Spyder
Spyder
The shelf as self
Reimagining how an object can earns its place on the shelf through connection by bridging the gap between the 'collectible' and 'functional'. A home object designed to be displayed, identified with, & reached for.
ROLES
Freelance Designer Consultant
Product Designer
Product Engineer
services
End-to-End Design
tools
AI Tools
Adobe InDesign
Adobe Illustrator
Grasshopper 3D
Rhino 3D
Brief
The shelf as an extension of self
Key Challenges
Collecting is a major part of human identity, and the desire to display things is in our nature. Trinkets, knickknacks, tchotchkes, souvenirs, personal items — anything that holds personal value — are all thoughtfully displayed objects.
In a society that often relies on conformity and uniformity, sentimental maximalism allows those participating to bask in their individuality. Being a maximalist is more than cluttering a shelf with trinkets and treasures, it is a form of self-expression by building a space that cannot be replicated or commercialized because it is entirely one’s own.
We want to collect. We want to display. We want to personalize our space.
Collecting is a major part of human identity, and the desire to display things is in our nature. Trinkets, knickknacks, tchotchkes, souvenirs, personal items — anything that holds personal value — are all thoughtfully displayed objects.
In a society that often relies on conformity and uniformity, sentimental maximalism allows those participating to bask in their individuality. Being a maximalist is more than cluttering a shelf with trinkets and treasures, it is a form of self-expression by building a space that cannot be replicated or commercialized because it is entirely one’s own.
We want to collect. We want to display. We want to personalize our space.
Collecting is a major part of human identity, and the desire to display things is in our nature. Trinkets, knickknacks, tchotchkes, souvenirs, personal items — anything that holds personal value — are all thoughtfully displayed objects.
In a society that often relies on conformity and uniformity, sentimental maximalism allows those participating to bask in their individuality. Being a maximalist is more than cluttering a shelf with trinkets and treasures, it is a form of self-expression by building a space that cannot be replicated or commercialized because it is entirely one’s own.
We want to collect. We want to display. We want to personalize our space.
Context & Research
Useful decor
How can an object go beyond display to become something its owner both identifies and interacts with everyday?
Creatures by design
Designed objects with human or animal-like characteristics form deeper connections and resonate differently within each user due to their unique experiences and backgrounds.
Context & Research
Useful decor
How can an object go beyond display to become something its owner both identifies and interacts with everyday?
Creatures by design
Designed objects with human or animal-like characteristics form deeper connections and resonate differently within each user due to their unique experiences and backgrounds.
Context & Research
Useful decor
How can an object go beyond display to become something its owner both identifies and interacts with everyday?
Creatures by design
Designed objects with human or animal-like characteristics form deeper connections and resonate differently within each user due to their unique experiences and backgrounds.
Concept
An interactive home good that earns its place on your shelf through connection and doubles as a collectible.
Process
Ideation
I began by iterating the form through parametric design in CAD code, manipulating key variables — the diameter of the central body, the legs (number, angle, length, and path), stackability and interlocking opportunities, and how incense sticks of varying diameters and angles would sit within the form.
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Materials & post-processes
Materials & post-processes
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Orientation & angles
Orientation & angles
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Content
Content
Content
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Materials & post-processes
Materials & post-processes
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Orientation & angles
Orientation & angles
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Content
Content
Content
Process
Development
Iterations were 3D printed and post-processed in multiple ways to explore different finishes and surface qualities. From there the final form was molded and cast for production in various materials.
Experimenting with different materials, finishes, & post processing techniques. Considered different incense thickness, orientations, lengths, and other variables. Stackability and interaction…
Solution
An elevated take on the 'pet rock'
Incense behold…
We are used to considering most home objects and collectible trinkets or tchotchkes as solely decorative, satisfying our need to display our likes and inner worlds, with which their only interaction is when admired rather than for a use. With Spyder, the object becomes something worth collecting and the collectible becomes something worth using, as an incense holder with creature-like qualities to bond, customize, interact with, and ultimately stand apart on the shelf.
Spyder depicts a personable yet interactive dynamic within a collectible home object.
An interactive home good that earns its place on your shelf through connection and doubles as a collectible.
Details
Limbs
The creature-like form is both familiar and slightly feral, with its arched legs, repetitive appendages and organic silhouette. Legs down it stands alert and on its back it opens like something caught, the form full of life.
Like the house spider, Spyder has a quiet symbiosis with the home, present and purposeful as it settles and stays.
Details
Layers
Spyder exists in a ‘colony’. Form purposefully designed to be flip-able / reorient-able as well as nested together, the stack becoming a display object itself. A range of colors, materials, and finishes allows the user to customize, and therefore personalize, their colony to suit their particular space and sensibilities.
Details
Lines
The function becomes part of the form, displaying the incense sticks that are usually hidden in a box. Multiple holes allows the user to customize the number, placement, orientation, and amount of scent they want. The incense sticks and smoke rising becomes part of the visual display and adds action, breathing movement and life into the object.
This
is
just
a
snapshot
of
the
entire
design
process.
Reach
out
to
megginni.design@gmail.com
for
the
full
story!
This is just a snapshot of the entire design process.
Reach out to
megginni.design@gmail.com
for the full story!