The Rigō watering can marked the inception of a series of weekend projects, which I undertook during my after-work hours, often spanning a weekend. The idea of the project originated from the frustration I experienced while watering plants with a glass, resulting in frequent spills. Rather than buying a cheap option online and hiding it away in the cupboard, I embarked on a journey to creating something unique. Moreover, having a 3D printer at home presented me the opportunity to produce complex form with relative ease and to explore the potential of additive manufacturing in creating watertight and functional products. The result not only addressed a practical need but also served as a platform for creative expression and experimentation.
This project received an overwhelming response on LinkedIn and has been featured in a design newsletter by Anson Cheung, an industrial designer with over a decade of experience working on technology hardware products in Silicon Valley.
Industrial Design
CAD Modelling
Design Engineering
Prototyping
Photography
Design | Jonathan Yim
Published in 2023
In the design of the Rigō watering can, I aimed to distil the essence of a conventional watering can into the purest geometric shapes, which are then elegantly fused with soft radii. Designed with 3D printing in mind, the watering can maximises additive manufacturing’s unique traits by creating a closed water channel in the spout to guide the water and avoid spillage when watering. The use of PETG ensures a watertight build, and a support-free design minimises material waste. Beyond the design, I also took the opportunity to hone my product photography skills, capturing the creative process and the essence of the Rigō watering can.
