Iron Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design · 2023
Splashy Cup and Saucer Sets
- A' Design Award 2023 Iron Winner in Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: No.72 Design Studio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 15,783
- Verification code 00E72D9FFF · Verify this award
About Splashy Cup and Saucer Sets
The inspiration came from the blending process of coffee and milk. The project intends to capture the beauty of fluid by simulating movements of liquid flows. The collision of liquids on the surface creates irregular crown splashes and melts into ripples. These random abstract shapes add interesting features to the tableware and make the food more attractive. The solid structures allow the saucers to hold more food as well. Porcelain material provides minimalist aesthetics. Smooth and clean appearance delivers a psychological feeling of hygienic, which can improve appetite to some extent.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The project aims to reflect the beauty of liquid flows by capturing the moments when the collision on the surface creates irregular splashes in the shape of crowns and blended into the ripples. These fluid beauties are driven by the randomness of natural power. The smooth porcelain material fulfills the minimalist aesthetics. It provides senses of cleanness and ease.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Cup: 111mm x 85mm x 57mm
Saucer: 210mm x 210mm x 60mm
Spoon: 33mm x 115mm x 18mm - Tags
- coffee cup, tea cup, tableware, cups, saucers, Jessica Hu, porcelain cups, houseware, minimalist design
- Production Technology
- The products were designed with 3D modeling software. 3D dynamic analysis was used to simulate the liquid flows as well as manipulate the forms and shapes of liquid splashes and drips. Mockups were made by 3D printing. The final products are made of porcelain.
- Design Challenge
- The biggest challenge of this project is defining the product shapes, especially for those irregular splashes, drips and ripples. The goal is to preserve the randomness of liquid states, so that the forms of splashes and drips will look more real and natural. In order to do so, I used 3D dynamic simulation software to simulate and modify the liquid flows. In this way, the products will look less artificial in terms of the fluid states.
- Project Duration
- The project started in February 2022 and completed in May 2022 in Shenzhen China.
- Operation Flow
- These sets of cups and saucers can be used as multifunctional tableware. The cups can serve drinks, while the saucers can be used as dessert, pastry or fruit plates. The food looks like being soaked in fresh milk when it is placed in the middle of the saucer which has a unique splash shape with a ripple base. The smooth porcelain appearance provides a sense of cleanness. These features increase people’s appetite by making the food looks more attractive and hygienic. The saucers can be used as home decors as well.
- Research
- In order to find the most suitable shapes for the splashes and drips, I used 3D software to study and simulate the dynamic movements of liquid. There were so many factors that could affect the condition of the splashes and drips, for example the density of liquid, the speed of flow, the impact area, the impact angle and so on. I had to run many dynamic tests with different variables to simulate the actual fluid conditions before I could finally come up with satisfying configuration for the products.
- Inspiration
- The coffee splashes and spinning milky ripples caught my eyes as I poured milk into the coffee. Black coffee usually tastes strong and bitter, while milk is pure and smooth. When the two opposite liquids run into each other, the crown shape splashes and blended color ripples generate a beautiful symphony. As individuals, we can be different from each other. When we open our minds to communicate with others who have different thoughts, we may get amazing new ideas and inspirations in surprise.
Colors of Splashy Cup and Saucer Sets
Design Interview about Splashy Cup and Saucer Sets
The idea popped up while I was making my coffee one day. The coffee splashes and spinning milky ripples caught my eyes as I poured milk into the coffee. Black coffee usually tastes strong and bitter, while milk is pure and smooth. When the two opposite liquids run into each other, they generate interesting reactions. The collision on the surface generates splash in the shape of a crown. Then the crown will split into smaller drips and finally melt into the ripples. As individuals, we might be very different from each other in terms of our personalities and ideologies. When we open our minds to communicate with other people, especially those who have different thoughts and opinions, we may surprisingly get amazing new ideas and even a grow in our wisdom.
