DI: What is the main principle, idea and inspiration behind your design?
: Little Rambutan Jewellery’s Droplet series is inspired by the beauty of water droplet. It explores the aesthetics and the formation of the droplet against surface such as leaves and stems. The idea is to express my interpretation of its charm in a wearable form.
DI: What has been your main focus in designing this work? Especially what did you want to achieve?
: The main focus is to capture the elegance of water droplets in a stop motion of time and present it in a day to day jewellery form, something that is beautiful and contemporary at the same time.
DI: What are your future plans for this award winning design?
: I hope to gain more brand recognition in various parts of the world by featuring in different design shops and galleries.
DI: How long did it take you to design this particular concept?
: It took me about 4 months from initial concept to final product realization.
DI: Why did you design this particular concept? Was this design commissioned or did you decide to pursuit an inspiration?
: I am always inspire by objects in the nature and in particularly water. Its organic form is so beautiful and balance but it is also something we often take for granted, so I want to express its preciousness into an adornment.
DI: Is your design being produced or used by another company, or do you plan to sell or lease the production rights or do you intent to produce your work yourself?
: I currently produced my designs locally in Australia and plan to continue doing so.
DI: Who is the target customer for his design?
: Ladies with an appreciation for culture and art and like to pamper herself with unique gifts.
DI: What sets this design apart from other similar or resembling concepts?
: Each element in the design relates strongly to its concept: water droplet. The high polished surface of silver granulation to mimic droplet reflection. The integration of pearls to express the softness of water. The fact it can be turned 360 degree to show different facet of droplet formation links back to the versatility of water.
DI: How did you come up with the name for this design? What does it mean?
: I like to name my design in the simplest form of its concept, hence “Droplet”.
DI: Which design tools did you use when you were working on this project?
: I started by hand sketching many design variations and eventually shortlist to a few selected ones. I then go through the rapid prototyping process by 3D CAD modelling and 3d printing to refine on the final version.
DI: What is the most unique aspect of your design?
: Both the rings and the earrings can be turned 360 degree to show different facet of droplet formation, hence the wearer can wear it in a new way every day.
DI: What is the role of technology in this particular design?
: 3D CAD design and 3d printing has enabled me to examine and try on the design through each stage of refinement in a considerably time and money efficient manner.
DI: Is your design influenced by data or analytical research in any way? What kind of research did you conduct for making this design?
: My research mainly consists of looking at numerous water droplet formations in the form of photos, videos and real life experience. I will note and sketch down its characteristics and then express my interpretation of it through my sketches and design.
DI: What are some of the challenges you faced during the design/realization of your concept?
: The polishing of the product is particularly challenging as the gaps between each silver droplet is narrow hence extra patience is needed to make sure all gaps are polished without flattening the round droplet surface.
DI: How did you decide to submit your design to an international design competition?
: I believe in the uniqueness of my design and that recognition in an international design competition will bring positive reinforcement and exposure for my brand.
DI: What did you learn or how did you improve yourself during the designing of this work?
: While the aesthetic of the jewellery is important, don’t compromise on its durability and the end user’s experience (comfortability) when wearing the piece.