Bauhaus Salt and Pepper Shakers Prototype, 2019

Paper and Acrylic Paint

The Bauhaus style inspired salt and pepper shakers are the result of an industrial design school project. The challenge was to make two cohesive shakers that are also each evidently either salt or pepper all the while being identifiable as part of a design movement.

I chose the Bauhaus movement because I was particularly inspired by the simple design and the emphasis of functionality. It is characterized by the use of geometric shapes and primary colours.

The Idea

With every project, I begin with sketching until I come across an idea that is promising. Through sketching I found the idea of the two shakers combining to make one whole to be an interesting take on shakers that is reflective of the Bauhaus principle of minimal construction. It is also inspired by the wooden blocks I used to play with as a child. The constructive characteristic also allowed the user to be experimental in the shakers placement with the other.

Colours

Black and white to represent salt and pepper seemed to be the obvious choice for the goal of functionality. I did however add colour to the inside of the shakers to indicate the orientation the shakers should sit so that the holes for the salt and pepper are on top.

The user will intuitively understand that the colours of the shakers should align.

Conclusion

This project was a lot of fun to work on because it resonated with me. I love the playful nature and the minimal design. Although this prototype is not the most functional of salt and pepper shakers, I am happy with the unique design. This project taught me about user design thinking.