We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer Chris Woodward about their original and creative Cake stand design work. Chris Woodward is an award-winning industrial designer, that makes our world a better place with their original cake stand works.
Chris Woodward ("CW") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Temple Cake stand. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
CW : I wanted to design a contemporary cake stand that was user friendly, hygienic and suitable for todays lifestyles and needs.
CW : I wanted to achieve a product that would be more adaptable and efficient than the cake/food stands currently available.
CW : My ultimate goal would be to have Temple produced and used around the world.
CW : The idea developed over a period of a few months in between other client projects. This enabled me to re-visit the concept with fresh ideas and provided the opportunity to re-evaluate the design.
CW : There was a glaring omission within the baking market for a modern looking cake stand. There were a wealth of great products available for preparation and cooking of baked goods but very little for them to be displayed on.
CW : I would love to launch the product myself but this will require backers or funding. I would consider selling the design on if this facilitated its production and distribution.
CW : I wanted to explore my other skillsets after having spent 17 years designing consumer electronics. The kitchenware market was a completely new area, that enabled me to consider a new range of priorities for the product.
CW : The honesty of materials seen in contemporary dining ware was something that I wanted to maintain and develop. I was very keen to retain the use of beech for the cake stand spine as it is a real, natural material with its own properties.
CW : Anyone who likes to entertain at home or outdoors or has limited space within their kitchen/dining areas. The product would also look great serving afternoon tea in hotels/restaurants or coffee shops. The product would also be appreciated by design savvy individuals due to its aesthetic and functionality.
CW : Its a fresh approach to a very traditional product that has not really been revised for todays uses.
CW : Balinese Temples have the same tiered structure as the product - hence the name Temple. A Temple is often the centre of a community which reflected the central nature of the product as a table centrepiece.
CW : A range of hand sketches , card models, 2D cad, 3D Cad, prototyping and 3D printing. Also interviewing skills and problem solving.
CW : The intuitive, simple way to assemble and disassembly for storage.
CW : I worked on the product alone but took onboard feedback from hobbyists and contemporaries within the kitchenware industry.
CW : Technology did not have a role in the product other than the tools used in the design process. I wanted to create something that was structurally advanced rather than technologically so.
CW : Research was based on interactions with hobbyists and contemporaries within the kitchenware industry.
CW : The biggest challenge was keeping the manufacturing process cost efficient.
CW : I felt the design would appeal to an international audience.
CW : I learnt to keep on re-evaulating the design concept whilst maintaining the design drivers but also learning when not to overwork something.
CW : I would like to highlight the simplicity and originality of the product which is what I am most proud of.
