HAPTICS OF COOKING
A series of handy kitchen tools for the blind and beyond
IF Design Talent Award 2021 - Winner, Germany
James Dyson Award - National Winner, United Kindom/the Netherlands
Dezeen Awards 2021 - Longlist, United Kindom
Core 77 Design Award 2021 - Winner, United States
Ein & Zwanzig Award 2021 - Winner, Germany
Isola Design Award 2021 - Winner, Italy
Design Intelligence Award Shortlist 2021, China
Make me! Award 2021 - Final list, Poland
Graduate 360 Award 2021, China
Seeing might be believing.
Ironically, non-seers have
sharper senses and are attuned
to the environment much more
than those who see.
Naturally, we fear losing sight as we know the importance of vision. I designed a series of cooking tools to promote haptic flexibility and unpack the fear of not-seeing and not-knowing in what might be the most dangerous domestic space—the kitchen.
Sectional Cutting Board
Keeping food inside the cutting board is challenging when you can not see. The flat surface in the center is the cutting area. The cutted food will fall into the groove for collecting. And the knife could be stored beneath the board in order to prevent unexpected hurts.
Only from the perspective of sight, these tools might seem dysfunctional. However, it introduces a new side of functionality through the use of haptic sense. The monopoly of vision is questioned through its absence and the tools bring to light that "seeing" is not only visual.
Close Holding Knife
Cutting food without seeing sounds dangerous. Actually, it is safe if you have a handy knife. Due to the need for close connection to the food, visually impaired individuals prefer a small knife for better control. The knife is carefully designed with ergonomic functionality to feel like an extension of your hands.
Tactile Measuring Cup
Measuring water in a cup may seem simple, but for those who cannot see, it's a different story. Inspired by direct touch, our measuring cup features holes that allow users to feel the liquid. By lightly blocking the holes with their fingers, users can gauge the water level efficiently, preventing spills.
The kitchen tools are not only for the visually-impaired but can make everyone experience of cooking without sight and get the feel for haptic navigation and information processing, hands-on. By presenting cooking oriented by touch, the project aims to shorten the distance between the seeing and people who have no or diminished vision.
Warm Pan Lid
Being hurt by heat is one of the scariest things in the kitchen. The glass or metal pan lid is dangerous for non-visual people. The universal size wooden pan lid provides a safe touch and friendly haptic feedback. The grooved inner edge provides an all-rounded grab, and the shape could be used as a container for ingredients while cooking.
SENSORY PRODUCT INNOVATION & DESIGN
Studio Boey, based in the Netherlands, specializes in designing products that engage the sense of touch and extend beyond conventional perceptions. With a focus on empathy for evolving social issues, Studio Boey utilizes cognitive insights to identify opportunities for inclusive solutions and drive positive change.