The Ashform Vase is the product of applied research into the tensions between industrial production and bespoke hand-craft production objects by product designer Dan McBride.
The Ashform brand combines simple bold typography that has been used to contrast against a handcrafted icon, a representation of the natural volcanic rock used to produce the Ashform vase and follows the manufacturing process of tumbling as inspiration.
Creative Brief and Design Solution
The Ashform brand combines simple bold typography that has been used to contrast against a handcrafted icon, a representation of the natural volcanic rock used to produce the Ashform vase and follows the manufacturing process of tumbling as inspiration.
The colour palette uses a wide selection of greys and natural wood tones, which both eludes to the materials worked with, and ties the brand identity together to give a sophisticated outcome. The icon consists of three variations of positive, negative and outlined design, this will provide choice when applying the logo alongside branding in various forms of print, digital and handcrafted designs. As well as developing the brand Identity, I created a suite of infographics that are used on the packaging to detail the manufacturing process.
Client Profile
The Ashform Vase is the product of applied research into the tensions between industrial production and bespoke hand-craft production objects by product designer Dan McBride.
The vase is developed using a new industrial process that involves the innovation and adaptation of existing technologies. The process utilises recycled and reclaimed building material. Firstly, the material is roughly cut to size & shape. The material is then placed into a tumbling machine. The abrasive nature of the tumbling process rapidly deteriorates the material. The material is eventually eroded into the desired shape/form. It is then cleaned, sealed & finished. Due to factors such as material type, size, shape, tumble time, speed and abrasive agents, standardisation is impossible, so a uniform outcome can’t be achieved.
The resulting vase has the characteristics of a hand-crafted object, but has been produced through mechanised means.