Monday, October 6, 2008

Project 2: Postal Presents - Cupable

Cupable



Cupable is a foldable cup, that can be easily stored, taken and used anywhere. The name Cupable comes from two key features of the product: it is a cup and it is foldable

As with all cups, Cupable holds liquid and provides an item that the user can easily drink out of. However, unlike all cups, the product can then fold flat after use and be stored away, either in the included storage sheet or wherever the user pleases, as the size of the cup becomes that of a credit card. Some ideas where Cupable can be placed are either on the shelf like a thin book, or tucked away in the pocket on the back of a seat.

Cupable is a fun to use product that brightens up a long car trip, picnic or camping holiday. It provides an enjoyable and interactive way to drink, as well as combining speed, efficiency and transportability.

Cupable cups can be shared with friends and family or others in general, with its interesting design and ideas a talking point with these people.

The interactive approach to using the cup, where the user needs to open it themselves first, brings a connection between them and their Cupable, where the user can feel that they have almost ‘made’ the cup. It is also a fun system to fold the cup down and put it away, with a sense neatness and efficiency.

Cupable is different to other cups as it can be flattened away and transported extremely easily, flat packed.

The two versions of Cupable is pre-made one, which comes ready and folded in the envelope ready for transportation. The other invites an even more user interactive approach where the recipient can put the cup together, using a Velcro system.

To open, the sides of Cupable are easily pushed out, forming a hexagonal shaped cup, and ready for use.

To fold back down, a quick squeeze is used where two living hinges push into the centre of the cup, while the rest folds on top. Cupable is then ready for storage.

The included storage sheet that comes with Cupable packages can be used in three ways: 1. in its original position where it can be slotted on a shelf or in the pouch on the back of a car seat etc 2. it can be hung on a hook using the inbuilt hole in the storage sheet. 3. The storage sheet can fold producing a supporting system for the cups, keeping them together when placed on the ground or table.

Cupable is aimed at those who love to travel, camp, go outdoors or generally love having a drink wherever! The product encompasses all ages, much like the activities mentioned.

Since those at home would rather have a proper cup or mug to drink from, Cupable is not intended for home use (although of course it could still be). It has a quick, disposable feel about it, relating to the outdoors – which is commonly associated with disposable cups. The difference however is that Cupable can be re-used, with stronger, sturdier materials used – polypropylene and thick plastic sheet. It also does not need to be carried around as a solid prism like a normal cup, but, as previously stated, flattened for easy storage in the pocket or bag etc.

A solid shaped cylinder has been used to provide an image of stability and sturdiness

Environmentally friendly materials have been used, including biodegradable plastic, so that if taken out camping or on a picnic etc and accidently left behind, it will not harm the environment.

A variety of colours have been used to aquire to the tastes of the large number of people included in the target market. It also brings in more user interaction where they can pick their favourite Cupable

2 comments:

Eunkwang Seo said...

Wow interesting idea, I haven’t ever imagined a cup that can be fordable. It sounds really fun and useful for those who love to travel or camp far away from home. I think you have well-achieved the way of transformation and storage 3-cup as a 2D flat packed item. However one thing I concern is that your ‘Cupable’ does not look easy to wash and dry after use. anyway great idea!!

Dan luo said...

It is good idea to bring the prescent more on the social pleasure,which interacte people together,and becoming a talking point.and i like the idea of "cupable",it sounds interesting and the various colors.and its going to be convinient for people in travelling.however, one thing i am concerned about is the material, by looking at the featrue of the product, it is going to be bended and folded everytime you use it,therefore it will get small crack on the surface,polypropylene will become fatigue.