Bio

Daniel is a creative designer with a background in Journalism, UX (User Experience) and Product Design. Driven by the art of redefining meaning, he thrives on infusing thought-provoking elements into every project, extending his goals beyond mere visual appeal. Through innovative twists embedded in his creations, he aims to spark conversations and promote discussions around controversial topics.

Project description

Dinnaware presents a thought-provoking collection of three cutlery sets, each symbolising aspects of a distinct eating disorder: Anorexia, Binge, and Bulimia. These sets aim to raise awareness, cultivate empathy, stimulate dialogue, and prompt deep introspection.

It is crucial to clarify that the target audience for this design is not individuals with eating disorders but rather people who may not have experienced them. The objective is to convey the aesthetics, emotions, and functionality - or lack thereof - associated with these conditions by employing familiar objects like cutlery as the medium.

Through interaction with these utensils, individuals embark on an immersive journey into the complex realities of eating disorders. Each piece serves as a tangible visual, functional, and experiential representation of the challenges and hardships confronted by those affected, serving as a conduit to their perspectives on a more profound level.

Users are urged to confront biases and stereotypes. To accomplish this, Daniel experimented with various elements such as forms, shapes, colours, weights, materials, and textures. The ultimate aim is the creation of designs that nurture empathy, understanding, and awareness regarding these mental health conditions by instigating thought-provoking encounters for individuals untouched by them.

ANA Set

» ANA embodies Anorexia Nervosa in this design series, aiming to depict the struggles of individuals with the condition.

» Utensil forms symbolise restriction and difficulty eating, resembling bones to represent the toll on the body.

» Casted bronze was chosen for its weight, nodding to excessive exercise common in Anorexia Nervosa.

» Chrome finishing highlights the societal glamorization of thinness and the paradox of not eating being celebrated. Its mirror-like finish combined with exaggerated ‘body’ parts in utensils emphasises body dysmorphia and dysphoria.

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BEC Set

» Set represents Binge Eating Disorder, with large, wide pieces facilitating rapid food consumption.

» Pieces are designed to stand, symbolizing binge as a reward.

» Materials: bronze cast, plated in 24-carat yellow gold for visibility, symbolizing impulsive urges and planned triggers.

» Evolution from shovel-like forms to ‘claws’, inspired by the primitive nature of the disorder.

» Silicone handles resemble skin texture, coloured red to stimulate appetite.

» Matte finish avoids reflecting metal, reinforcing the narrative of post-binge haziness.

 

 

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MIA Set

» Final set aims to capture the abstract nature of Bulimia.

» Utensils have double-ended designs, made from porcelain.

» Porcelain symbolises the purging site; the wire outline represents the post-purge sensation and unsupportive nature of carrying food.

» Weight causes the porcelain end to dip, resulting in the unintended dropping of food.

» The mechanism allows the wire outline to rotate, mirroring the turmoil of the Bulimia cycle.

» The fork features four prongs on one end, and two on the other, symbolising the vomiting habit.

» The design encourages contemplation and empathy toward Bulimia complexities.

 

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Product Interaction Video

The project’s primary goal was to validate whether the designed objects effectively conveyed the experiences of eating disorders through their aesthetics, functionality, and use. To achieve this, I organised a dining location where the pieces were placed under cloches, with a server assisting throughout the session. As the designs were intended to evoke experiences similar to their respective eating disorders, I observed and recorded their reactions closely from three different angles.

Following the interaction, I revealed the true representations of the designs and asked them if they felt the objects successfully communicated the intended messages. Additionally, I inquired whether they felt more aware or empathetic toward individuals with eating disorders after the experience.

All participants were acquainted with me but had no prior knowledge of the pieces before the shooting.

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Product Design - BA (Hons)
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