We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Zehui Ni about their original and creative Drinkware design work. Zehui Ni is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original drinkware works.
Zehui Ni ("ZN") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Etern Drinkware. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
ZN : The Etern decanter is inspired by the philosophy of time and impermanence. Each moment in life is fleeting, yet within its own fragment of time, it is eternal. The design reflects this concept through its form, which symbolizes the cross-section of time, encouraging people to cherish and celebrate every moment.
ZN : The focus was to create a drinkware piece that transforms the act of decanting into a poetic experience—one that engages the senses and elevates wine drinking into a moment of reflection and appreciation. I aimed to capture the relationship between time, elegance, and celebration through a sculptural, functional object.
ZN : The goal is to introduce Etern to a broader audience by partnering with dining and lifestyle brands. I also envision expanding the concept into a collection of drinkware pieces that explore similar themes of time and impermanence.
ZN : The project was developed over six months, from May 2021 to November 2021. This period involved research, conceptual development, prototyping, and refining the final design.
ZN : This was a self-initiated project born from an inspiration to merge philosophy with functional art. It was not commissioned but rather driven by a desire to create a product that embodies deep meaning and elegance in everyday rituals.
ZN : I am exploring opportunities for licensing the design to high-end glassware manufacturers and luxury brands that align with Etern's vision.
ZN : I have always been fascinated by how everyday objects can hold profound meaning. Drinkware, especially a decanter, is an object of ritual, and I saw an opportunity to infuse it with symbolism and artistry.
ZN : The work is influenced by traditional glassblowing techniques, as well as the sculptural elegance found in contemporary product design. Inspirations also stemmed from philosophy, particularly ideas of time in literature and astronomy.
ZN : The design is intended for individuals who appreciate craftsmanship, luxury, and the intersection of design and philosophy—such as fine dining enthusiasts, collectors of unique drinkware, and those who seek meaningful design in their everyday lives.
ZN : Unlike conventional decanters, Etern is not just about aeration—it is an artistic statement. The form is sculptural, the experience is immersive, and the concept of time and eternity makes it uniquely poetic compared to standard drinkware.
ZN : The name Etern is derived from "Eternity," reflecting the idea that every moment, though fleeting, is eternal in its own way. The design invites users to savor and celebrate each passing moment.
ZN : The name Etern is derived from "Eternity," reflecting the idea that every moment, though fleeting, is eternal in its own way. The design invites users to savor and celebrate each passing moment.
ZN : The way it captures the essence of time in a physical form is its most unique feature. The fluid yet structured shape symbolizes the cross-section of time, and the interaction with wine creates a dynamic experience of "breathing" life into the moment.
ZN : I collaborated with expert glassblowers to bring the concept to life. Their craftsmanship was essential in achieving the delicate balance between form and function.
ZN : Technology played a key role in precision modeling and testing airflow dynamics for optimal wine aeration. 3D visualization tools helped refine the organic form before moving into physical production.
ZN : Yes, I conducted research on fluid dynamics in decanting, as well as scholarly studies on the philosophy of time. This helped shape both the functional and conceptual aspects of the design.
ZN : The biggest challenge was translating the abstract concept of time into a tangible, functional object while maintaining elegance. Additionally, achieving the right balance in glassblowing to create the desired form required extensive experimentation.
ZN : I believed the Etern decanter aligned with the competition’s values of innovation, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Submitting it was an opportunity to share this vision with a global audience.
ZN : This project deepened my understanding of conceptual storytelling in product design. It reinforced the importance of patience in craftsmanship and the beauty of merging philosophy with function.
ZN : One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was seeing how people interacted with it—not just as a drinkware piece, but as a conversation starter about time, memory, and celebration.
