The "Venus: Biomorphic Cutlery" set is a captivating exploration of biomorphism in the context of kitchenware design. Biomorphism is a design approach inspired by natural forms and organic shapes. This design philosophy prioritizes fluid, curvilinear lines, and an aesthetic that mimics the beauty and functionality found in the natural world.
Inspiration:
One of my favorite plants is the Venus Flytrap, also known as Dionaea Muscipula. What sets the Venus Flytrap apart is its carnivorous adaptation. The plant derives its nutrients from the soil, but has evolved to supplement its nutrients by digesting small insects and spiders. While many find the edges of the plant, the spiky tooth-like cilia, to be most fascinating, my personal interest lies in the stem! To hold the weight of the head up, the body most be extremally sturdy. The stem is shaped in a way that is not only strong but visually appealing.
Target User:
Although many people would never associate the Venus Flytrap with children, I did! I thought the sturdy stem would make the perfect grip for a children's cutlery set. Thus, my product is designed for children ages one to three. During this crucial time in a child's life, they learn how to self-feed, refine their motor skills, and regulate sensory. A new product in the market must aid in the development of these skills. Therefore, my design features an ergonomic handle that is clean yet still tactile, creating a perfect balance of function and aesthetic that parents and/or guardians will definitely appreciate.
Product Research:
Research on successful children's cutlery designs, particularly those for children between the ages of one to three, revealed significant characteristics that each new product in the market must have. First and foremost, caregivers are looking for products that are made of a hundred percent silicon. Why? Silicon is a soft, flexible, and easy to clean material that is perfect for young children learning to feed themselves. Second, the highest performing cutlery has a spoon and fork width of point nine inches. This is the ideal width to comfortably fit in a children's palate. Finally, the length of cutlery that most comfortably fits in children's hands is five inches. This allows children to grow with the design and use it for more years.
Initial Concepts:
Creating initial concept drawings is an invaluable step in the creative process. These sketches serve as a visual exploration of ideas, providing a tangible starting point for further refinement and development. Although I did not go through with these particular ideas, they aided me in the development of my final idea by allowing me to combine concepts from each.
Final Sketches:
For my final design, I wanted to incorporate the beautiful stem feature of the Venus Flytrap. In these sketches, you will see the head of the spoon and fork is continued into the body of the design, similar to the stem of the Venus Flytrap. This not only gives the cutlery an eye-catching design but a nice tactile grip that is suitable for children.
Final Model:
The final model for the "Venus: Biomorphic Cutlery" set is made out of maple wood. The set includes one soup spoon, one traditional spoon, and one spork. Each piece is made against the grain of the wood to create the beautiful indentation of the Venus Flytrap stem. Although challenging, the biomorphism design approach is the perfect way to create natural forms and organic shapes. This set ultimately mimics the beauty and functionality of the Venus Flytrap plant.
