light pole, yard light, garden lights, solar lamp.
design & function There are many variations of construction with springs. Springs can be located on the mechanical equivalent of the forearm or the upper arm, or both, as well as nearer the base. Some lamps use tension springs, and others use compression springs. The image at the left shows (left to right) a compression spring at rest, then under load, followed by a tension spring at rest, and then under load. Springs have a limited lifting capacity and extension length. Some springs can resonate, producing low-level unwanted noise.
Clothes Peg A clothespin (also clothes peg, or just peg) is a fastener used to hang up clothes for drying, usually on a clothes line. Clothespins often come in many different designs. Clothes pegs have been re-invented countless times over the course of their history. They have been collected, exhibited in national and international museums, been the subject of federal law, the object of monuments and the livelihood of millions. Originating from the Shaker movement, or possibly even earlier as a result of an innovation brought home by fishermen who had hung their washing in rigging while out at sea, clothes pegs started life fashioned in one piece, a primitive stick with a slit in the end which is pushed over the washing to fix it to the line. The first patented clothes peg issued in March 1832, described a bent strip of hickory held together with a wooden screw which proved to be totally impractical. Rain or even dampness would cause the screw to swell, rendering the pin inoperable. It took 21 more years for an improvement to emerge that would be deemed worthy of manufacture (if briefly): the “spring-clamp for clotheslines,” invented by David M. Smith of Springfield, Vermont, in 1853 was made of two wooden “legs” hinged together by a metal spring and was the forebare of everything we have on our washing lines today. Smith’s invention, has been tweaked and modified endlessly: 146 new patents were granted in the mid-nineteenth century alone and the quest for the perfect peg has continued to this day.
design & function The first clothes pegs were made by splitting a stick or piece of wood. One end could be secured with a nail or piece of twine. Later models were carved or artfully turned on a lathe. In 1853, the American David M. Smith invented the prototype of the modern clothes peg two identical wooden halves that are connected with a wire spring. It was hardly possible to improve upon this principle, which was also adapted to plastic clothes pegs later on, such as those introduced by Mario Maccaferri in the mid-20th century. Through often written off as obsolete, the clothes peg continues to exist partly because it facilitates the most economical and most ecological method of drying laundry. The one-piece wooden clothes peg was created by Jérémie Victor Opdebec. This older design does not use springs, but is fashioned in one piece, with the two prongs part of the peg chassis with only a small distance between them—this form of peg creates the gripping action due to the two prongs being wedged apart and thus squeezing together in that the prongs want to return to their initial, resting state. This form of peg is often fashioned from plastic, or originally, wood. In England, clothes peg making used to be a craft associated with gypsies, who made clothes pegs from small, split lengths of willow or ash wood. Today, many clothes pegs (also clothes pins or pegs) are manufactured very cheaply by creating two interlocking plastic or wooden prongs, in between which is often wedged a small spring. This design was invented by David M. Smith of Springfield, Vermont, in 1853. By a lever action, when the two prongs are pinched at the top of the peg, the prongs open up, and when released, the spring draws the two prongs shut, creating the action necessary for gripping.
mug A mug is a sturdily built type of cup often used for drinking hot beverages, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Mugs, by definition, have handles and often hold a larger amount of fluid than other types of cup. Usually a mug holds approximately 12 fluid ounces (350 ml) of liquid; double a tea cup. A mug is a less formal style of drink container and is not usually used in formal place settings, where a teacup or coffee cup is preferred. Shaving mugs can be used to assist in wet shaving. Whereas ancient mugs were usually carved in wood or bone or shaped of clay, most modern ones are made of ceramic materials such as earthenware, bone china, porcelain or stoneware. Some are made from strengthened glass, such as Pyrex. Other materials, including plastic, steel and enameled metal are preferred where break resistance and reduced weight are at a premium, such as for campers. Techniques such as silk screen printing or decals are used to apply decorations; these are fired onto the mug to ensure permanence.
