Role
Design Engineer
Industry
Craft Tools · Creative Technology
Duration
4 months
Fleck
A smart glaze-mixing tool that makes an invisible studio variable visible
Role
Design Engineer
Industry
Craft Tools · Creative Technology
Duration
4 months
Glazing is one of the most unpredictable stages of ceramics. Even experienced potters struggle to know whether a glaze is actually mixed—leading to failed pieces, hesitation to experiment, and inconsistent results.
As one studio owner put it:
“It’s not a visual mix, only a molecular mix.”
Studio Owner, Providence RI
How might we give potters confidence that their glaze is ready—without disrupting the traditions of the studio?
After interviewing potters across studio, production, academic, and independent contexts, one theme emerged: glazing fails because variables are invisible.
Fleck addresses this gap by making hidden process variables visible and actionable.
Prototyping & Form Exploration
Refining Details
The design balances playfulness and reliability. This reflects the dual nature of ceramics as both a creative and technical practice. Soft forms and glaze-inspired colors make Fleck feel natural in the studio, while removable bristles, waterproofing, and thoughtful detailing emphasize practicality.
At the same time, Fleck is a dependable tool—consistent in form, minimal in interaction, and clear in feedback. By controlling one variable, Fleck enables experimentation without limiting creative freedom.
