Can design tools like colors, shape and texture overcome mental blocks and encourage the acceptance of insect-based food?

In recent years, there has been growing interest in alternative protein sources, and one of the most intriguing options is insect-based protein food. Consuming insects is not only sustainable and environmentally friendly but also offers numerous health benefits. However, the main issue lies in people's reluctance to try insect-based food, often shown in expressions of disgust and sounds of 'Ew'.

Bites, as a design project, addresses this challenge by gently manipulating and nudging people to develop an interest in food normally rejected. It consists of a series of three chocolate praline designs that play with the motives behind people's appetite. Is it the colors, the texture, the shape, or is it all culture-based and education-driven?

Bites seeks to entice people to try small sweet praline containing grasshopper protein powder as a starting point, with the ultimate goal of helping them overcome their mental block.

So, go ahead and have a BITE.

Tags

inspired nature
renewable ressources
social design
zero waste

Supervisor(s)

Prof. Dr. Zane Berzina, Prof. Barbara Schmidt, Prof. Steffen Schuhmann, Prof. Dr. Lucy Norris, Andreas Kallfelz, Mina Mahouti