Axe is a modern interpretation of the traditional hatchet that aims to unify the object’s historically segmented parts—the handle and the head. This purposeful departure from the product’s expected appearance aims to similarly reject the dogma that “function” trumps “form” in product design. By redesigning an iconic utilitarian object to bring the user delight as well as perform its intended function, Axe supports the notion that aesthetics have the potential to enhance a user's experience with a product.
This piece was created for Beautiful Objects, an industrial design course that emphasizes form-giving and aesthetics. Design sketching and the creation of low-fidelity prototypes segued into the production of a painted-foam model, which is pictured here with digitally rendered textures that illustrate the intended construction of a consumer-grade version.