design & function Much of the mug design aims at thermal insulation: the thick walls of a mug, as compared to the thinner walls of teacups, insulate the beverage to prevent it from cooling or warming quickly. The mug bottom is often not flat, but either concave or has an extra rim, to reduce the thermal contact with the surface on which a mug is placed. These features often leave a characteristic O-shaped stain on the surface. Finally, the handle of a mug keeps the hand away from the hot sides of a mug. The small cross section of the handle reduces heat flow between the liquid and the hand. For the same reason of thermal insulation, mugs are usually made of materials with low thermal conductivity, such as earthenware, bone china, porcelain or glass. As a ubiquitous desktop item, the mug is often used as an object of art or advertisement; some mugs are rather decorations than drinking vessels. Carving had been traditionally applied to mugs in the ancient times. Deforming a mug into unusual shape is used sometimes. However, the most popular decoration technique nowadays is printing on mugs. A continuous deformation between a coffee mug and a donut illustrating that they are homeomorphic. The mug serves as one of the most popular examples of homeomorphism in topology. Two objects are homeomorphic if one can be deformed into the other without cutting or gluing. Thus in topology, a mug is equivalent (homeomorphic) to a doughnut (torus) as it can be reshaped into a doughnut by a continuous deformation, without cutting, breaking, punching holes or gluing. Another topological example is a mug with two handles, which is equivalent to a double torus – an object resembling number 8. A mug without a handle, that is a bowl or a beaker, is topologically equivalent to a saucer, which is more evident as a raw clay bowl can be flattened on a potter’s wheel.
chosen object My chosen object to explore is the mug. - A mug is a sturdily built type of cup often used for drinking hot beverages, such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. - Mugs, by definition, have handles and often hold a larger amount of fluid than other types of cup, approximately 12 fluid ounces (350 ml) of liquid. - A mug is a less formal style of drink container and is not usually used in formal place settings. - Much of the mug design aims at thermal insulation: the thick walls of a mug. - The handle of a mug keeps the hand away from the hot sides of a mug. - For the same reason of thermal insulation, mugs are usually made of materials with low thermal conductivity, such as earthenware, bone china, porcelain or glass. My aim for this project and with my chosen object is to: - Challenge why the mug is a less formal style of drink container. - Question the need of handles. - Find alternative ways to insulate hot liquid. Developed from these enquires I will hopefully have a product design which responds to and answers those questions practically.
user interaction As part of my exploration of the mug, I decided to see observe the number of time a user interact with a mug in one usage. Research I got back suggested that the handle wasn’t the only most obvious location a user would interact with a mug, but equally the base and top of the mug received much contact.
The design of everyday things, Donald A. Norman
experimentation I experimented with many different cups and mugs to really understand what it is and does. While exploring a takeaway cup, which is the alternative to a takeaway mug, I decided to see what the differences was between the two and adding features from the mug to the cup.
Colour-Changing Coffee Lid A color-changing disposable coffee cup lid which shifts from red to brown as its contents cool. the lid uses a heat-sensitive color-changing additive which also shows if the lid is on properly. - The Smart Lid creates/promotes safety awareness for hot beverages for to coffee/tea drinkers and foodservice staff. - The Smart Lid when coupled with corporate colors can add significant brand value and recognition. - Our color changing technology changes from a dark color state to a lighter color state with the introduction of heat. Many color options are possible. - Manufactured with a food grade compliant color-changing additive, when cold, the lid is its dark color state. - When hot, the lid turns red to remind your customer to be careful. - As the drink cools, the color of the lid changes back to the regular starting color. - Your lid is correctly fitted if there is a complete ring around the lid in the dark color and incorrectly fitted if there is a broken ring around the lid. - The color changing lid works in a universal language, COLOUR! There are no language or interpretation barriers.
