What a plain teapot teaches about everyday design
Samer
A handle that stays cool, a lid that stays put and a spout that does not drip: the details we look for in objects used every day.
In many homes in the region, the teapot is used more than any other object in the kitchen. That makes it a good test of design.
Hold it full
A pot that looks balanced when empty can pull at the wrist when it is full. Good designers test with hot water, not in a render.
Watch the pour
A sharp edge at the tip of the spout stops drips. It costs almost nothing and is missing from most cheap pots.
Think about the guests
Tea is served to visitors, often several rounds. A lid that stays in place when the pot tilts and a handle that does not get hot matter more than the colour.
The lesson
The best everyday objects disappear in use. If nobody notices the teapot during a long evening in the majlis, it has done its job.