Thingamajiggy Ceramic Set
Thingamajiggy Coffee Roaster
A three-piece ceramic set inspired by the architecture of the renowned Thingamajiggy Coffee Roaster and designed to serve a layered coffee that highlights contrasting flavors and temperatures.
Ceramicware
2024
click for process details
About the Café
Thingamajiggy Coffee Roaster is a cafe located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, known for its scenic views, distinct architecture, and delicious offerings.
Signature Drink
The ceramic set is designed to serve Thingamajiggy's signature drink, Khum-Hom, a two-drink coffee flight. A cold dirty coffee made with a chocolaty medium roast is paired with a light roast espresso that highlights fruity notes. Together, they create a layered sensory experience.
Designed for Flavor
The dirty coffee is served in a double-wall ceramic cup to keep it cold in the Thai heat and allow for a slower pace.
The espresso is served in a single-wall cup so it can cool to its ideal drinking temperature.
Pairings
Pairs well with the café’s pastries and cakes.
Stacking
Cups and plates stack securely for compact storage.
A Quiet Celebration of Food & Nature
The ceramics' natural finish brings the food forward while also offering an earthy tactile experience.
Coffee Cup
A double wall cup made to keep drinks at their ideal temperature.
Tea Cup
A small cup designed to serve tea or espresso.
Plate
A saucer for coffee, cakes, and pastries.
Keep Scrolling for Full Process Breakdown
Design Process
From research to final build, each step was used to explore, test, and refine the design.
Copyright protected images, brand names and logos are property of the respective rights holders. The uses shown are for demonstration and educational purposes only, and are not actual products or services of the rights holder.
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Ceramics Inspired by Experience
The Thingamajiggy space is thoughtfully designed, but the dining set lacked the same level of care.
Their signature drink, Khum-Hom, became the starting point for the design.
Original
Khum-Hom
Khum-Hom is a distinct coffee experience with a unique serving method.
A drink this distinct deserved a dedicated cup, much like an espresso has its own.
Drawn from the Architecture
Every detail of the space is carefully considered. Its form language and philosophy guided the design of the ceramics.
Sketch to 3D
Sketches directly informed the CAD models, helping carry proportions and intent into three dimensions.
CAD was also used to define each vessel’s capacity accurately.
No Handles
A handle is unnecessary. The double-wall keeps the cup at a comfortable temperature.
The small cup also removes the handle. This aligns with tea culture, where temperature is felt by hand. It also creates a more unified set.
Key Shift
The original concept used a stacked cup to serve Khum-Hom. Testing prototypes with liquids revealed its limitations.
I reassessed its role in the experience. While unique, it did not add enough value to move forward.
Natural Beauty
The glazed interior highlights the raw clay, pairing glossy and matte finishes in one form. This reflects the contrast between a cold dirty coffee and a hot espresso.
Mother Molds
Mother molds were 3D printed with pneumatic ports to release the cast plaster.
Plaster Molds
The plaster molds could be improved for easier fabrication, greater durability, and better usability.
Slip Casting
The molds performed as intended. Minor adjustments could improve finishing and ease of use.
Glazing and Firing
Cone 6 oxidation firing was chosen for its color and consistency over reduction firing.
Copyright-protected images, brand names, and logos are the property of respective rights holders. The above uses are for demonstration and educational purposes only, and are not actual products or services of the rights holders.