Experiencing culture includes experiencing objects from that culture. One of the products that is particularly Dutch, and relatively new, is the Dopper water bottle, which was launched in October of 2010 as an attempt to combat plastic pollution by single use water bottles. While in the Netherlands, I saw these water bottles everywhere, and it seemed to be especially popular among young adults. As a designer, I was interested in getting my hands on one for myself and exploring what made them so popular, and potentially how their popularity reflects the culture they were produced in.
The bottle is created with a three-part design. The top component of the bottle can be unscrewed to create a drinking opening of a normal size for a bottle. The second part of the bottle, when still attached to the first part, can be unscrewed to create a cup in which the water can be poured into. At first, I was hesitant about the three-part design, as anything that is created to be water-tight is usually created with as few parts as possible that can be unscrewed. However, having the water bottle allowed me to see that the possibility of leaking seems rare for a typical user, given that the seals of the bottle are intact over time. My expectations were exceeded and the product itself convinced me of its durability.
I found that the Dopper reflects elements of Dutch culture in many ways. The sustainable intention behind the bottle reflects the established relationship between sustainability and dutch design. Furthermore, the Dopper reflects the pace of life within Dutch society. Being able to transform the bottle into a cup signifies a change of pace within one's day, similar to transitioning from traveling on a train to spending an afternoon leisurely walking or sitting in a cafe or park. Additionally, the cup component of the bottle hints to the importance of socializing, as it offers the opportunity to share with others.
Image From: shop.dopper.com/dopper-original-dutch-dune