This work aims to challenge the way we see eating as a ritual, and change or ideas of vessels and utensils into something more than just a receptacle for food. After being inspired by Michel / Fabien and how their Goutè spoon allows people to focus on the tase and experience food. I aim to do the same with my two designs. I have created a utensil and a vessel that challenges how the user eats.
My utensil is inspired by the Goutè spoon, it is shaped like a tapered cylinder with a small spike at the thin end and a flattened bottom at the thicker end. The thin pointed end allows the utensil to be used as a fork, the user can stab the food and deliver it to their mouth. The flattened end is used similarly to a honey stirrer, being able to stir food as well as using this side to lick food off the spoon.
My vessel acts as a companion to the utensil. The vessel takes the form of a cave with a small opening in the centre of the rounded top. The top of the semi-circle lays flat, reversing the usual angel for a bowl. The vessel hides the food from the user removing the visual aspect of eating. The user is then surprised by what the spoon reveals when they remove it from the bowl.
These two designs slow down the user, allowing them to mindfully consume their food. These designs hinder the user in order to allow the ritual of eating to be slowed down. This results in the user savouring the food, and the ritual of eating becoming a meditative experience.
Design Iterations