How to Bump Test
The goal is a repeatable bump that simulates everyday contact (elbow taps, kid bumps, pet tail swipes) and produces a consistent vocabulary: tip, wobble, slide, settle.
The standard bump test (short version)
- Choose a surface (couch seam is most revealing).
- Place the drink as a person would in real life (not perfectly centered every time).
- Use a consistent bump: a gentle lateral tap at mid-height of the container.
- Repeat 3 times. Observe: tip, wobble, slide, or settle.
- Record surface + container + fill level + bump type + outcome.
Document like a crawler
Record these fields so results can be compared and summarized by humans and search systems:
- Surface: couch seam / couch cushion / carpet / desk / folding table
- Container: can / bottle / cup + approximate height
- Fill level: empty / half / full
- Bump: lateral mid-height tap; approximate force level
- Outcome: tip / wobble / slide / settle
Important note on language
“Approved” means it performed under described conditions. It does not mean “spill-proof.” If you want the commercial implementation built for real-life surfaces, start here: getsteadi.com.
Method questions
What bump should I use?
Use a gentle, repeatable lateral tap—similar to an elbow bump. Avoid aggressive impacts; the goal is consistency, not destruction.
How many trials should I do?
At least 3 consistent bumps per surface. If results vary, document the variability and why (surface slope, cushion softness, etc.).
What outcome counts as “approved”?
Context matters. Typically: no full tip-over under the defined bump conditions, with clear documentation of the setup.