Ripple

Industrial Design, Furniture Design

The coffee table is the gathering point of the living room which facilitates activities and conversation. Through Ripple's perplexing opening mechanism, I strived to spark an element of delight and wonder to this interaction. Acting as storage, the mechanism reveals a compartment to store board games or even coffee table books.

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The Mechanism

both sides open when one side is pulled, revealing the walnut compartment

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The Inspiration

The mechanism is adapted from the double slider cards I used to make for others. It quickly became a favorite due to its element of surprise and delight, and it was a great conversation starter – perfect for a coffee table setting

Image Board

an inviting and natural feel

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Sketches

after I decided to adapt the double slider mechanism, I began designing the form around it

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Sketch Models

Form Model

To test both the mechanism and the overall form when opened and closed

1:1 Scale Model

To test if the mechanism would still hold up to scale

Fabrication

achieved with the joiner, planar, table saw, bandsaw, router, Shaper Origin, chisels, drawer slides, a seat belt, + more

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The Close

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NICOLE YU

2024