Based on a definition taken from the Oxford English Dictionary, the design of the stepladder “hook” is simply inspired by a “hook”. Ladders and hooks do not seem to have so many common features at first glance in terms of form, size, and purpose of use.
However, both of them may somehow be related to the word «high», which is the reference point of this stepladder. The hook shape is used here metaphorically. A hook is in a relationship with the thing it carries/holds/connects.
The objects are «attached» or «connected» to it. These words are borrowed in this ladder design, since the metal part resembles a hook, and its main function is assembling/connecting the different parts of the ladder.
Although it is actually a connector to keep the parts together, it is a bit exaggerated in the design. This makes it look like the main piece that takes the attention easily and makes the ladder distinctive, which refers to the second meaning of hook (“a thing designed to catch people's attention”), whereas the function refers to the first and actual meaning (“a piece of metal or other hard material curved or bent back at an angle, for catching hold of or hanging things on”).
The overall shape of the ladder consists of relatively sharp and precise lines to give an elegant and stronger feeling. Therefore, also the hook is abstracted accordingly (more angular, yet keeping the typology).
The ladder has three steps with 20 cm distance between each, thus the total height is 60 cm. The dimensions are 40 x 40 x 60 cm. Last step has a larger surface area than the other two in order to make it more comfortable to stand on it.
The main material is massive ash wood with 18 mm thickness, which is strong and light. Only the last step on the top is glued wood in order to increase the strength. The secondary material is steel plate with 3 mm thickness.
Total weight is 4 kg. Suggested production method is CNC cutting for the wooden parts, and laser or water jet cutting for the metal part. Additionally, the steel part could be coloured by metal printing.
Different graphic options are possible for different tastes. The wooden part as well as the metal part can be in various colours and patterns to fit in many environments, e. g. classical, elegant, sportive, and young.
