Coffee Cup (2019)
From my experience, the handle of a coffee cup or mug is often times problematic - uncomfortable and either too big or small. The approach taken in this design was to eliminate the handle altogether. The elliptical profile of the cup was a result of ergonomic studies - it conforms to the natural arch of the palm to maximize comfort when held. The body is hollowed to insulate your hand from the heat of the coffee, similar to the effect of a thermos.
Design Process
Ergonomic Studies
3-D printed PLA prototypes from the coffee cup development. Paper sketch models were created prior to 3D-printing in order to find a cup profile that mated comfortably with the hand.
3-D Printed Prototype
3D-printed PLA prototype of the v.1 cup design. Turns out the rumor is true - 3-D prints are not watertight due to small gaps in the print layers.
Saucer Development
Design iterations of the magnetic cup saucer in chronological order. The rightmost saucer reorients itself in its correct location regardless of the angle from which the cup is placed.
Enclosure Design
A section view of the cup’s snap-fit magnet enclosure for a 3D-printed design. Another magnet is located within the cup’s saucer for simple pairing.
Cup & Saucer Assembly
Exploded view rendering of the magnetic cup and saucer assembly.
Next Steps
Future design changes would involve creating the cup body from slip cast clay. The hollow clay cup body would capped off on the bottom with a flat rubber gasket - this would improve heat insulation and provide a non-slip surface.
