{"id":958,"date":"2025-08-06T13:55:59","date_gmt":"2025-08-06T13:55:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/?p=958"},"modified":"2025-08-06T13:55:59","modified_gmt":"2025-08-06T13:55:59","slug":"cluster-2-the-detergent-bottle-as-building-block-exploring-interlocking-puzzle-logic-and-shape-driven-reuse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/?p=958","title":{"rendered":"CLUSTER 2: The Detergent Bottle as Building Block: Exploring Interlocking, Puzzle Logic, and Shape-Driven Reuse\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"443\" src=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_01-1024x443.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-959\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_01-1024x443.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_01-300x130.png 300w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_01-768x332.png 768w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_01-1536x665.png 1536w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_01.png 1834w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Learning from the WOBO bottle\u00a0\u2013\u00a0<em>(you can read more in our <a href=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/?p=946\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/?p=946&amp;preview=true\">previous blog post<\/a>)<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 we were fascinated by how the design embedded\u00a0reuse directly into the form\u00a0of the packaging.<br>We\u2019ve been exploring the idea of giving packaging not just a\u00a0second life through recycling, but a\u00a0second function through design. This led us to experiment with how\u00a0detergent bottles could be transformed into interlocking, modular components, inspired by\u00a0Japanese joinery,\u00a03D puzzle logic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We drew inspiration from a variety of sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The&nbsp;Tsugite Cube Master Pack, exploring Japanese wood joinery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Traditional 3D interlocking puzzles, like the 6-piece burr<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tessellating patterns and tiling concepts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The scientific work&nbsp;<em>Unlocking Interlocking Riddles<\/em>&nbsp;(<a href=\"https:\/\/ist.ac.at\/en\/news\/unlocking-interlocking-riddles\/\">IST Austria<\/a>), which investigates how complex shapes can fit and lock together<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"343\" data-id=\"960\" src=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_02-1024x343.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-960\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_02-1024x343.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_02-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_02-768x257.png 768w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_02-1536x515.png 1536w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_02.png 2024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tsugite Cube Master Pack<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"588\" data-id=\"963\" src=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_04-1024x588.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-963\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_04-1024x588.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_04-300x172.png 300w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_04-768x441.png 768w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_04-1536x882.png 1536w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_04.png 1664w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Interlocking Puzzle: 6-piece burr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"537\" data-id=\"962\" src=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_05-1024x537.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-962\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_05-1024x537.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_05-300x157.png 300w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_05-768x403.png 768w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_05-1536x806.png 1536w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_05.png 1716w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Tessellating patterns<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"401\" data-id=\"961\" src=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_03-1024x401.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-961\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_03-1024x401.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_03-300x117.png 300w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_03-768x300.png 768w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_03-1536x601.png 1536w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_03.png 1958w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Unlocking Interlocking Riddles<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What unites these references is a shared idea:&nbsp; single units can combine into complex structures. They also encourage us to rethink the&nbsp;relationship between part and whole. And how design at the smallest scale can enable larger systems to emerge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We began testing how a standard detergent bottle might be&nbsp;transformed into a modular building unit, without losing its original identity.&nbsp;The design had to meet two goals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Still function as a detergent bottle&nbsp;\u2013 with enough volume, a usable handle, ability to stand upright.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer smart interlocking features&nbsp;\u2013 to stack, lock, and build something new after its primary use.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We focused on&nbsp;three key areas&nbsp;of the bottle as starting points for modification:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The&nbsp;neck<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The&nbsp;handle<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The&nbsp;bottom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-large-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Early Prototypes and Experiments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are some of the first strategies we tested:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Modified Handle for Intersection<\/strong><br>Creating a bigger handle where another bottle could fit with its neck or bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"432\" src=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_06-1024x432.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-965\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_06-1024x432.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_06-300x126.png 300w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_06-768x324.png 768w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_06-1536x648.png 1536w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_06.png 2002w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Open Handle Design&nbsp;<\/strong><br>Removing part of the handle to allow tighter stacking and extending the neck to enable vertical-horizontal crossings in bottle walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"584\" src=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_07-1024x584.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-966\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_07-1024x584.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_07-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_07-768x438.png 768w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_07-1536x876.png 1536w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_07.png 1756w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Boolean Imprint &amp; Shape Echoing<\/strong><br>Keeping a curved bottle shape but \u201cprinting\u201d part of one bottle\u2019s shape into another. The handles serve for horizontal locking; caps for vertical stacking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"388\" src=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_08-1024x388.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-967\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_08-1024x388.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_08-300x114.png 300w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_08-768x291.png 768w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_08-1536x583.png 1536w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_08-2048x777.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Expanded Interlocking Zones<\/strong><br>Increasing the number of connection points and intersections to enable more flexible assemblies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"426\" src=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_09-1024x426.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-964\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_09-1024x426.png 1024w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_09-300x125.png 300w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_09-768x319.png 768w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_09-1536x639.png 1536w, https:\/\/inventorics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Part01_09.png 2010w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After these experimentations, some questions started to emerge:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are we overcomplicating the design?<br>Does it become too difficult to use or understand? Can the average person assemble something with these bottles intuitively?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Does it still feel like a detergent bottle?<br>We risk losing the recognizability and potentially its usability, if we push the modifications too far.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is there a structural limitation?<br>Many of the bottle assemblies naturally led to simple&nbsp;walls or floors. This raised concerns about the&nbsp;architectural potential&nbsp;of the system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Production feasibility?<br>Some of the more intricate designs would likely be hard to produce or too costly with current manufacturing methods.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These concerns put the project on pause. But the question remains:<br>Can everyday packaging be designed not to be waste right afterwards, but to build structures?<br>The goal is not just to make recyclable packaging, but to&nbsp;extend the lifetime of a product by giving it a second purpose, designed into its shape from the very beginning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learning from the WOBO bottle\u00a0\u2013\u00a0(you can read more in our previous blog post)\u00a0\u2013 we were fascinated by how the design embedded\u00a0reuse directly into the form\u00a0of the packaging.We\u2019ve been exploring the idea of giving packaging not just a\u00a0second life through recycling, but a\u00a0second function through design. This led us to experiment with how\u00a0detergent bottles could be [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[30,44,45,4,42],"class_list":["post-958","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-digital-studies","tag-aggregation","tag-cluster-2","tag-detergent-bottle","tag-discrete","tag-plastic"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/958","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=958"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/958\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":987,"href":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/958\/revisions\/987"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=958"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=958"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inventorics.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=958"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}