When it comes to utilitarian objects, which do you prefer: beauty or
brains? I agree, both would be ideal, and having both is possible, but
for this example, you have to choose. When it comes to the tools you use
every day, do you reach for them because they’re attractive or because
you like how they work?
I was in an Apple store recently,
watching how customers react to products on the shelves. In that sleek
white environment, everything begs to be touched, picked up and held.
Thumbs spin iPod wheels, index fingers stroll across iPhone screens,
palms roll track balls to and fro. It’s a den of fondling. And it
occurred to me that what Apple has so brilliantly done, is reconnected
us to the joy of play. There is great appeal in fooling around with
something that is accessible and easy to use.
Which made me wonder about objects that aren’t technology-based. Can
something as mundane as a saltshaker, for example, elicit the same sense
of playful fascination? More importantly, can it do so without
sacrificing functionality? I know you’ve heard of Steve Jobs. Now let me
introduce you to Beat Wietlisbach.
Wietlisbach’s story (you knew there had to be a story) begins in
1997, when he was traveling around New Zealand. Among his backpacking
gear was a stash of salt, which he kept in a 35mm film canister. As
you’ve already guessed, one day the top of the canister popped off, and
salt was scattered throughout his gear and unmentionables. After a few
choice words and a bit of foot stomping, Wietlisbach finished his trip
salt-free, and began work on a new kind of saltshaker.
His
goal was to create a spill-proof container that keeps contents dry,
clean and hygienic, in any environment. The first prototype was made of
aluminum, which was very strong, but too heavy to be practical for
travel. Wietlisbach pursued various types of plastics, and returned home
to Switzerland to work with experts in natural and synthetic compound
technologies. When a solution was found in food-grade polymer, a
prototype was sent off with the Swiss Alpine members, who spent two
years in the field (budget control anyone?) testing Wietlisbach’s
saltshaker.
Using feedback from the field, Wietlisbach made his
design even smarter. For starters, he made the two caps differently
shaped to help differentiate salt and pepper, even in the dark. Like the
Apple products mentioned earlier, as soon as this saltshaker is in your
hand, everything about it is intuitive. And for me, there’s something in
its spring-loaded caps and sleek clear body that elicits a feeling of
play. Wietlisbach also made it possible to unscrew the shaker heads to
transform the container into an airtight and watertight case for pills.
(For others, this might be how it elicits a feeling of play.)
Ever since it proved it could stand up to the rigors of the
Matterhorn, the Swiss Salt and Pepper Shaker has been used in
expeditions worldwide, including treks across the frozen Arctic with Marc Cornelissen and up Mt. Everest with Wilco de
Rooij. Its most recent voyage brought it to Design Within Reach.
One more thing, should
you have drawers full of old film canisters, the following “recipe”
might be a fun way to put them to use. It could also serve as a way to
signal for help, should you get lost in the woods, carrying all your old
film canisters.
Film Canister Rocket
You’ll need:
-An empty 35mm plastic film canister and lid (it’s
rumored that the semitransparent canisters work best)
-One
Alka-Seltzer tablet
-Water
-Safety goggles
How to create your rocket:
1. Put on your
goggles
2. Put one half of the antacid tablet in the canister
3.
Add a teaspoon of water to the canister
4. Quickly put on the cap
and snap it tightly
5. Quickly put it cap-side-down and step
back
In a few seconds, the film canister will launch into the air.
In the event of a misfire, wait at least 30 seconds before approaching
the canister. Launching the rocket outdoors is recommended.
