Design Intention
Addressing the role of design with regard to longevity, this project sought to take a common domestic product (the kitchen timer) and imbue it with real value so that it would no longer be considered disposable.
An evaluation of existing timer products revealed that low cost and function were the only inputs to design. This has produced an array of unappealing timers that often cost less than the batteries that power them, and squawk unpleasant sounds to alert you!
-
The product consists of a base station and a removable timing tube.
-
The base station contains the mechanical, magnetic mechansism and the bell.
-
Once upturned, the steel ball suspended in oil inside the tube takes a predetermined time to reach the base station.
The Verdelite timer with its sculptural form is designed to be a beautiful and timeless (see what I did there?) focal point in a modern kitchen. It aims to give a mundane activity a real sense of occasion through its tactility and mesmerising movement. Furthermore, it does not require batteries, instead relying upon gravity and a magnetic mechanism to produce a pleasing and genuine ring.
-
An exploded view showing the tube removed from the base station and the magnetic swing arm mechanism that strikes the bell.
-
The steel ball's slow movement through the oil is intended to fascinate in the same vein as a lava lamp.
A working prototype was produced.
Development Story
