We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Jessica Zhengjia Hu about their original and creative Cup and Saucer Sets design work. Jessica Zhengjia Hu is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original cup and saucer sets works.
Jessica Zhengjia Hu ("JZH") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Splashy Cup and Saucer Sets. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
JZH : The idea popped up while I was making my coffee one day. The coffee splashes and spinning milky ripples caught my eyes as I poured milk into the coffee. Black coffee usually tastes strong and bitter, while milk is pure and smooth. When the two opposite liquids run into each other, they generate interesting reactions. The collision on the surface generates splash in the shape of a crown. Then the crown will split into smaller drips and finally melt into the ripples. As individuals, we might be very different from each other in terms of our personalities and ideologies. When we open our minds to communicate with other people, especially those who have different thoughts and opinions, we may surprisingly get amazing new ideas and even a grow in our wisdom.
JZH : The project intends to capture the beauty of fluid by simulating random movements of liquid flows. When two liquids run into each other, the collision on the surface creates irregular crown splashes which then melt into the ripples. These random abstract shapes add interesting features to the tableware and makes the food more attractive. The solid structures allow the saucers to hold more food as well. Porcelain material provides minimalist aesthetics with senses of cleanness and ease. Smooth and clean appearance can deliver a psychological feeling of hygienic, which can improve people’s appetite to some extent.
JZH : I have applied design and appearance patent for this design. In the future I plan to expand this “fluid and splash” concept into some other product categories such as lighting, furniture and some other articles for daily use. Maybe even create a “splashy lifestyle” collection.
JZH : The idea came up almost in a flash, but it took me about 2 weeks to turn it into a mature concept.
JZH : The idea popped up and I just decided to pursuit this inspiration.
JZH : I plan to produce and sell them myself. They have not been produced yet, but they will become a part of my new household goods product line which will be launched hopefully in the short future.
JZH : Designing functional and creative products is always my biggest interest. For all my designs, my goal is to make them multifunctional and interesting. I want my customers feel free to use these products creatively and have fun and pleasure while using them.
JZH : I made a design mood board with pictures of some fluid art paintings and some abstract fluid designs. They helped me build up the full concept.
JZH : People who like minimalist style or people who are curious about interesting ideas and creative things.
JZH : These sets of cups and saucers can be used as multifunctional tableware. The cups can serve drinks, while the saucers can be used as dessert, pastry or fruit plates. The food looks like being soaked in fresh milk when it is placed in the middle of the saucer which has a unique splash shape with a ripple base. The smooth porcelain appearance provides a sense of cleanness. These features increase people’s appetite by making the food looks more attractive and hygienic. The saucers can be used as home decors as well, so they may even be “useful” when they are not being used.
JZH : The project aims to reflect the beauty of liquid flows by capturing the moments when the collision on the surface creates irregular splashes in the shape of crowns and blended into the ripples. Therefore, the name “Splashy” not only stands for the main concept of the design but also reflects the fluid beauty driven by the randomness of natural power.
JZH : The products were designed with 3D modeling software Cinema 4D. 3D dynamic function was used to simulate the liquid flows as well as manipulate the shapes of liquid splashes and drips. Mockup samples were made by 3D printing.
JZH : The abstract fluid and splashes shapes of the appearance.
JZH : This project is solely done by myself.
JZH : 3D technology is the major method of design in this project. The liquid states and structures were simulated and built by Cinema 4D. All mockup samples were done by 3D printer.
JZH : In order to find the most suitable shapes for the splashes and drips, I used 3D software to test and simulate the dynamic movements of liquid. There were so many factors that could affect the condition of the splashes and drips, for example the density of liquid, the speed of flow, the impact area, the impact angle and so on. I had to run dynamic tests with different variables to simulate the actual fluid conditions before I could finally come up with satisfying configuration for the products.
JZH : The biggest challenge of this project is defining the product shapes, especially for those irregular splashes, drips and ripples. The goal is to preserve the randomness of liquid states. In order to do so, I used 3D software to simulate and modify the dynamic liquid movements, so that the appearance will look more natural in terms of the liquid features.
JZH : It is my third year participating in A Design Award competition. Being able to take part in such a big and famous international design competition was a very precious experience for me. It was my honor to compete with so many excellent and talented designers from different countries with different backgrounds. It was a great opportunity to learn and share new ideas and techniques. It is always a great chance to widen my vision and improve my skills as well.
JZH : This was my first time designing something with abstract fluid shapes. The Cinema 4D dynamic simulation functions helped me a lot in generating those shapes. My 3D modeling skills became more sophisticated during the project.
JZH : This is a technology boosting era. We are facing challenges from new technologies and emerging artificial intelligence. However, as designers, we are the group of people that are used to changes and challenges. I will keep improve myself and arming myself with updated knowledge and skills. My dream is to bring more good designs to this world and hopefully make it a better place.
