User Designer

Make your own cups…

What a lovely idea – a simple and elegant way of shaping the functional design of such a common tool. The handle, cup and stems are separate components which you connect as you choose.

How far can the idea of producing small lego-like parts be pushed? What are the limitations and problems posed by pre-made sub-components?

I’d imagine it’d be much easier to mis-place disconnected handles and cups. Though if there is a generic connector you could easily replace the missing parts. If you had the parts long enough you’d end up with a number of different styles built up over the years, with associated stories and memories. Mix and match as the mood strikes you.

Of course when you chip a handle, cup or stem you no longer need to replace the whole cup. Hmmm, are certain parts of cups more prone to chipping? Would it be possible to design a cup where the chippable locations are easily replaced? Cafes and restaurants would no longer order whole cups. With it be worth the cost?

Found via apartment therapy

Update: Snaps Cups were created by Angela Schwab of INV / ALT design.