Year
2022
TYPE
PHYSICAL
Category
INDUSTRIAL DESIGN
Project Duration
3 MONTHS
This project began by examining how visual impairment affects the sensory experience of eating. Through user interviews, observational studies, and analysis of tactile eating practices, it became clear that while functionality is often addressed, very few design interventions focus on enhancing pleasure for the visually impaired community. This gap revealed an opportunity to reimagine dinnerware not just as a tool, but as a source of sensory joy and empowerment.
The breakthrough came with the discovery of hedonic expectation. A neurobiological phenomenon where the brain anticipates flavor and enjoyment before food even enters the mouth, based on sensory cues like touch, sound, and movement. For the visually impaired, the absence of visual cues disrupts this anticipatory pleasure. However, cultural practices like eating with hands where food is touched, felt, and scooped, stimulate these alternate senses. This insight reframed the problem: pleasure in eating isn’t purely visual, it’s multi-sensory. Therefore, the design focused on activating tactile engagement to restore that anticipatory joy.
The development process began with a detailed study of existing dinnerware used by both visually impaired individuals and people who traditionally eat with their hands. Plates were analyzed and mapped to understand how finger-based eating movements interact with surface contours. Insights from this surface mapping led to the creation of prototypes exploring organic forms, ridge placements, and material textures that support intuitive scooping and food identification.
Inspired by the tactile quality of banana leaves, the final ceramic design features raised inner ridges for tactile stimulation and a fluid, organic form that naturally guides the fingers to scoop food. This not only teaches users how to eat with their hands but also enhances grip, orientation, and overall sensory satisfaction. Most importantly, preserving a sense of familiarity, comfort, and dignity at the table. Evidenced and tested with the visually impaired community in New York city.
