foragers tube | NYC Fun guys
When I set out to design the Foragers Tube for NYC Fun Guys, my goal was to create a product that truly embodies our brand's ethos of sustainability, innovation, and community engagement.
I wanted a design that could be 3D printed as the final product, utilizing eco-friendly materials to reflect our commitment to the environment.
The Forager’s Tube needed to be practical and valuable for our users, offering convenience and functionality for mushroom foraging enthusiasts. By focusing on these key elements, I aimed to deliver a product that not only meets our users' needs but also represents the core values of NYC Fun Guys.
Introducing the Forager’s Tube…
Inspiration
The Foragers Tube was inspired by the intricate mycelium network and the symbiotic relationship between mushrooms and plants. I wanted to recreate this natural interaction in a product that resonates with our brand’s sustainability ethos.
During the research phase, I focused on sourcing the most sustainable materials available. I chose reFlow recycled PLA for its eco-friendly properties and durability, ensuring the product's longevity and minimal environmental impact. Glass test tubes were selected for their clarity and ease of disassembly, making them simple to clean and reuse. An earth magnet was incorporated, which is also removable, adding to the product's versatility.
The entire design was meticulously planned from 3D printing to end-of-life, ensuring every component could be easily recycled or repurposed, aligning perfectly with our commitment to sustainability.
Design intent | Functions
The Foragers Tube is ingeniously designed with three distinct purposes, all centered around plants.
Firstly, it serves as a convenient tool for foraging enthusiasts, providing a sturdy, eco-friendly container for collecting and examining mushrooms and other plant specimens. Secondly, the tube can be used as a propagation station, allowing users to grow and display small plants or seedlings.
Thirdly, it functions as a joint tube, offering a safe and discreet way to carry and store joints. This multifunctional approach not only enhances the product's utility but also reflects our commitment to sustainability by encouraging users to engage with and appreciate plant life in various forms.
Visualization
Before commencing production, I meticulously visualized the Foragers Tube in 3D using real materials.
This step was crucial in ensuring that the final product would meet our high standards for design, functionality, and sustainability. By creating detailed 3D models, I could experiment with the reFlow recycled PLA, glass test tubes, and removable earth magnets, ensuring each component fit seamlessly together.
This process allowed for adjustments and refinements, providing a clear understanding of how the materials would interact in the real world. Visualizing the product in this way ensured that every element was optimized for both form and function, setting the stage for a successful production run.
Production
The Foragers Tube, a testament to innovative design and sustainability, has quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts. Since its launch, we have sold over 100 units, and it is now proudly available in select stores across New York City.
This multifunctional product serves as a foraging tool, a propagation station, and a joint tube, reflecting our commitment to eco-friendly practices and user convenience.
Made from reFlow recycled PLA, glass test tubes, and a removable earth magnet, the Foragers Tube is designed with both functionality and sustainability in mind. Its success in the market underscores its value to our customers and our dedication to creating products that enhance the foraging experience while respecting the environment
