Bear Hug: A Blend of Humour and Functionality in Culinary Design

Clive Bullivant's Award-Winning Design Brings Amusement to Wine-Related Products

Bear Hug stands out in the world of culinary design due to its unique properties. The design employs polymers to reduce weight and improve safety. Its double-skinned polycarbonate body is filled with a silicone gel, which helps maintain the temperature of the contents when the bucket is pre-chilled, keeping ice water colder for longer. This design is not just about functionality; it's also about creating a talking point at dinner parties, making it perfect for informal gatherings.

The production process of Bear Hug involves the use of injection moulded polycarbonate shell with a polyamide grip. The grip is overmoulded with a soft-touch silicon finish, and the void between the inner and outer shell is filled with a silicone gel. This technology ensures the product's durability and effectiveness.

The design's interaction is another aspect that sets it apart. The polymer body is lightweight, making it easier to carry when full of ice and water. It is less likely to form condensation, making the surfaces slippery, and the well-defined lip makes emptying easy and holds the bottle effectively. The enclosed form helps maintain temperature, while the polyamide ‘bear’ provides a good grip for carrying.

The Bear Hug design project was initiated in June 2012, with concept designs completed by August. Bullivant conducted extensive research into existing wine-related products, finding many to be well-engineered but clinical, with stainless steel and glass as the predominant materials used. A focus group of young people of mixed gender, who saw informal dinner parties as a preferred way to get together with friends, provided valuable feedback, helping to shape the final design.

The Bear Hug design faced several challenges, including achieving a balance between the eye-catching and the functional, and addressing ergonomic and safety issues. These challenges were overcome through feedback from the focus group and careful selection of materials, size, and shape. The result is a product that is not only functional but also visually appealing and conversation-provoking.

Clive Bullivant's Bear Hug design was awarded the Golden A' Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design Award in 2013. This award is granted to marvelous, outstanding, and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom. They are venerated products and bright ideas that advance art, science, design, and technology, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.