THE CERAMIC TABLEWARE DESIGN ELEMENTS OF LOCAL STUDIO CERAMIC DESIGNERS

Design is a term used in the various fields of arts and product invention. Design refers to a combination of a noun namely art of design and pattern and a verb namely planning or drawing produced in showing the appearance and function or working of a product before it is made. Product design would often emphasize on aspects of design elements that resulted in a good product and the studio ceramic tableware set is not excluded. Owing to the fact that only a few research has been done on local ceramic products, this study would attempt to focus on the ceramic tableware design elements produced by the local studio ceramic designers. As such, this paper would attempt to discuss five identified design elements which include (1) Shape, (2) Form, (3) Color, (4) Decoration and (5) Texture. The research approaches via literature review in addition to interviews with the local studio ceramic designers and observations have been used in identifying the design elements of the product. The research finding reveals design elements of local studio ceramic tableware set is strongly influenced by the designer's knowledge, education, experience, expression, environmental conditions and surroundings. The study of these elements of design would be an inspiration and knowledge to designers in particular to ceramic designers in diversifying their local ceramic products. Premised on this study, it is hope that various studies or researches on design elements can be undertaken and expended. The findings of such endeavour would certainly enhance the development of design of ceramic products embodying the identity and culture of local community