The project intends to capture the beauty of fluid by simulating random movements of liquid flows. When two liquids run into each other, the collision on the surface creates irregular crown splashes which then melt into the ripples. These random abstract shapes add interesting features to the tableware and makes the food more attractive. The solid structures allow the saucers to hold more food as well. Porcelain material provides minimalist aesthetics with senses of cleanness and ease. Smooth and clean appearance can deliver a psychological feeling of hygienic, which can improve people’s appetite to some extent.
I have applied design and appearance patent for this design. In the future I plan to expand this “fluid and splash” concept into some other product categories such as lighting, furniture and some other articles for daily use. Maybe even create a “splashy lifestyle” collection.
The idea came up almost in a flash, but it took me about 2 weeks to turn it into a mature concept.
The idea popped up and I just decided to pursuit this inspiration.
I plan to produce and sell them myself. They have not been produced yet, but they will become a part of my new household goods product line which will be launched hopefully in the short future.
Designing functional and creative products is always my biggest interest. For all my designs, my goal is to make them multifunctional and interesting. I want my customers feel free to use these products creatively and have fun and pleasure while using them.
I made a design mood board with pictures of some fluid art paintings and some abstract fluid designs. They helped me build up the full concept.
People who like minimalist style or people who are curious about interesting ideas and creative things.
These sets of cups and saucers can be used as multifunctional tableware. The cups can serve drinks, while the saucers can be used as dessert, pastry or fruit plates. The food looks like being soaked in fresh milk when it is placed in the middle of the saucer which has a unique splash shape with a ripple base. The smooth porcelain appearance provides a sense of cleanness. These features increase people’s appetite by making the food looks more attractive and hygienic. The saucers can be used as home decors as well, so they may even be “useful” when they are not being used.
The project aims to reflect the beauty of liquid flows by capturing the moments when the collision on the surface creates irregular splashes in the shape of crowns and blended into the ripples. Therefore, the name “Splashy” not only stands for the main concept of the design but also reflects the fluid beauty driven by the randomness of natural power.
The products were designed with 3D modeling software Cinema 4D. 3D dynamic function was used to simulate the liquid flows as well as manipulate the shapes of liquid splashes and drips. Mockup samples were made by 3D printing.
The abstract fluid and splashes shapes of the appearance.
This project is solely done by myself.
3D technology is the major method of design in this project. The liquid states and structures were simulated and built by Cinema 4D. All mockup samples were done by 3D printer.
In order to find the most suitable shapes for the splashes and drips, I used 3D software to test and simulate the dynamic movements of liquid. There were so many factors that could affect the condition of the splashes and drips, for example the density of liquid, the speed of flow, the impact area, the impact angle and so on. I had to run dynamic tests with different variables to simulate the actual fluid conditions before I could finally come up with satisfying configuration for the products.
The biggest challenge of this project is defining the product shapes, especially for those irregular splashes, drips and ripples. The goal is to preserve the randomness of liquid states. In order to do so, I used 3D software to simulate and modify the dynamic liquid movements, so that the appearance will look more natural in terms of the liquid features.
It is my third year participating in A Design Award competition. Being able to take part in such a big and famous international design competition was a very precious experience for me. It was my honor to compete with so many excellent and talented designers from different countries with different backgrounds. It was a great opportunity to learn and share new ideas and techniques. It is always a great chance to widen my vision and improve my skills as well.
This was my first time designing something with abstract fluid shapes. The Cinema 4D dynamic simulation functions helped me a lot in generating those shapes. My 3D modeling skills became more sophisticated during the project.
This is a technology boosting era. We are facing challenges from new technologies and emerging artificial intelligence. However, as designers, we are the group of people that are used to changes and challenges. I will keep improve myself and arming myself with updated knowledge and skills. My dream is to bring more good designs to this world and hopefully make it a better place.
Grand Interview about Splashy Cup and Saucer Sets
The inspiration for this set of works came from the collision of coffee and milk. When milk is added to coffee, the splash of water on the surface of the coffee and the process of the two liquids merging together create a dynamic and balanced beauty. Normally, cups are used to hold liquids, but I had the intention to reverse them and use "liquid" to carry the cups. In this way, the overall shape of the products may show a strong visual sense of exaggeration, thus catching people's attention. With the help of 3D modeling software, I managed to simulate the dynamics of the liquids, and captured the instantaneous shape of the splashes to serve as the overall shapes of the product.
