ShyenYi Low
Food for Thought was an award-winning art installation intended for display at Piazza del Duomo to promote Milano Expo 2015. It was part of a series of installations located off-site from the Expo and was expected to attract over 1000 visitors daily.
Food For Thought
Background
Food for Thought was comissioned to rasie the social awareness of food waste that reflected with the values of Milano Expo 2015.
As A Product Designer:
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Collaborated with architects and interior designers to develop a food waste reduction concept.
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Designed products aligned with the Expo’s sustainability values.
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Created mood boards to maintain consistent visual themes.
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Mapped out user journeys to understand interactions and enhance the user experience.
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Integrated architectural and interior design elements into cohesive product solutions.
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Researched sustainable practices to guide product design decisions.
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Worked closely with the team to ensure the concept supported environmental goals.
Food Waste was a heavy topic that difficult to attract visitors
Despite the critical importance of addressing food waste, engaging visitors on this topic remains challenging, resulting in limited awareness and action.
Limited space impedes smooth navigation flow
The team faced a challenge due to the limited space available for creating an engaging and meaningful installation at the Piazza.
Studied visitors' demographics during the expo
The team investigated the demographics of visitors to understand how to design a storytelling method that engages and resonates with them. The visitors were found to be personas who came in groups or individually, intended to learn, and had a strong interest in art and the environment.
The incorporation of designated topics in each section with unique storytelling made the content more relatable and comprehensible for target groups.
Immsered edutainment via interactions
Installed interactive stations in the core area that allowed visitors to engage with and learn about food waste topics through playful and interactive experiences, aiming to reduce the heavy burden of the subject on visitors.
Used shade and nature lights to instigate shifting moods inside the installation
The installation's transition from darkness to brightness allowed visitors to experience a shift in mood from confusion to enlightenment. This design decision aimed to uplift visitors' spirits after delving into the weighty topic of food waste.
Used circular shape to address limited space of use
The design incorporated perforated aluminum panels and laminated oak as exterior materials, creating a UFO-shaped installation. The goal was to maximize space usage and attract visitors. To reduce electricity consumption, the design included an open ceiling to allow natural light to illuminate the installation.
The Installation at night
The look at the night time illuminated the street of Milano.
Impact
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Successfully delivered a high-quality proposal within a tight three-month deadline.
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Developed 3D models and prototypes that clearly communicated design concepts to the team.
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Enhanced my modelling skills by creating detailed product designs under strict time constraints.
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Effectively managed time under pressure, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
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Overcame challenges in hardware and material sourcing through resourceful problem-solving.
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Maintained smooth project progress by improving teamwork and communication despite supply and time pressures.
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Successfully delivered a high-quality proposal within a tight three-month deadline.
-
Developed 3D models and prototypes that clearly communicated design concepts to the team.
-
Enhanced my modelling skills by creating detailed product designs under strict time constraints.
-
Effectively managed time under pressure, ensuring timely completion of tasks.
-
Overcame challenges in hardware and material sourcing through resourceful problem-solving.
-
Maintained smooth project progress by improving teamwork and communication despite supply and time pressures.
Thank you for your time!
