Mind[full]ness : mindful dining experience

• Main Author: Quek, Joanne Poh Hoon
• Other Authors: Chalit Kongsuwan
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2016
• Subjects: DRNTU::Visual arts and music::Design::Product
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/67068
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

In the age of advanced technology, the introduction of personal mobile smart devices has become a huge contributing factor to a modern man’s multitasking habits. Doing multiple tasks at a time is a norm in today’s culture: texting while walking; replying emails in between an work assignment; or even illegally calling someone while driving. The constant need for attention from multiple tasks pulls one away from focusing solely on the experience of the main current task, leading to an overwhelmed mind and mindlessness during the main task. This project explores the concept of mindfulness, specifically during meal time, in hope to calm our mind and enhance our dining experience. Based on studies of Chabris and Simons (2010) and LeBel and Dubé (2001), the fact that human are only capable of focusing fully on one task at a time and will achieve optimal moment-to-moment experience while doing so prompted the direction of the project. The project seek to find methods to get the full attention of the user and prevent them from multitasking at the dining table. The final outcomes, in the form of a set of unconventional tablewares, was inspired by the work of Benoît Malta, Inactivité, and the traditional pillow used by geishas called Takamakura. The set of tablewares, a bowl and two plates accompanied by a placemat and serving tray, used the concept of creating the illusion of unwanted consequence through its unstable form to get the attention of users back to the moment of food preparation, serving and dining. It requires the continuous awareness of body movement in the moment of usage leading to mindfulness in the act. Designed to be used in a conceptual-based restaurant in Singapore, the final outcome will benefit those who work or dine there. The final outcomes seek to introduce the idea of mindful eating to the public by allowing anyone who is keen to experience a short meal session using the tablewares.