The coffee and milk with distinct colors and textures, from the fierce collision to the eventual fusion into a fragrant milk coffee, reminded me of the collision and fusion of some cultural and ideological elements in life. What I aim to express is that sometimes apparently disparate ideas and cultures can also give rise to splendid new entities through communication and accommodation. Cultural collisions are not necessarily offensive.
Due to the high randomness of the dynamics of liquids, numerous simulations are needed to obtain optimal shapes for the products. Additionally, considering the final production and application scenarios, the shape of the product should not be overly abstract. It is necessary to guarantee the functionality of the product while making the liquid shape more vivid and natural. Adjustments to the details of the structure and size are also indispensable. To ensure the feasibility of the products, I used 3D printing to create physical mock ups after each major adjustments until I was satisfied with the outcomes.
Less is more. Using stiff porcelain materials to express the fluidity of liquid itself already contains a strong visual effect. Those intriguing shapes can enliven a dull tabletop. As "tableware" products, I think smooth surfaces and minimalist color scheme can bring a sense of cleanliness and tidiness. In addition, simple colors may also accentuate the rich hues of food and boost people’s appetite. The main goal is to employ the minimum number of design elements to accentuate the richest satisfaction for the users.
By employing 3D software, I was able of adjusting the volume of the liquid, the height of its fall, the angle of impact, and the speed of the flow. Through repeated simulations and adjustments, I could find appropriate ranges for the data and then modified the details. There was no particular trick, just keep trying until the desired outcome is achieved.
A typical saucer is usually flat and is merely used as a saucer plate for cups or for holding solid food. Nevertheless, the splash-shaped design of the liquid spray elevates the height of the saucer, enabling it to hold more food and even liquids. If the user wants. it may even be utilized as a bowl. Apart from being capable of holding more food and even liquids, the splash shape also presents a visual effect of soaking food in the liquid, endowing the solid tableware with certain dynamic effects. All I did was merely increase the height of the plate by taking advantage of the shape and structure of the water splashes.
The overall size of the product is based on general dimensions of common tableware in the market. The scale of its main functional parts, such as the size of the cup, are closer to the dimension of regular coffee cups, so that they can be compatible with most coffee machines, dish washers, and other common daily household instruments. For the saucer, its water splash shape in the center need to match the size of the cup to be able to hold them. In addition to those major functional parts, the rest are mostly decorative parts which are designed with more flexibility in scale and dimension. For example, the bottom of the saucer is designed slightly larger in proportion to show the water ripple details on the surface of the plate.
Porcelain is one of the most prevalent materials used for making tableware products, and China has long been renowned for its porcelain production. Therefore, using porcelain as the major material has significant advantages in terms of material acquisition and product manufacturing techniques. As I mentioned previously, the smooth and clean surface of porcelain, in combination with simple color schemes, makes the dining environment look tidier and more organized. Furthermore, the reflection and refraction of light by porcelain may enhance the texture of food, stimulating people's appetite. These properties of porcelain may provide users with better dining experience to some extent.
Traditional tableware in the market was mainly focused on functional practicality, with little variation in shape and design. However, in recent years, some new and innovative tableware has entered the market and has gained popularity among some consumers especially those young generations. This trend shows that consumers now not only value usability, but also have increased their demand for design and aesthetics. I hope this design can inspire more creative tableware design that may satisfy people's practical needs while also providing more emotional value to daily life.
I believe that the “decorative function” is also an important part of "practical function" for the products, as it can bring people psychological satisfaction and pleasure other than fulfilling basic functional needs. I wish to design tableware that is both functionally usable and aesthetically attractive, and thereby transforming dining into an interesting experience rather than just a monotonous daily routine. In order to maximize the versatility of this set of tableware, I decided to separate its "practical function" from its "decorative function". When people don't need to use its "practical function", for instance serving coffee or tea, its "decorative function" can come into play, using its creative and interesting feature as a decorative piece on the table or in the cabinet. In this way, whether people are actually using this tableware or not, they will not be completely useless as idle items.