Tong Lo
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DUO
2021
-> Tableware design
-> Design Psychology
-> Loneliness
-> Tableware design
-> Design Psychology
-> Loneliness
Cultivating commensality in solitary dining experiences.
DUO is a set of tableware designed to create commensal dining experience for people living alone in China, addressing psychological needs based on Self-determination theory
Research & Opportunity
空巢青年 (Empty nest young adults) refers to a group of 20-39-year-old young adults who lives alone in China. In 2018, 770 million young adults in China are single and adopted a solo living lifestyle. While this group of the population may have greater freedom and autonomy to take control of their life, the study has revealed a higher level of depression and anxiety suffering due to loneliness. Amongst other reasons, one of the key drivers to experiencing loneliness is due to the inability to form long-term and in-depth interpersonal relationships.
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After conducting research on dining habits with young adults who live on their own, we identified an opportunity in dining as the crucial time that exhibits commensality. Within Italian and Chinese cultures, food is to gather and express love. Dining creates a physical, contextual and temporal space for people to talk and enjoy the company of each other.
After conducting research on dining habits with young adults who live on their own, we identified an opportunity in dining as the crucial time that exhibits commensality. Within Italian and Chinese cultures, food is to gather and express love. Dining creates a physical, contextual and temporal space for people to talk and enjoy the company of each other.
Methodology
The design intervention focuses on addressing two psychological needs based on self-determination theory:
- Relatedness ‘close relationship with others’
- Facilitating long term relationships through dining
- Feeling the presence of loved ones, creating a sense of togetherness
- Autonomy ‘controls the course of one’s life’
- Active engagement with food instead of passive
- Feeling of independence and control over one’s health and diet
Design concept
DUO makes up for the lost interactions.
With the aim of bringing the joy of sharing food with others and strengthening the sense of presence, DUO comprises two parts: 1. Cutlery - connection
A set of curlery that creates subtle simulation of commensal dining, creating a mutual dining experience where both sides of the users can have their dining experience synchronised.
2. Plate - interaction
A dining plate that facilitates a connected and sensorial dining experience with loved ones through real-time interactions. Aesthetically pleasing presenation of food increases sense of satisfaction, making dining and intentional and almost ceremonial daily exercise.
Highlights
Interaction
-> Gesture design
-> Arduino prototype
-> Gesture design
-> Arduino prototype
Data flow
-> Cutlery interactions
-> Cutlery interactions
Product
