2015 Galleries
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Galleries // 2015 Spark:Concept // IUM
IUM
Winner - Bronze
Competition: Spark:Concept
Designer: Yi-Hsun Hsu
Design Type: a set of tableware for kids
Company / Organization / School: California College of the Arts
IUM (yum) is a set of tableware for kids ages 2-5 that maintains their interest in eating. Kids think that eating is a boring activity, so they don’t get enough daily nutrients and often waste food. How might we help kids to maintain their interest in eating? By making an enjoyable, interactive eating experience, IUM cleverly solves this problem by integrating both color and sound into tableware. The color bowl is made of thermochromic material, which changes colors when it senses heat. When heated food is placed inside the bowl, it changes color layer by layer. Since each layer is a different color, it lets kids explore and teaches them to be cautious of heat. On the other hand, the music bowl enhances the playful interaction between utensil and bowl. Its asymmetrical shape is designed to prevent food from spilling out. Since the thickness of each groove is different, it plays different tones depending on the layer the utensil scrapes while scooping up food. Kids will enjoy eating while playing music. IUM’s tableware set helps kids intake a sufficient amount of nutrients in a delightful way and eases the tension between parents and their kids at the dining table.