Final Portfolio: Spoon and Pressure Flaker

This semester in aesthetics in design taught me a lot. Most importantly, I learned that there is a necessary balance between function and aesthetics. No one wants an ugly tool, but no one wants a beautiful tool that barely works. Both of my projects encapsulated this lesson, especially my pressure flaker. I learned a lot about machining and manufacturing through trial and error in the ITLL machine shop. I see a clear gap in quality between my first project and my final. The final pressure flaker is much more sleek and professional looking. I wouldn’t bat an eye if I saw it for sale online.

Here is a brief summary of both of my projects and what i learned.

Both projects pushed me to blend mechanical precision with artistic expression, and each offered valuable lessons in design thinking, aesthetics, and manufacturing technique.

The first project, the aluminum spoon, was a deep dive into shaping a simple, everyday object with an eye toward elegance and proportion. I started with a solid billet of aluminum and used a combination of milling, filing, and sanding to gradually shape the spoon’s bowl and handle. Since the project had minimal constraints beyond material choice and basic dimensions, it was an exercise in personal design language. I learned how subtle changes in curvature and symmetry drastically affect the perceived balance and usability of the object. The final phase—hand sanding and polishing—reinforced the importance of finish in design. Even the most precisely machined part can feel “off” if its surface texture doesn’t reflect the intended aesthetic.

What stood out most in the spoon project was how deeply aesthetic considerations impact user interaction. Small changes in contour altered the ergonomics of how the spoon sat in the hand. I gained a new appreciation for industrial designers and the seemingly invisible choices they make that improve functionality through form.

The second project was the aluminum pressure flaker—a specialized tool used in flint knapping, one of my personal hobbies. This was a far more technical project in that it had to perform a specific function: delivering precise, controllable pressure to shape stone tools. At the same time, I wanted the tool to reflect my personal aesthetic and represent a refinement over my older set of flakers.

This project involved more advanced machining, including turning operations on the lathe and precise drilling and tapping to accommodate a copper tip and set screw. I also incorporated knurling for grip and spent time on anodizing and polishing to make the tool visually striking as well as effective. Unlike the spoon, which was purely a display of form, this tool had to withstand actual forces in use, which meant I needed to pay close attention to tolerances and material strength. I had to iterate through prototypes to make sure the flaker didn’t just look good, but felt right in the hand and performed reliably.

What I learned through the flaker project was the challenge and reward of designing something that is both deeply personal and highly functional. Every choice—from the length of the shaft to the angle of the tip—was informed by my experience in the field. It was the first time I applied aesthetics not just for beauty, but for performance and user satisfaction.

Together, these two projects taught me that aesthetics is not an afterthought in engineering—it’s a lens that sharpens both purpose and usability. I learned how design principles like symmetry, proportion, and texture directly influence how a product is perceived and used. I also learned how to balance artistic ambition with fabrication constraints, and how to trust my hands and intuition in the shop.

Most importantly, I walked away with a stronger sense of design identity. Whether crafting a spoon or a field tool, I now approach every project as an opportunity to merge visual clarity with mechanical intent—something that will serve me well in both engineering and design work moving forward.

As you can see, my final project has a much sleeker finish. Overall, I am very happy with both of my projects in this class and will continue to learn more about aesthetics and how they tie in with engineering. I am thankful for the opportunity to grow creatively while still studying engineering.

Link to spoon post: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/02/21/aluminum-camping-spoon/

Link to pressure flaker final post 1: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/04/23/aluminum-pressure-flaker-report-p1/

Pressure flaker final post 2: https://www.aesdes.org/2025/04/27/pressure-flaker-final-report-part-2/

sources cited: ChatGPT