Chopping Board, 2013; Two shot injection molding

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See more objects with the tag touch, textured, color contrast, kitchen ware.

Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

-0001

2018

2024

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1101, Leaven Kitchen Wares

The Leaven Range of kitchen wares are designed for people with impaired vision. Product designer Simon Kinneir has partial sight in one eye. For his graduate degree project at the Royal College of Art, he conducted research on vision loss, which occurs gradually for many people. His prototypes use touch, temperature, movement, and color contrast to support "self-confidence in the kitchen." The products offer passive tactile pointers and sensory feedback during kitchen tasks.

Simon Kinneir (British, born 1984), The Everyday (London, UK, founded 2013); Museum purchase
  • ON COUNTER

  • Chopping Board, 2013

    Black grooves run across the surface in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions. Visible and tactual contrast guides users.

    Two shot injection molding

  • Cutlery (Knife, Fork, Spoon), 2013

    Three pieces of white plastic cutlery each have a tactile mark on the handle. The spoon has a raised horizontal line, the fork has a raised vertical line, and the knife has an indent. These marks help users recognize each piece by touch.

    Cast resin

  • Mug, 2013

    The ceramic cup has thumb-shaped indentations that invite touch. The mug is thinner at these indented areas, allowing the user to feel the temperature change. A thin black line provides a visual target.

    Glazed ceramic

  • Hob Guard, 2013

    Two barriers shaped like arcs of a circle attach via magnets to a range top. This device provides tactile feedback for positioning a pot.

    Painted wood

  • IN CASE

  • Plate, 2013

    A dinner plate with a raised edge guards against spilling.

    Glazed ceramic

  • Drinking Glass, 2013

    The transparent glass with a pattern of black and white markings stands out against different backgrounds.

    Manufactured glass, silkscreen transfer

  • Jug, 2013

    A cylindrical jug with an angled bottom is supported by a box-like frame. The frame indicates through balance and touch how much liquid is inside. The frame serves as both a handle and a base, keeping the jug from tipping over.

    Brushed aluminum, powder-coated stainless steel

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This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition The Senses: Design Beyond Vision.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/1159162445/ |title=1101, Leaven Kitchen Wares |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=19 April 2024 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>