Tactile Dynamic Textures A new form of ‘tangible’ visualization, that is capable of dynamically generating intuitively interpretable physical textures. for instance, a coffee cup’s skin changes into the affordance of a thorn-like texture to prevent the user from handling its extremely hot contents. the heat-sensitive material causes the thorns to rise & visually ‘informs’ the user that coffee may be too hot to handle. April launched the website Dynamic Textures a very visual summary of her earlier material explorations, her thesis work at the Art Center College of Design. Not yet another smart material - April prefers the not so smart materials, or as she calls them, dumb materials. “We as designers rarely study the obvious and boring materials around us”, for instance bubblegum. Trial and error and smart thinking allows April to realize several patterns that are able to morph into textures affecting current materials in design. A practical example is the coffee cup’s skin that changes into a thorn-like texture to prevent the user from handling an extremely hot cup of coffee.
Protective Sleeve Coffee cup sleeves, also known as coffee sleeves, coffee clutches, hot cup jackets and cup holders, are roughly cylindrical sleeves that fit tightly over handle-less paper coffee cups to insulate the drinker’s hands from hot coffee. Coffee sleeves are typically made of textured paperboard, but can be found made of other materials. Coffee sleeves allow coffee houses, fast food restaurants, and other coffee sellers to avoid double-cupping, the practice of using two (or more) nested paper cups for a single hot beverage. Most paper cup holders carry advertisements. The coffee sleeve was invented and patented by Jay Sorensen in 1993 (under the trademarked name Java Jackets), and are now common fixtures in coffee houses that use disposable paper cups, like Starbucks. The Starbucks coffee sleeve is produced under a different patent (as there are a number of patents that cover coffee sleeves). Jay Sorensen (Java Jacket) is only one of many people or companies who ‘claim’ this invention and been granted patents for various aspects of the coffee sleeve. Coffee sleeves should not be confused with fixed cup holders. The silicone sleeve will ensure your fingers don’t get burnt whilst enjoying your drink.
Affordance - Indents An affordance is a quality of an object, or an environment, which allows an individual to perform an action. For example, a knob affords twisting, and perhaps pushing, while a cord affords pulling. “...the term affordance refers to the perceived and actual properties of the thing, primarily those fundamental properties that determine just how the thing could possibly be used. [...] Affordances provide strong clues to the operations of things. Plates are for pushing. Knobs are for turning. Slots are for inserting things into. Balls are for throwing or bouncing. When affordances are taken advantage of, the user knows what to do just by looking: no picture, label, or instruction needed.� Norman thus defines an affordance as something of both actual and perceived properties. The affordance of a ball is both its round shape, physical material, bouncability, etc. (its actual properties) as well as the perceived suggestion as to how the ball should be used (its perceived properties). When actual and perceived properties are combined, an affordance emerges as a relationship that holds between the object and the individual that is acting on the object (Norman 1999).
The idea A mug is less formal style of drink container and is not usually used in formal place settings. Its main purpose is thermal insulation through: thick walls to insulate and prevent from cooling quickly. This design questions the purpose of the conventional mug and investigating ways to achieve the same (or better) results but in a simpler and more practical way. Its aims to challenge such questions like: why the mug is a less formal style of drink container, the need of handles and alternatives ways to insulate hot beverages.
Redesigned mug The cylinder mug is a homeomorphic object, which is equivalent to a doughnut shape. It’s an object that can be reshaped into a doughnut without cutting or gluing but by continuous deformation. This mug is a coffee or tea container designed to keep your liquid hot and your fingers cool. The mug contains double wall insulation, were the inner wall insulates and prevents the heat penetrating the outer wall, and empty chamber indents in the outer wall to prevent burns and to isolate the hot liquid.
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product breakdown The redesigned mug is made up of three components: Outer wall (top) - Made from porcelain whiteware ceramics. Its properties is that they are hard and wear-resistant. Its purpose is to provide a shell for its content and by remaining detached from the inner wall keeps the outer wall cool and able to handle. Inner wall (middle) - Made from porcelain whiteware ceramics. Its properties include it being a thermal insulator. Its purpose includes containing the hot beverage and keeping it hot. Empty chambers (bottom) - Indents in the outer wall aim to prevent burns and to isolate the hot liquid. The ergonomic indents on the surface suggest to the user its affordance and were to handle the object as a trace of memory or a soft surface.
