Pottery Reimagined
The goal of this project is to design a pottery wheel that is user-powered and user-centered. The current human-powered designs, such as a kick wheel, make it difficult for the user to brace themselves and maintain good posture to prevent back pain from long sessions. This product allows users to throw for extended times anywhere they want.
So What?
A study with 189 ceramist participants was done by the National Institute of Health in 2018.
Findings
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The lumbar spine was the body segment most often mentioned as the location of pain.
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36% of participants reported an occurrence of pain in the past 12 months.
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20% reported an occurrence of pain in the past 7 days.
User Persona
80/20 Market​ | Georgia, 23 years old
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Finding a work-life balance as a Young Professional
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Enjoys crafting as an escape from screens and to feel accomplished
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Relatively new to ceramics, took one class in high school
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Doesn’t have the money for a studio membership
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Throws for fun, often not firing and instead reclaiming clay
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Doesn’t have the space or the commitment level for a full home studio
Goal Met?
Yes!
Since the pedal resembles the pedal of electric wheels, the user can properly brace themselves, resulting in better posture. Better posture then leads to lower chances of back pain.
Georgia can create anywhere she wants since she is her own power source. She can set up on the balcony of her apartment and put it back in her closet when done. Georgia also feels more connected to the art form, as she isn't just forming the clay but is also the only input for power. She made it completely on her own.