Flowform Spatula
Flowform Spatula
This project was for my second-year design studio. We explored how curves interact with each other to make a flowform successful in the context of a spatula.
This project was for my second-year design studio. We explored how curves interact with each other to make a flowform successful in the context of a spatula.
I found the form of my spatula through an iterative design process. I first sketched curves until I understood their relation to each other in a 2D space.
I found the form of my spatula through an iterative design process. I first sketched curves until I understood their relation to each other in a 2D space.
Then I moved towards how one set of curves interacted with another set once they were cut into a block of material and projected in drawing. My next step was to make models of my concept spatulas in Solidworks to see how they would manifest in 3D space and this also allowed me to change my curves and see an immediate response in my flowform.
Then I moved towards how one set of curves interacted with another set once they were cut into a block of material and projected in drawing. My next step was to make models of my concept spatulas in Solidworks to see how they would manifest in 3D space and this also allowed me to change my curves and see an immediate response in my flowform.
I then brought them into the physical world for the first time through paper models. After that, I used a band saw to cut my spatula prototype out of a block of pink foam and test the ergonomics of the handle. My second foam model included some secondary curves and shaping that helped to bring the form together, which I refined on my first wood model. This model was made of Beech wood, while my final model was from Maple.
I then brought them into the physical world for the first time through paper models. After that, I used a band saw to cut my spatula prototype out of a block of pink foam and test the ergonomics of the handle. My second foam model included some secondary curves and shaping that helped to bring the form together, which I refined on my first wood model. This model was made of Beech wood, while my final model was from Maple.
The process for my final spatula included: cutting it from the wood block with a band saw, shaping it with a rasp and file, and sanding it using a combination of oscillating sander/belt sander/rotary sander/hand sanding. The final step was to finish the model with Tung oil.
The process for my final spatula included: cutting it from the wood block with a band saw, shaping it with a rasp and file, and sanding it using a combination of oscillating sander/belt sander/rotary sander/hand sanding. The final step was to finish the model with Tung oil.