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Inner wall - Made from porcelain whiteware ceramics. Its properties include it being a thermal insulator. Its purpose
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HOW IT WORKS The insulated porcelain mugs have double wall insulation, which ensures that the beverage is kept hot but the hands are kept cool. It eliminates the need for a handle and creates more cupboard space. The shape of the mug provides dual functions: the inner wall providing a container for the hot beverage and the outer wall which is the shell that is cool and allows the user to interact with.
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Inner wall - Made from porcelain whiteware ceramics. Its properties include it being a thermal insulator. Its purpose includes containing the hot
The Diagram
Inner wall - Made from porcelain whiteware ceramics. Its properties include it being a thermal insulator. Its purpose includes containing the hot beverage and keeping it hot.
Hot beverage - Contents likely to be tea or coffee.
Outer wall - Made from porcelain whiteware ceramics. Its properties is that they are hard and wear-resistant. Its purpose is to provide a shell for its content and by remaining detached from the inner wall keeps the outer wall cool and able to handle.
Empty space - Space between the inner wall and outer wall.
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Product measurements
The cug The ‘cug’ is the new refreshed idea of the conventional mug. The cug is a coffee or tea container designed to keep your liquid hot and your fingers cool. The insulated porcelain cugs have double wall insulation, were the inner wall insulates and prevents the heat penetrating the outer wall, which ensures that the beverage is kept hot but the hands are kept cool. This eliminates the need for a handle and creates more cupboard space. Additionally the cug has empty chamber indents in the outer wall that aims to prevent burns and to isolate the hot liquid. The ergonomic indents on the surface suggest to the user its affordance and were to handle the object as a trace of memory or a soft surface.
The Saucer The mug comes with a saucer, which also has its role to play because it can be transformed into a lid to keep the heat inside and serves as a locking system to stack and store them on top of each other. The mug and saucer have ergonomic indents on its surface to suggest a trace of memory or a soft surface.
The PROTOTYPE I created a prototype of the redesigned mug, (cug) to test my concept idea and process. Creating the basic cylinder shape I found easy to create. This suggested to me that this part of manufacturing could potencially be easily replicated for mass production at even a low cost due to its simplicity. What I found most difficult about creating my prototype was applying the indents. For this I had to consider were they would be placed, how many there would be and its shape and size. Overall the practicality and usability of the concept idea worked how I imagined and proved a success.
The CUG A mug is less formal style of drink container and is not usually used in formal place settings. But why is the mug a less formal style of drink container? Why the need of handles?, these are the sort of questions I sought to challenge and interrogate. The ‘Cug’ is the new refreshed idea of the conventional mug. This design questions the purpose of the conventional mug, investigating ways to achieve better results in a simpler, aesthetic and more practical way. The Cug is a coffee or tea container designed to keep your liquid hot and your fingers cool. The insulated porcelain Cug has double wall insulation, were the inner wall insulates and prevents the heat penetrating the outer wall. This ensures that the beverage is kept hot but the hands are kept cool. This eliminates the need for a handle and creates more cupboard space. Incorporated to the Cug are empty chamber indents located on the outer wall that aims to prevent burns and to isolate the hot liquid. The ergonomic indents on the surface suggest to the user of its affordance and were to handle the object as a trace of memory or a soft surface. Accompanied with the Cug is it’s saucer. The saucer plays an important role in the experience of the Cug as it not only is used support the Cug, protect surfaces from possible damage, catch overflow, splashes, and drips from the Cug and a place which provides a convenient place for a damp spoon it can also be transformed into a lid to keep the heat inside and serves as a locking system to stack and store them on top of each other which creates more cupboard space.