Angry Banana Hits the Media!

The Angry Banana design collective is a group created during the last term to work on a "live" project with LG.  Yesterday, we got our first media publication!

Stone Conceptual Kitchen Appliances by Angry Banana

Our project uses induction technology to operate kitchen appliances in a new and interesting way.  Because of the unique properties of induction heating paired with an innovative design, these appliances, even the saucepan, can be taken straight from the stove to the table without creating melt or burn marks.

The lack of any electrical components also means that these appliances, made from porcelain, birch, and stainless steel, can be cleaned under running water and are even dishwasher safe.  Because of their unique design, we hope they will last a generation, rather than the usual 5-7 year lifespan of most kitchen appliances.

The product line on the induction stovetop

Toaster

Saucepan

Grill pan + adapter

Induction stove interface

The Stone product line

For the first five weeks we worked on researching kitchen practices and forming our own program for the project focusing on the user's own innovation, creativity, and changing kitchen practices.  Our research was compiled in a video:

Angry Banana collective includes: Jack Holloway (Product Design), Donato Santoro (Product Design), Vina Kosasih (Communication Design), Jo Chang (Communication Design), Yelena Bushueva (Communication Design), Sara Lynn Pesek (Environmental Design).

100 Objects

I've been drifting through the design field for the better part of six months now, trying hard to learn new skills and find an area where I can get traction. I've worked with the concepts of micro homes, sustainability tool kits, and rainwater harvesting for low-income areas of Mumbai, but hadn't really hit on anything that resonated until this term.

Consumption. Consumerism. Waste. These are the challenges that our generation faces. You want to tackle energy? The first step is reduction, efficiency. You want to tackle all that waste floating in the ocean? The first step is to reduce what we throw away. You want to tackle financial systems built on over-leverage and excessive debt? The first step is cutting back on things we don't really need.

In this spirit, I have constructed my Design Research project this term called 100 Objects: Tracing Materiality and Motivations through a Person's Possessions. Finally! A post that does justice to the title of this blog.

I have asked several people to list the 100 objects that are most important to them. The results have been fascinating.