Rationale
The streamlined shape and the organic, free-flowing lines that make up the structure of the mortar and pestle have their own purposes in terms of beauty and function. The design of the mortar and pestle is unique and distinctive because it encourages the user to use the pestle to pound the spices sideways onto a pounding area that is also facing diagonally towards the direction of the pestle head. This pounding technique is more controlled, faster and requires less strength to pound the spices. By holding the pestle sideways, the handle of the pestle weight is resting on the user’s palm which would make it feel easier and lighter to hold.
The pestle has a bulbous shape with a flat surface at the top and a rounded edge at the side which acts as a thumb cushion and for better comfort. Besides that, the structure indicates the handle of the product to differentiate with the round head at the other end of the pestle.
The outer shape design of the mortar also helps the user to hold the head of the mortar comfortably and more stable without the mortar moving around while pounding. As a result, both application of forces of pounding and holding the mortar are balanced and can be controlled easily as two forces are acting directly against each other. The mortar comes with a pouring spout which fits the pestle nicely for resting. The inner area of the pounding surface is slanted downwards and curved at the end indicates the direction and welcomes the pestle to pound the spices.
The space provided by the inner walls and the slanted surface would help to keep the spices to stay at one place so that it can be pounded at one go without worrying of the fact that the spices would ‘run’ away from the pounding motion of the pestle head. The both top edges of the walls of the mortar are sloped down so that it will not obstruct the movement of the hand holding the pestle while pounding. Both edges of the walls are also structured to rest the pestle after pounding.
Both mortar and pestle are made up of bamboo because the material used is environmentally-friendly, cheaper and has higher hardness rating than most hardwoods such as maple and red oak. Bamboo is moisture-resistant and stain-resistant. The colour of bamboo is kept light to show its natural colour and not carbonised to a darker colour as carbonisation process would soften the material.
i really admire the form of your design and how it is very organic and sleek. i like how you took a usually bland and boring hand tool and made it into somthing that is very aesthetically pleasing. i think if you made the pestle a bit more bulkier it would feel more nicer to use. overall, a very great design!
ReplyDeleteGreat product! I like the organic curves flowing throughout the whole form making it very pleasant to look at and inviting to use. I didn't get a close enough look, but I think you could improve on the pestle by subtly indicating which side is for holding and which side makes contact with the food. Overall an awesome design!
ReplyDeletei think the shape of your product is matching with its function so that whole elements will make a good harmony of design. the way to handle could probably lead user to feel comfortable, which is the pleasure to use the product. personally, however, the color could be in blown or something reminds me of organic, natural, healthy foods. but i like your design!!
ReplyDeleteI like that the shape of the design is very friendly looking. The choice of colour also adds up to it. I think these aspects well connected to its function well. I admire your exploration with the kitchen tool and improve its pleasurability.
ReplyDeletegreat design clementt! i like how u put alot of thought to details like how the pestle can rest on the mortar, how you can pour the pounded ingredients easily with that pouring spout shape,etc. i think you could improve by changing the colour bcos somehow i think it doest really show the viewer that it's made from bamboo..i understand it's hard to find some paint in bamboo colour tho..however overall it is a good product :)
ReplyDeleteHey Clement, fantastic work!
ReplyDeleteYour models symmetry and shape looks really beautiful. Its so functional and an all in one that holds the pestle. But one improvement is the underneath, it can't be completely flat, there needs to be some grooves that lift it off the table.
Other than that good job!