why this name?

Potbelly Pig

Pig Model
The final prototype of the Potbelly Pig.
photo by James Prinz

It is a piggy bank with the distinctive ability to physically grow. It starts out as shriveled as a raisin and gradually grows as one feeds it coins. It eventually fills up to the point that it's as big as a stuffed animal and the only way for the owner to extract the savings is to slaughter the pig by slicing open its belly stitches. The pig can be reused by resewing the belly.

Ideation Sketch Ideation Sketch Ideation Sketch Ideation Sketch Ideation Sketch Ideation Sketch
Initial sketches focusing on soft forms and a plant-based energy generator.
A piggy bank with a rubber belly that sags with weight and piggy bank that acts as a pinata.
A balloon piggy bank that explodes when stretched to its limit.
A tomato-themed bank in the kitchen.
A piggy bank in a desk environment.
A nest-egg themed bank.

Ideation

The intent was to create a visceral means to inspire people to save money rather then spend it. A precedent was set in the form of World of Warcraft. In the game, players can gauge their progress via changes in the game play experience and visual effects on their character. The result is emotional investment in the avatar. My challenge was to recreate this interaction with a physical object and to give people the conscious choice to harvest what they have gathered.

Prototype Model Prototype Model Prototype Model Prototype Model Prototype Model Prototype Model
Sketches for the form and construction of the piggy bank.
Various iterations of the piggy bank.
Coins flow out once the seam is ripped.
Person in the process of slaughtering a pig.
First prototype was too oblong and featured design flaws.
Second prototype was too heavy for most people to carry.

Prototype

I used the form of a traditional piggy bank so that I could draw upon its symbolism. The only difference between it and a traditional piggy bank is that it's made out of a pliable material. Leather was chosen as the final material because it implies an actual pig's skin and because it holds up better under the weight of coins. Early models featured a small belly slit that resulted in vulgar connotations when it sat with its legs spread and coins pouring out.

Prototype Model Prototype Model Prototype Model
As seen at the 2009 Salone Satellite in Milan.
photo by Helen Marie Nugent
As seen at the 2009 Salone Satellite in Milan.
photo by Helen Marie Nugent
As seen at the 2009 Salone Satellite in Milan.
photo by Helen Marie Nugent

Final

The final design is approximately the size of a stuffed animal and is just the right size to cradle gently in one's arms. The only exposed stitching lies along the belly where the owner cuts to reap what they've sewn. The belly seam is big enough that slicing it results in a cascade of coins.