Holidays research project
Your homework over the holidays is to research and prepare a four minute
presentation based on an object from a particular design period. You will be
given the object you need to research. This research will be presented on
the first lesson back (Wednesday) after Christmas.
Your first slide will cover the History and background of the design.
For example: The ball bearing fault meant
steam would come out the
fill hole, burning the users
arm.
Starck says about the Hot
Bertaa:
‘I was just trying to get
myself noticed, I wanted
to make a masterly,
sculptural object. In fact,
this sculptural object is
one of my worst pieces
ever.’
The Hot Bertaa kettle
was designed by
Philippe Starck and
released in 1990.
It was Starck’s first
design for the home
ware brand Alessi.
The kettle took three years to design and
manufacture due to faults with the ball
bearing in the spout
Your second slide will cover Product Analysis with a particular reference
to Anthropometrics and Ergonomics. For example:
It is awkward to fill
from the handle.
The kettle doesn’t
give any indication
when it’s boiled.
The conical straight handle makes the
kettle difficult to pick up and pour
There is no way of seeing
how full the kettle is.
On your final slide you will redesign the object and justify your
modifications. For example:
I have curved the spout
round into a more
traditional handle shape
that makes it easier to
hold and allows the
steam to escape safely.
‘Super lamp’, Martine Bedin,
Memphis Movement.
‘Armchair’ Ernest
William Gimson, Arts
&Crafts Movement
‘Juicy Salif’ Philippe
Starck 1990
‘Bauhaus cradle’, Peter
Keler, Bauhaus Movement.
‘Ball chair’ Eero Aarnio
1963.
Practical
• DO NOT WASTE TIME queuing for a machine, you have several things
you need to do, and these can be completed in any order.
• Vacuum forming – ensure your mould is tapered.
• Line bending – ensure your acrylic and jig are ready and accurate
• Soldering – be accurate, do not use too much solder, trim off excess
metal feet.
Remember health and safety – bags and stools away, wear goggles
when sanding/soldering, use extraction, wear gloves on line
bender/vacuum former, move around workshop sensibly.