Ideation
After rounds of ideation, sketches were used as a reference for creating the solid forms.
Concept Development
Solid and surface modeling tools provided the means for developing the twisted form seen below. After applying a section analysis to model the internal parts, details were added to finish off the form: fillets, chamfers, threads, and coils.
The
Final
Model
What's Inside
The pepper grinder houses a functional grinding mechanism—including a shaft, holder, spring, grinder, and plate—with a screw mechanism in the cap to turn the internal components. The caps for both the grinder and shaker have threads with appropriate clearance to function properly.
The Twisted Form
Both the salt shaker and pepper grinder have an organic form that makes them stand out but remain similar to each other. The twisted form is based on circles for the salt shaker and squares for the pepper grinder. The wooden holder reflects the same twisted shape, retaining the design of the set as a whole.
Materials and Finishes
Polished aluminum, gray-tinted glass, and open grain oak come together to create a modern piece that expresses character and originality. The wood serves as a more traditional element, while the metal serves as a clean, fresh contrast. The smooth finishes accentuate the molded, angled forms of the set.
Takeaways
Reimagining a look for a familiar product presents interesting design opportunities. I was able to put my own spin on the shaker and grinder set, and it showed me how many possibilities there are for the evolution of design. From this project, I also learned how to transform a sketch into a CAD model and further developed my CAD modeling skills with new tools.