Final Project Industrial Design
The family's shared moments of quality time, meals, beloved customs, narratives, and enduring traditions hold a unique and esteemed place in my heart. Recognizing the intrinsic link between family and the kitchen, I've found that food not only unites family members but also encapsulates memories and evokes emotions. Embodied in Grandma's culinary creations, the concept of a 'taste of home' transcends taste, encompassing stories, culture, and abundant love. As the granddaughter of grandparents from diverse backgrounds, I felt compelled to safeguard the rich traditions and narratives embedded in family recipes, ensuring their authentic preservation for future generations beyond the technical aspects found in the recipes.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/fef6811c-b4e4-40bf-8f44-5884c90b3f90_rw_1920.jpg?h=e3be0caa5546e0dc9740d11689bfb548)
M׳ulukhiyah, an ancient Egyptian soup crafted from M׳ulukhiyah plant leaves, is traditionally served with rice, chicken, and hot pepper.
The inception of the M׳ulukhiyah soup, traced back to pharaonic wall paintings, seamlessly integrates this traditional soup into Egyptian Jewish culture. Evolving into Egypt's national dish and resonating with Syrian Jews, including my grandmother's family, M׳ulukhiyah soup has become an integral part of our family, through moments of joy and sorrow, holidays, and ordinary weekdays. Laden with stories and memories, it carries a special ceremony that narrates the profound story of an entire culture.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/515b811a-f59a-4742-95de-b8835d6fde3a_rw_3840.jpg?h=64c93740d82c26a69698ab46d358311c)
The preparation of the traditional M׳ulukhiyah soup includes several steps, including washing and manual separation of the leaves in a family setting, and then drying the leaves and sharpening the ׳Maharatta׳ knife, an ancient family heirloom. The cutting of the M׳ulukhiyah leaves precedes cooking, leading to a festive serving phase where the host personally pours each dish. Initially, the host places rice at the base of the bowl, selects chicken and hot pepper, and fills it gracefully with the M׳ulukhiyah soup.
To preserve this tradition for future generations, a series of four dedicated tools has been designed. This set not only preserves elements of the traditional process but also adapts them to the modern kitchen, creating a renewed ritual around the preparation and serving of the M׳ulukhiyah soup.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/2c352808-d629-4f6a-b0e9-b2ae19fa3277_rw_3840.jpg?h=b63053c670f62fd478bf82144c704216)
Table Runner
At the onset of the preparation process, the runner is elegantly spread on the work surface, serving a dual role in the leaf separation and drying phases. Its dimensions allow multiple family members to collaboratively engage in the leaf separation phase, in accordance with tradition, and also accommodate a significant quantity of leaves.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/8479e8cc-f5e4-40c2-a039-f8ee90efa0fe_rw_3840.jpg?h=a2315a6dff4f653780cdff579c332781)
Comprising five terra cotta tiles crafted in low-fire casting molds, the product's firing process at low temperatures enhances liquid absorption, thereby aiding in the effective drying phase of the leaf liquids.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/ec88939b-20d6-4aa0-b5cb-3739fd839321_rw_1920.jpg?h=3d3a2301a3d7c7a5f0d522575acfce3c)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/8d5a375e-87ea-4943-bc59-a784d745fa9a_rw_1920.jpg?h=b040e5d6e7ad3b4c6b28c9426248bbc3)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/f4e10c23-6ffe-4ede-94b8-837b69da7d3e_rw_1920.jpg?h=26ee0bd54685c8aff6283672b80fac68)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/8e117bf9-73a0-48b5-a2ef-14b6f075a78f_rw_1920.jpg?h=cc41786e3702e5e9be9fd0071b7ff8f2)
The runner's tiles, interlinked with injection-molded silicone connectors, facilitate both unfolding for use and seamless folding for storage, inspired by the design cues of a towel and a tablecloth.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/db29a4ae-c898-43a1-9e7a-fe89bdbaa7ad_rw_1920.gif?h=6a64ac6a78feff8d15660df74f44bdf2)
Sharpening Tool
M׳ulukhiyah boasts an ancient heirloom knife known as ׳Mahartta׳, a cherished family legacy requiring meticulous sharpening before each use, in adherence to tradition.
