Mug Studies

Five rapid explorations of form, ergonomics, and everyday use, designed in Fusion 360 and 3D printed in one week.

This project began as an exercise in learning parametric CAD through a familiar object: the mug. I designed five concepts, using the constraint to explore how small changes in form and material could address heat, grip, and water rings.

A hand holding a white printed mug with wooden dowels around its base

Printed mug studies in red, white and black on a workbench

A hand holding a black printed mug with a slim handle

Sketchbook page of mug ideas, including a removable coaster insert

CAD model of a mug with its handle wrapped around the body

CAD model of a mug with a full ring around its middle

CAD model of a mug with a tall rectangular handle

CAD model of a mug with a paper coaster insert

CAD model of the coaster insert seated in the mug's base

Five mug concepts side by side in Fusion 360

I started by recreating Massimo Vignelli’s mug for Heller. I explored extending its handle around the body of the mug, turning the handle itself into an insulating barrier between the user’s hand and the hot surface.

CAD render of the Vignelli-style mug with its handle wrapped around the body

CAD render of a mug with a rounded ring around its middle, seen from above

CAD render of a mug with a ring around its middle

A fourth concept uses wooden dowels instead of a traditional handle. The wood keeps the hand away from the hot surface while also creating a comfortable grip.

CAD render of the mug with wooden dowels around its base

The fifth concept addresses water rings. A removable paper insert catches drips before they reach the table, so the mug does not need a separate coaster.

CAD render of the mug with a tall handle and a coaster insert in its base

Render of the Groove Loop mug in glossy white, one of eight Heller colors

Render of the Groove Loop mug in glossy black, one of eight Heller colors

Render of the Groove Loop mug in glossy red, one of eight Heller colors

Render of the Groove Loop mug in glossy pink, one of eight Heller colors

Render of the Groove Loop mug in glossy yellow, one of eight Heller colors

Render of the Groove Loop mug in glossy green, one of eight Heller colors

Render of the Groove Loop mug in glossy blue, one of eight Heller colors

Render of the Groove Loop mug in glossy purple, one of eight Heller colors

Skills: Form development
Parametric CAD
Prototyping