Topography to Teacup

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Just as aluminum is sometimes called “solidified energy” because of the amount of electricity it takes to smelt, I sometimes think of products as solidified meaning. Guy Kawasaki recently linked to this Periodic Table of Visualization that shows visual ways to capture and transmit non-visual meaning. Designing a product to evoke a specific feeling is very similar:

topographic map

I love turn-of-the-century topographic maps that seem to be guides for foremen to change the earth somehow. There’s so much purpose communicated through this visual, objective measurement and cataloging of a landscape. The division of smooth hills and valleys into simplified steps makes it easier for a large group of people to talk about re-shaping the slopes.

Longshan stepped hills

Stepped approximations of hills exist as actual landscapes. These terraces were cut to grow vertical plants on hilly slopes.

terraced hills china

The tension between landscape and human intention is the inspiration for this small teacup. It’s a caricature of a dammed river valley, its lines blurry like 19th century dam photos.

19th century dam photo

I’m interested in your thoughts before I add this porcelain teacup to my industrial design portfolio and eventually prepare it for manufacturing.

Topographic Porcelain Teacup

Would you want to use it to drink tea every day or only when guests come by? Would you use it to hold coins and candies beside your keyboard? Let me know.

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You’re currently reading “Topography to Teacup,” an entry on Joey Roth

Published:
01.10.07 / 5am
Category:
Design, People, Blog