The sharpener not only facilitates this ritual but also bestows a sense of reverence upon the sharpening moment, imparting it with an esteemed place in the M׳ulukhiyah soup preparation process.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/4af1fd15-ff32-48d1-95e5-aee20d309760_rw_1920.jpg?h=b6b3e83f2ddcbaefad752674def1f9cb)
The product encompasses two integral elements: a ring and a mount.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/2a9d68a3-c3af-4a8d-9c06-2e3d1b0a92f4_rw_3840.jpg?h=4c0cecb6811d56a213d4e1ec2707d49b)
The porcelain ring, crafted in casting molds, featuring one half for sharpening the lathe knife in bare porcelain and the other adorned and glazed. The mount, constructed from injection-molded silicone, houses the ring in an internal channel, ensuring stability during grinding.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/84452901-273a-4149-b5d9-ff451a6143fc_rw_3840.jpg?h=283a99e9de874b967b7d78d17d3a2760)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/062a055b-3b28-41f7-9e10-de1ad6481da3_rw_3840.jpg?h=485e6fd3e9a31d32bc229fca3629b4e2)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/e4586bfb-e5d5-4b96-8b4b-9b53fb2b627e_rw_3840.jpg?h=04dda39a373c47a90a09710fb49c75b4)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/c9cd13e7-1ae1-4f17-a7dd-4142ba654372_rw_3840.jpg?h=1db78e95cf20b895436c361c751a6311)
The design process was inspired by sharpening a knife on ceramic plate coasters. In preparation for sharpening, akin to flipping a plate, the ring should be inverted before commencing work, ensuring the unglazed raw side faces upward.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/50d8c20a-f18c-4cea-b651-5e40e8d777de_rw_3840.jpg?h=9c8dc3744309d01ef47acaa9bf27816f)
The sharpening process involves the user holding both knife handles, moving it from side to side in a manner mirroring the knife's cutting motion.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/4930eb46-23d5-4100-aad5-238d40a35a14_rw_3840.jpg?h=adce68aa9ce7d66cbded9abefc5e9590)
Following the operation, the ring is reversed once more, securing the sharpening area within the silicone mount, while the decorated side faces upward.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/29b6dfd1-d815-4b65-8019-135874bf31e9_rw_3840.jpg?h=0c50ac4870792bfe7e5bf1699ef63ba9)
Cutting Board
Designed for the cutting phase of M׳ulukhiyah leaves, the board's design centers around the technique employed by the ׳Mahartta׳ knife, addressing the need to cut a substantial quantity of leaves at once, dictated by the plant's seasonality.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/556fc857-0e00-405f-a129-c771c488f15c_rw_3840.jpg?h=4be82665ee0ae2121607be8b6d5228d0)
Crafted from oak and maple, the board is meticulously designed into a butcher block through the assembly of intricately cut and CNC-processed wooden units.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/7ef1978b-6614-4c2b-9e2a-f398fbf28df3_rw_3840.jpg?h=d69970c966d30a3aafca77bbce3672c0)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/eb150d9c-dcf1-4c1c-983a-9963126d8f88_rw_1920.jpg?h=3cbc933f7ff56bd6a4f9737659f4642f)
With wood fibers directed upward, the board safeguards the knife during cutting and reinforces the product. Its well-proportioned dimensions facilitate the cutting of a substantial quantity of leaves, while the elevated sides prevent leaves spillage during the cutting process.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/fa31dea6-f217-42c8-9956-b044d1cacdb3_rw_1920.jpg?h=a93a71ca5bb601f0ac5108bbca8225da)
The plank design incorporates traditional design details into the product by leveraging its production method, showcasing a harmonious interplay between various wood shades, fiber directions, and the arrangement of bonded units.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/4384d0f6-9882-4e58-925f-fb8058e6f861_rw_3840.jpg?h=f24a0ac7c561ff1801b4170c2e8d5eba)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/1be95179-8253-495d-8af6-e3e239c8e8e5_rw_3840.jpg?h=6115b3543783858476f0fd5caba87855)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/96edaeea-f243-4e0d-8880-f5a144670080_rw_3840.jpg?h=f01c39fab1c28d25ba6c140fb8cf6f26)
Serving Spoon
Crafted for the M׳ulukhiyah soup-serving stage, the spoon adeptly attends to each step of the traditional serving ceremony.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/0fb01fca-db87-4599-8b06-c61b429c5136_rw_3840.jpg?h=4e033230fcc279814bd35ed425faea8e)
Crafted from cast porcelain with an oak handle, the serving spoon's design captures the essence of two central actions in the traditional serving ceremony, guiding the soup from pot to plate.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/b98b886a-5c95-4f26-b680-602911ce574b_rw_3840.jpg?h=503b3cb0aa785a52a937ea54d6198ba1)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/41ea70b6-a903-4730-8418-e89789f0198a_rw_1920.jpg?h=bc0bcaab7ace3b64608a1c2ec2eb9546)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/971f7e4c-fa7a-4bf8-9eb1-305fbf87fae8_rw_1920.jpg?h=a49cfcbd08a8490c47130c9b414c18b3)
Holding and immersing the spoon into the pot collects the soup contents, while tilting the spoon towards the handle filters the liquids through openings, facilitating an early pour of chicken or hot pepper onto the plate.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/fcea0370-7a73-48a5-9ecc-513cd9a7099a_rw_1920.jpg?h=756169e09a0d41b137e4b0f54170e1cf)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/2da3e0d0-0f04-4a34-96a1-26a46dfacf57_rw_3840.jpg?h=1d3985dd2fcfbf17c91a98aec9f2e0db)
Holding the spoon upright allows for the effortless collection of soup contents and comfortable pouring onto the plate.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/741035d0-bbc4-43f3-a976-6ee7b9354c2a_rw_1920.jpg?h=d3b722ae85fd5af82f0fabee92b81c32)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/e2968f9d-7ed7-4073-a23b-6a635cba1027_rw_3840.jpg?h=90b433386f83940d1ee985868927bead)
The serving spoon's shape not only serves its two primary functions but also facilitates stable and straightforward placement on the work surface.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/da4f38dd-16ed-4200-9367-e56b4bf924e9_rw_3840.jpg?h=92a53e00d49f22bb1e79edd592d19041)
The four products function harmoniously, venerating culinary tradition while introducing a contemporary preparation process, establishing a modern ritual for the traditional M׳ulukhiyah soup. Their distinguished presence in the home emphasizes their significance and intended purpose.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/c5c2f34f-7d12-46c4-b914-c2ad5d50dbcd/5e080eb1-5971-4148-9edd-866d3963b1a8_rw_3840.jpg?h=7449a1a9886f47aad1694bfed8f602c8)