Ritika Karnani

As a designer I like to delve into interactions between people and products. I play with objects, materials and concepts to construe how experiences and interactions could be enhanced. The focus of my projects has been about changing perceptions using unconventional materials and context.

Scent Timer

Understanding and communicating the passing of time has been a part of human society since the formation of the first civilisation. Passing time is realised when there is a change in the environment. The 'Scent Timer' explores the idea of experiencing the passing of time via the sense of smell. This contraption is designed to use incense sticks to make a timer that changes fragrance at regular intervals. The incense sticks cross each other to form a connection that ignites the following stick.

In today’s technological world the fastest mode of information communication is via our sense of sight, we choose to ignore our other senses to experience the world around us. The 'Scent Timer' empowers the human sense of smell to realise the passing of time.

Cork Pen

Cork is a natural versatile material which is not used to its full potential. This project is about bringing cork to the hands of seven billion people to enhance its worth and increase its production. Millions of pens are manufactured every year using plastic. These pens are non-recyclable products that end up in the landfills. Alternatively cork is completely recyclable and reusable material with properties that make it ideal for making.