Sliver-Touch: A Smart Refrigerator Revolutionizing Food Storage

Fang Cheng Dong & Hai Meng Fang's Innovative Design Combines Biometrics and Micro Wireless Projection

The inspiration behind Sliver-Touch came from a common problem: food spoilage due to forgetfulness or lack of awareness about expiration dates. Traditional refrigerators can slow down bacterial growth but cannot prevent food from deteriorating. The designers saw an opportunity to address this issue by creating a refrigerator that not only stores food but also keeps track of its freshness and storage period.

What sets Sliver-Touch apart from other refrigerators is its unique ability to record the user's identity and transform it into labels. These labels, projected onto the food items through a wireless projector, provide information about the food's freshness and storage period. This feature allows users to prioritize the consumption of food items that are nearing their expiration dates, thereby reducing waste.

The realization of Sliver-Touch was made possible through the use of mature biometric technology and micro wireless projection technology. The refrigerator features a mini wireless projector on each shelf and a built-in fingerprint sensor and biometrics device in the handle. The outer layer is made of Silver Nanowire Films, adding to the appliance's sleek and modern aesthetic.

The design process for Sliver-Touch began in May 2013 and concluded in August 2014. The designers conducted extensive research to understand people's concerns about food safety, especially in households where multiple families share a refrigerator. The solution they arrived at – a smart refrigerator that projects information onto food items – addresses these concerns effectively without compromising on food storage.

Despite the challenges faced in visually representing food information in a way that is easy to understand and suitable for all kinds of food, the designers were successful in creating a light label system that uses different colors to indicate different levels of freshness. This system can be projected onto any food surface, making it a versatile solution to a common problem.

In conclusion, Sliver-Touch is a groundbreaking design that combines modern technology with practical functionality. Its unique features not only make it a smart appliance but also a tool for promoting healthier and more sustainable lifestyles. As Fang Cheng Dong and Hai Meng Fang continue to innovate and push the boundaries of design, we can look forward to more creations that challenge the status quo and redefine our everyday experiences.