This iconic Duralex Picardie tumbler is the embodiment of good design

Every designer has a go-to piece of item when it comes to the topics of “this is what good design is supposed to be!” and I’m no exception. However, unlike other product designers who reply this statement with their favorite apps, websites, or gadgets, I always point to the French bistro-style Duralex Picardie tumbler as a pinnacle example of good design.

Personally, as a long time user of this elegant yet utilitarian tumbler, I deeply understand why this piece of glassware stood the test of time. To illustrate how insanely well-designed this French icon is, I’m gonna evaluate this tumbler with Dieter Rams’ famous 10 principal of good design.

1. Good Design is Innovative

Made after WW2 with the innovation of tempered glass process, the Picardie showcase a technological marvel of its time. It was durable, well-balanced, and this new material endowed the tumbler to handle hot liquids just as well as cold. Notably, when broken, it shatters into small, relatively harmless crumbs, rather than dangerous shards.

In 1961, Duralex made another leap of innovation with its first “mass-tinted” glass. A revolutionary technique that captured mineral inside the glass to create funky deep colors that stay vibrant. Even after years.

2. Good Design Makes a Product Useful

After using this tumbler for about a year I understand its popularity not only relies on aesthetic but also how utility it is. Firstly, it’s stackable, handy for saving space in bistro environment. Secondly, the Picardie has a wide open mouth that is extremely easy to clean. It also dry perfectly, without leaving any mark. Moreover, the lips is also slightly curved, which help pouring water without spilling. Lastly, the curve is also ergonomic designed to nest the drinkers finger for an firm holding pose.

3. Good Design is Aesthetic

The Picardie beauty lies in their iconic upscale yet rebellious appearance. Introduced in 1954, the bevelled profile and bold lines was a reminiscent of wine goblet, albeit without the stem. Its nine faceted sides create a captivating interplay of light through the liquid within, elevating even the humblest beverages. Meanwhile removing the stem allows the glass stackable, handy for saving space. This harmonious blend of elegance and functionality has endowed Duralex to conquered the tables in bistros, brasseries, and cafés worldwide.

In the 1950s, the Picardie entered our culture through the Beatnik movement, where a group of anti-culture folks pour rough Algerian vin rouge to Picardie cup. This rebellious sentiment is still be sensed until now, when we can see James Bonds holding a shortie Picardie, with a scorpion in his hand.

4. Good Design Makes a Product Understandable

While everyone instinctively knows how to hold a tumbler, the Picardie’s design takes this intuitive understanding to the next level. Upon grasping the Picardie. users naturally rest theirs finger around the contour scallop section of the cup. This ergonomic feature serves as a supporting point to hold the glass. guiding the drinker’s grip without any instruction.

The contoured shape of the Picardie transcends mere aesthetics; it functions as a subtle yet effective guide, enhancing the product's usability and making it inherently more understandable to the user.

5. Good Design is Unobtrusive

The upscaled design of the Picardie blends well in almost every environment, whether it’s a family kitchen table, or on a red-and-white chequered tablecloth in a bistro. It feels more refined than most normal glassware, but not so fancy that you feel silly drinking juice from it in your pajamas. In fact, you’ve properly seen without noticing a Picardie being served in your local chic cafe, or on a hand of a celebrity on your TV.

6. Good Design is Honest

The Duralex Picardie stays true to its materials, purpose, and functionality. The thick temper glass reflects a strong, durable material. It feels refined and pleasantly design to hold your liquids, whether it is hot or cold. Its clear glass material elevate the liquids and add a touch of elegant through its contour shape without overshadows the content inside.

7. Good Design is Long-lasting

As mentioned earlier, the Duralex Picardie is made from thick temper glass from a French manufactures. As expected from an Europe brands, this cup is built to last. The NYT do ran a drop test to check the durability of this tumbler, and it still holds it own, as their second-most durable cup with “13 drops onto a hardwood floor and eight drops onto a marble slab from a height of 3 feet.”

8. Good Design is Thorough Down to the Last Detail

After using the Picardie for about a year, I notice some hitpicks that show the French’s attention to details. First of all, the wide lips with slight curve not only pleasant for your lips, but also make it easy to pour liquid to another cup. Secondly, my 310ml version is divide into 3 section, each is 100ml (the last 10ml is reserve in order not to spill the water), which makes it a interim measurement cup whenever I’m in a pinch.

9. Good Design is Environmentally Friendly

Glassware by nature is reusable, which is more environmental friendly than one-time paper or plastic cup. Most importantly, it also more durable than most glass, and don’t have smear or marks after using it for a while. This allows the cup to last for a long time without losing its aesthetics. As a results, it reduced overconsumption and reduce waste.

10. Good Design is as Little Design as Possible

The Picardie is a testament of form follows function, while still hold true to its aesthetics. Every curve serve its purpose to help the drinkers pleasantly enjoy the drinks, or the baristas stack them to save space. There’s no extra part in this timeless design. It feels both classic and modern while being neither.

Conclusion

Good design is timeless, that’s why the Duralex Picardie beloved for decades in families and restaurants all over the world.