Fun Modern Popcorn Machine

Taking inspiration from the Willy Wonka quote “Come with me, and you’ll be in a world of pure imagination,” designer Jolene Carlier sketched out a series of fantasy objects, focusing on color and shape. The retro-looking drawings depict strange objects of indeterminate functions, seeming like they could do any number of things. From one of those drawings ultimately came a real-life appliance with an actual purpose: the popcorn monsoon.



The aptly named machine sends popped corn flinging through a transparent cylindrical chute, putting it on display as the hot air turns it inside-out before it lands in a rather small butter-yellow vessel. Be careful not to overfill this goofy modern kitchen gadget with kernels, though, or you’ll end up with a flurry of popcorn flying through the air. The whole process is playful and fun, and this modern popcorn machine looks cool enough to leave out on your counter full time.

“Starting with shape and color make a design process playful, later on a surprising yet suitable function can be found. As an example of this process, one drawing was translated into a popcorn machine,” says the Dutch designer. “Like any other functional product it had to be conceptualized and constructively thought through.”

https://vimeo.com/114800715
“The drawings with which this project started were made to create a world of pure imagination that still makes sense in this one. Starting with shape and color makes a design process playful, later on a surprising yet suitable function can be found. As an example of this process, one drawing was translated into a popcorn machine. Like any other functional product it had to be conceptualised and constructively thought through. Most popcorn machines are very dull though the simple process of making popcorn is exciting. Thats what this machine enlarges, its an experience for both children and adults. The drawings form a foundation for future designs.”
Film and photography: Daantje Bons