FLOW
FLOW is a special designed tea set that can be assembled and used in a short amount of time. Moreover, FLOW is best for resident who lack of living space, at the same time FLOW is a fully detailed English tea set with all the components a tea lover need.
With a quick research, I found some designs with a similar concept. Using these design as case studies, I think that although every component fit into a set, they are pretty cumbersome and lack details for an English tea set. I like the concept of the space-saving product since most people in modern society live in small living spaces. Therefore products which can be folded or put together are beneficial.
With the information gathered from studying various types of tea set, designer propose his ideas and bring it to experiment. The first idea that was proposed is stacking all the components on top of each other. However, the higher the object the smaller the center point, this is not suitable for the compact concept. On the other hand, by assembling four cups together and place the tea pot on top, the design can be more balance. Taking note the second idea was created with the tea set components made in square shape but later change to round shape for the aesthetic.
The first prototype was made and named BLOKS. After several test uses, BLOKS has proven the stability along with the amusing in user's experience. However, BLOKS failed the test of convenient and space. It is heavy to carry the tea set and most users tend to leave it somewhere they would occasionally use. Moreover, BLOKS components are bigger than normal British tea set components and those waste space can be reduced.
With the feedback from BLOKS, designer start to develop further and create FLOW. An upgrade version of BLOKS on both function and aesthetic. The components are made smaller and less heavy. Moreover, the whole set silhouette form a tea pot shape, and many users found it quite amusing.
The prototype stage was finished with success of FLOW, designer began to work on polishing each components in order to make FLOW more amusing, convenient and aesthetically pleasing.
I decided to 3d print the model to experience the design. Instead of the ceramic texture, I experimented with the flowers and leaves pattern. In conclusion, although the flowers and leaves pattern brings uniqueness and impression, it lacks the original design focus’s placidity. This model is one of my works showcased at Raffles College of Higher education.
FLOW is designed and modelled in 3Ds Max. Using turbo smooth, I model FLOW in the most delicate details. The model looks accurate to an actual pottery product in exchange for slight performance loss.
Each components are developed and made carefully. Moreover, each are named as they based on their function and characters. For example, below are "The cups of two".
"The trio" with a tea container, "The Youngest" (the cup above the block), a sugar container, "The Middle" (the cup in front of the block) and a milk container, "The Eldest" (the cup next to the block).
The one above the others, "Mr. Potts" as the tea pot.
These components include two tea spoon (the two long spoon), a sugar spoon (the middle length spoon), spoon for the tea container (the shortest spoon) and a tray with slots that can stored the other components. The tray act as the drawer. The whole set is named "The hidden Gems"
The last component is "The Tower", which is the skeleton for FLOW and also a dish for sweet during tea time.
As a long term fan of tea, designer think it would be a good idea to sit down and relax after a long day with some tea and sweets. Moreover, the benefits of afternoon tea can help reduce our hunger before dinner which can help controlling the portion. Unfortunately, for most people arranging tea time would be unsuitable due to work pressure and inconvenience. However, with FLOW, tea time can be both fast and slow at the same time. "Preparing fast and slowly enjoy your tea".
