TYPE TU Delft, MSc course: Exploring Interactions, individual work
TIMELINE Sep '21- Jan '22
ASSIGNMENT Design a new interaction
TOOLS & METHODS Interviewing, Quick prototyping, Video editing (Premiere Pro), Lasercutting
Experience a tasty bug meal together!
During the course, I have been exploring the fine line between being scared and excited about edible bugs. I have created an exciting, curious, and little awkward experience. At least I know that I have overcome my fear of bugs...
Design Goal
My design goal is to make non-vegetarians who dislike insects, explore different types of bug dishes over dinner together with friends or family.
Interactions
To draw inspiration and shape the desired interaction, I used the analogy of going on a Tinder date. A Tinder date is often exciting, unpredictable, and sometimes a bit awkward—an experience filled with anticipation and surprise. I wanted my product to evoke these same emotions, creating a sense of curiosity, engagement, and a bit of playful unpredictability.
The dishes are concealed beneath these bowls, sparking curiosity and inviting exploration. Each bowl represents one of four levels of bug-based dishes. The first level is the most approachable, with bugs mashed and blended into the dish, making them virtually invisible. At the highest level, however, you’ll encounter a whole, crunchy bug – yuck?
Experimental user tests
The course named Exploring Interactions was mostly focused on finding different ways of doing research and experiments to get a better understanding of the interactions and emotions of the user. I have done observations, interviews, desk research, provoking experiments, and creating probes in order to gather insights. In the pictures below you can follow my process.
Brainstorming
Bugtinder, what do people like?
tasting experience
experiment set-up, 4 ways of presenting
cupcake crumble topped with mealworms
sharing food concept
experience dinner two
prototyping
Testing the prototype
Reflection
During this individual project, I developed alternative approaches to exploring interactions and evaluating designs. Creativity and an element of fun were essential in keeping participants engaged during testing. I enjoyed encouraging people to step out of their comfort zones in a gentle and approachable way. This project became a continuous journey of questioning our food habits, examining the ethics of eating animals, and confronting fears with curiosity and openness.
