SPD X deSter
Collectable items
for First Class passengers
It all starts with an idea
Japanese Sake Serving Ritual
Inspired by the Japanese sake serving ritual, where guests are offered a variety of colorful and uniquely shaped cups (Ochoko) to choose from before being served, the vessels aim to introduce an element of choice and delicate personal engagement. By allowing individuals to select their preferred form, the design fosters a more intimate, thoughtful interaction, turning a simple act into a meaningful experience that emphasizes individuality and cultural appreciation.
This project presents a set of three stackable vessels created to enrich the in-flight snack experience for airline passengers. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese sake serving ritual where guests choose from a variety of cups, each with its own character. The design introduces an element of personal choice and delicate engagement. Each vessel, sized at approximately 150 ml, prioritizes space-saving efficiency, functionality, and customization in material and form. Beyond enhancing the onboard experience, the vessels are intended to extend their value into passengers' everyday lives, becoming collectible objects that evoke memories of travel. The stackable design not only serves a practical purpose during flight but also invites passengers to build their own personalized sets, offering endless combinations. Each form is thoughtfully inspired by calming objects and techniques, aiming to bring comfort and a sense of familiarity to the often disorienting environment of air travel.
The frosted glass vessel is dual-ended, with a cool, matte texture and softly diffused translucence that interacts with light to create a calming visual effect and gentle sensory distraction. The ceramic vessel draws inspiration from contemplative bead rituals such as prayer beads or grounding bracelets, offering a warm, handcrafted tactility that encourages repetitive, soothing interaction. The stainless steel vessel features refined indentations that reflect light with understated elegance and invite the user to trace their contours, creating an intentional tactile gesture that promotes mental ease. Each material, glass, ceramic, and metal, has been carefully chosen to enhance the sensory experience, combining visual sophistication with emotional resonance.
To complete the ritual of gift giving and enhance the passenger experience, each vessel is elegantly presented in a custom designed gift box. Accompanying the vessel is a refined thank you card that not only expresses appreciation for flying but also serves as a concise and visually engaging manual. This card introduces the collectible nature of the set and provides clear guidance on how passengers can continue building their personal collection with future flights. As this project is a conceptual initiative developed for deSter, a company that collaborates with numerous airlines worldwide, the design has been intentionally crafted in a neutral theme. This ensures versatility and compatibility across diverse airline brands, allowing for seamless future adaptation and integration into various service experiences. Through this thoughtful presentation, the act of receiving becomes part of a larger narrative that extends beyond the journey and into the home, inviting moments of reflection, display, and anticipation for the next addition.
Project Type : Master's degree project (4 members)
Project Length : 4 months
Co-workers : Sara van Veen, Marina makeeva, Chia-Hua,Tsao (Vivienne)
Digital Skills : Rhinoceros 3D, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop
