The Synaesthetic series

Synaesthetic Series  explores the relationship between flavour and form through ceramic design. The project investigates how taste can be translated into visual and tactile elements, using shape, texture, and colour to represent sensory experiences.

A set of dining ware designed for The Elephant in Torquay, in collaboration with Steelite International. The collection supports a tactile dining experience, where food is served directly into the diner’s hand. By emphasising touch, texture, and proximity, the design enhances sensory engagement and creates a closer connection between the dish and the diner.

Translating flavour into ceramic form through sensory design

Each vessel is developed in response to a specific flavour: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and spicy, paired with a corresponding cocktail. Rather than focusing only on function, the cups are designed to influence perception, encouraging a more immersive and multi-sensory drinking experience.

Through this series, the work positions tableware as an active component in how flavour is experienced, rather than a passive container.

Spicy highball cup

Salty lowhball cup

Sweet coupe cup

All drawings credits to Staffordshire University 2024 Graduates : Sam, Robyn, Stephanie, Bethia and Brian

Bitter martini cup

Research & Visualisation

As part of the research, MA Ceramics students were invited to draw their response to different flavours. These doodles capture instinctive links between taste, form, and texture, and informed the design of each ceramic vessel.

Sour sour cup

Sour sour cup