EcoDining: Redefining Portable Dining

Amos Zhu, Hana Feng and Zhao Xiong's Innovative UV Disinfection Tableware Case

The design team drew inspiration from the desire to provide customers with a product that would allow them to enjoy their meals outside of the home, while also promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle. The result is EcoDining, a new range of portable chopsticks and spoon case that provides UV disinfection functions. This innovative product not only offers a more convenient and environmentally friendly choice for diners, but it also challenges traditional eating habits by promoting the use of individual portions.

EcoDining is made from UV-resistant materials to protect the health of the user. The combination of stainless steel and polycarbonate not only creates a safe eating environment but also ensures a longer lifespan for the utensils under the disinfection and drying process. The product dimensions are 210 x 70 x 29.5mm, with the chopsticks and spoon measuring 17.6cm in length, a size determined through extensive experimentation and data analysis.

The design utilizes a magnetic open or close structure, replacing the traditional flip or slide lid. The UV light and heat tablets start working once the box is closed, reducing the number of steps the user needs to take. The combination of the magnetic lid and Hall Effect sensor simplifies the operation process, making it user-friendly and efficient.

The project, which started in June 2016 in Hangzhou and finished in June 2017 in Shenzhen, faced several challenges. These included finding ways to reduce the use of disposable chopsticks, creating an automatic turn-off system to save electricity, and ensuring the product did not need to be cleaned repeatedly, thereby reducing water waste. Despite these challenges, the design team was successful in creating a product that is not only innovative but also environmentally friendly.

EcoDining has been recognized for its innovative design features and has been awarded the Golden A' Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design Award in 2018. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding and trendsetting creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics.