IUM: Sensory Tableware Set for Kids

Creating an Engaging and Interactive Eating Experience

Mealtime can often be a challenge for parents, as kids tend to get easily distracted and lose interest in eating. This can result in them not getting enough daily nutrients and wasting food. To address this issue, designer Yi-Hsun Hsu drew inspiration from sensory toys that attract children's attention.

Hsu conducted research in kindergartens and toy stores, observing that kids are captivated by sensory toys that stimulate their visual and auditory senses. With this in mind, Hsu developed IUM, a sensory tableware set that incorporates musical tones and heat-sensitive colors.

The color bowl in the IUM set is made of thermochromic material, which changes colors when it senses heat. This feature not only makes mealtime more visually engaging for kids but also teaches them to be cautious of hot food. The music bowl, on the other hand, has an inner surface made of hollow wood, divided into layers of different thickness. This design allows kids to produce different tones by scraping their utensils against the grooves while scooping up food.

One of the strengths of IUM is its ability to maintain kids' interest throughout the entire meal. The interactive nature of the tableware keeps kids engaged and encourages them to stay at the dining table. The asymmetrical shape of the music bowl prevents food from spilling out, adding to the playful interaction between the utensils and the bowl.

The IUM set includes a tray, a color bowl, and utensils. The tray measures 220mm x 330mm x 30mm, the bowl measures 140mm x 140mm x 60mm, and the utensils measure 150mm x 30mm x 15mm.

Yi-Hsun Hsu began working on the IUM project in January 2015 in San Francisco and completed it in May 2015. The design was exhibited at Lime Lab in May 2015. The intellectual property rights for IUM belong to Yi-Hsun Hsu.

IUM has received recognition for its innovative design. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Baby, Kids, and Children's Products Design category in 2016. This prestigious award is given to designs that demonstrate outstanding expertise, innovation, and artistic skill.

With IUM, mealtime becomes a delightful and interactive experience for children. By integrating sensory elements into tableware, Yi-Hsun Hsu has created a solution that not only keeps kids focused on eating but also fosters exploration and learning. IUM is a testament to the power of design in enhancing everyday experiences.