#03. Ambiguous Standards of Over-Specification
Since the mid-20th century, there has been a considerable increase in objects designed with over-specific functions[1], especially in the kitchen. Apparatus can be found for the removal of the head and strings in string beans, peeling the tops of okra fingers, slicing eggs and more. These are all easily achievable with a simple kitchen knife that, unlike over-specific gadgets, does not discriminate if the fruit or vegetable does not fit to an industrially imposed size or shape.
[1] Over specific objects: Objects designed and produced for fulfilling extremely specified functions, instead of more abstract ones such as holding, pulling, hitting, cutting.
photo: Kayhan Kuygusuz
Another point of conversation is the relation between these doomed-to-get-dusted-in-cupboard objects and their food counterparts, which fulfill tasks which could otherwise easily be done with standards kitchen equipment. For instance a knife does not require its fruit or vegetable to be of a certain size, however over-specific objects require their subjects to be in a specific interval of size and form, defined by the food industry.
Inventory:
Pit-remover and slicer for fruits
Chips chopper
Spiral patato cutter
Okra peeler
Egg slicer
Stuffed vine leaves wrapper
Vegetable preservative
String beans slicer and cleaner
Boiled corn grater
Spring operated walnut cracker
Chestnut scraper
Egg desheller and seperator
Carrot sharpener
Screw press garlic crusher
Avocado slicer
Cake fork
Sugar claw
Pit remover
Dough sealer
Lemon sprayer