Japanese inspired foldable barbeque
This project, conducted as part of an industrial design course, focused on designing and developing a unique barbecue inspired by Japanese culture. The project, undertaken by me and a team of students, had the following key objectives:
Design Concept:
The team was tasked with creating a barbecue that would not only embody the aesthetic and cultural elements of Japan but also fit within a compact size (200x200x300 mm). The barbecue had to be user-friendly, portable, and functional while maintaining a Japanese-inspired design.
Research & Ideation
The team started with extensive research into Japanese culture, including elements such as bamboos, dragons, and traditional Japanese symbols like Yin Yang and characters. This research was visually explored through collages and brainstorming sessions. Consumer interviews were also conducted to gather insights into what users value in barbecues, focusing on aspects like functionality, ease of use, and design.
Prototyping & Testing
The design process included sketching, concept generation, and multiple iterations of prototypes. The final product, the “Japan Ease Grill,” was a collapsible barbecue with a form inspired by bamboo. This compact and easy-to-assemble design was developed using durable materials like steel and included innovative features such as adjustable coal compartments and folding components to maximize portability.
Challenges & Optimizations
Several design challenges were encountered, such as balancing aesthetic inspiration from Japan with practicality and use-case functionality. The team opted for a more functional design in the final stages to ensure the barbecue was easy to use and transport. Key optimizations included improved stability, heat management systems, and an innovative collapsible structure.
Conclusion
The project concluded with a functional, user-friendly, and aesthetically inspired product. The Japan Ease Grill offers a large cooking surface despite its compact folded size and integrates cultural elements through subtle design choices. While there were trade-offs between aesthetic appeal and functionality, the final product is a reflection of both Japanese design principles and practical barbecue needs.
This project allowed us to refine their skills in design thinking, prototyping, and collaboration while tackling real-world product development challenges.
