Redesigning the Culinary Spatula
An industrial design project that inspired a creative exercise in research and communication.
For my Objects and Spaces course we were tasked with "reimagining the culinary spatula” in relation to a childhood cuisine.
When prompted to create this project, one of the most challenging ideas that came to mind was the molinillo my mother used to froth Mexican hot chocalote. I was drawn to this idea because of the fabrication tool I would have to use, a lathe; and the addition of a spatula extension to remove the milk skin that forms on the top of cooling hot chocolate.
Throughout my research I focused on sources from genuine artisans, personal blog, and Mexican experts. The molinillo is a pre-hispanic tool, dating to indigenous religious rituals thorugh the frothing process. This understanding made me question the necessity of this project, but after a discussion about the scope of this project and the opportunity to educate my peers, I began confidently working on my prototype on a lathe. I sketched orthographic scale drawings, photocopied them, and began chipping away on my block.
Research and Understanding Scope
A Successful Skill Acquisition and Educational Opportunity
Due to the limitations of the wood shop I had access to, creating the full spatula end was tricky and left to imagination rather than damaging the prototype. The prototype came out beautfully, I used acrylic paint to add the stylistic quemado to emulate the original utensil. The accompanying promotional poster, communicated the use of the molinillo for frothing without a verbal explanation from myself. The project was succesful in helping me aqcuire higher fidelity prototyping skills and educate my peers on a significant cultural artifact.
The Completed Prototype:
