We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer about their original and creative design work. is an award-winning creative designer, that makes our world a better place with their original works.
("") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work . Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
: I have a passion for products designed using natural forms and living near the coast take much of my inspiration from the sea and it's environment. This table cruet was inspired by one of the most distinctive of sea birds the Arctic Tern.
: I wanted to design something that would serve it's function well but be visually interesting so that it can be left out on kitchen worksurfaces as an eyecatching focal point.
: I am already working on a family of kitchen ware products that could be marketed as a complete range.
: This project took a month to complete to concept stage with CAD development, alongside other commitments.
: The design is quite indulgent and was the result of pursuing a personal interest.
: The design remains as an initial concept at the moment, but I would hope that a manufacturer would recognize the potential and I would be happy to sell the design on.
: I have a particular personal interest in kitchenware with its need for good functionality and necessary interaction with the user. My recent work has been looking at bringing interesting visual impact to everyday objects and this is where this design fits in.
: My interest in design is pretty eclectic but this work is entirely my own inspiration.
: This is designed to appeal to a wide range of users but in particular those who spend a lot of time in the kitchen who see it as an important part of their home, they may entertain in it and certainly want things to reflect their character on show.
: Firstly the mortar is ovoid rather than spherical which follows the natural grinding action of the user. Secondly the design allows the lid to the mortar to act as a strainer for liquids aiding the production of pastes.
: It is a play on words bringing a little humour to the product. It is also intended to reflect the reversing of the lid to perform as a strainer.
: I started with freehand sketching as I do with all my designs, before developing the concept through CAD modelling. I then tested the ergonomics with simple foam mock-ups.
: The dual function of the product.
: I developed this design entirely on my own, relying on my own skills and knowledge of materials and manufacture.
: The design relies on well established technologies for it's production, predominantly slip casting ceramics.
: The project arose after researching the factors influencing the purchase of products with customers at point of sale. The data collected showed a growing willingness to purchase products that had a good visual impact which users felt happy to leave out on work surfaces.
: The main challenges in this project were firstly to design something with sufficient visual interest that could be made in materials with the robust performance needed for the practical application. Secondly the ergonomic challenge was to establish optimum sizes and to confirm that moving to an oval body would not compromise the grinding action. Lastly the material challenge to select a material suitable for casting a complex form that would withstand the impact and stresses of prolonged use.
: The design was always intended to have a global appeal and this design competition seemed an ideal way to get the work seen.
: I had to develop my knowledge of ceramic materials to make the design achievable.
