Portfolio - Tobias Norheim

FAVN – Vestre Picnic Table

Duo, 11 weeks, spring 2025

Some people sitting around a picnic table

The goal of this project was to create a modular picnic table for elderly people and individuals with disabilities. Since wheelchair users often end up at the end of the table, my collaborator, Signe Stålegård, and I wanted to explore how this user group could be brought closer into the social circle that forms around a table—something that is especially important for people with hearing impairments. The picnic table was intended to be "thoughtful" in both form and function.

Picnic table stadning by itself on the grass

Close up of a wheelchair user's access under the table

Large radii give it a friendly appearance and create a tessellating pattern, allowing the shapes to fit together. Wheelchair users can easily sit under the table without the frame getting in the way, which helps include them more in the social setting. Elderly users are also considered through the integrated backrest and the absence of sharp corners.

Render of two picnic tables put together with a wheelchair

In the combined version, you can see that wheelchair users are positioned among the other people sitting at the tables, instead of ending up at the end.
It will be optional to have a steel edge along the sides of the table and benches to protect the wood and make it easier for people with visual impairments to see the outline of the product.
This project was a duo project carried out in collaboration with Vestre lasting 11 weeks.

Concept drawings.

Join In – Stokke Learning Tower

Solo, 5 weeks, fall 2024

Child standing in a learning tower in a kitchen

What does it take to get children involved in cooking?
Join In brings the child into the cooking process by inviting them up to counter height. The piece of furniture has its own work surface, allowing the child to cook at the kitchen counter, but they are not restricted to standing in one fixed spot.

To complement Stokke's product range, Join In features a friendly, energetic, and Scandinavian appearance. The material, beech wood, provides a natural look and avoids the use of plastic. Beech is ideal for this type of furniture due to its minimal knotting.

In line with Stokke's values of design that “grows with the child,” the standing platforms can be adjusted as the child grows. The top surface can also be removed if desired.
The product is assembled using only screws, allowing all parts to be replaced if repairs are needed. Additionally, the furniture can be flat-packed for efficient storage and transport.
This was a solo project in collaboration with Stokke lasting 5 weeks.

Svane – Design Signature Stool

Solo, 6 weeks, fall 2024

As an introduction to the industrial design specialization, I was tasked with designing a wooden seating object within 50x50x50 cm, incorporating my own design signature. In this project, I wanted to explore how I could shape a stool with elegant curves.

Close up of the stool's joints from the back

I ended up with a swan-like form—something that is not easy to create in wood. What it required was the lamination of 1 mm birch aircraft plywood.
The design explores how something as simple as a stool can be turned into a more exclusive product.

With Svane (Swan), I also wanted to explore how design can draw inspiration from nature's intriguing forms—and even allow you to experience that when sitting on the stool through its flexible and rocking character.
This was a solo project and lasted 6 weeks.

Wilfa Essential Grip – Immersion Blender

Trio, 5 weeks, spring 2024

An immersion blender made to better the experience of cooking for people struggling with rheumatism or poor grip strength.

Close up of the immersion blender's buttons

Close up of the immersion blender's blade part

The immersion blender has a top part that creates a platform to rest on your hand, while the big protruding button makes the use effortless. Minimal use of material helps in minimizing weight, making the handling even easier.

Physical model of immersion blender lying down

Physical model of immersion blender from the side

One shape is particularly recurring in the immersion blender: a rounded rectangle. This creates a stronger overall cohesion in the product.
This was a 5-week group project with two other students. The intended partner was Wilfa.

Process drawings of the immersion blender

Concept drawings.

Elv – T.H. Marthinsen Gourmet Cutlery

Solo, 3 weeks, spring 2024

Cutlery on a dining table in a gleamy light

This project was a collaboration with T.H. Marthinsen, where I was tasked to designed a silverware set. The task involved creating gourmet cutlery with a focus on uncompromising aesthetics and perfection for food and wine lovers.

Close up of the eating ends of the cutlery

The cutlery features a mirror-polished surface and shapes that not only appear elegant but also fit comfortably in the hand. This elevates the dining experience to the highest level.
The form that winds around the end of the cutlery gives it a distinctive character, making it easily recognizable.

Photoshop render of the cutlery in standard views

To reflect the gourmet meal, the cutlery is proud—expressed through its upright form when viewed from the side.
This was a solo project in collaboration with T.H. Marthinsen and lasted 3 weeks.

Physical models.

Nearness – Photo Realistic Drawing (Bonus)

Personal project, 30 hours, 2018

Photo realistic drawing of my hand and my grandfather's hand when I was three years old. Picking redcurrants.

Drawing of my hand and my grandfather's hand when I was three years old. Picking redcurrants. Drawn with pencil and charcoal.

Tobias Norheim Portfolio

Projects

Vestre Picnic Table

Stokke Learning Tower

Svane Stool