supervised by Louise Ravnløkke, Karl Alexander Sejrup
course: transforming practices, 2024
team: Rusty J. Paul, Iben H. Hersoug
Mealtime is more than just eating, it’s a moment of connection. togather is a framework that helps families create personalized dining rituals by stacking tiles, each representing an element of the experience.
Through research, prototyping and testing, we developed a system that transforms routines into meaningful moments. The final outcome is a customizable set of tiles and a frame, making rituals tangible and guiding families towards shared, intentional dining experiences.
the framework
At the heart of 'togather' is a set of modular tiles that guide families through a shared mealtime experience. Each tile represents a different aspect of dining, such as preparation, cooking, conversation, and reflection, helping to create a structure that balances routine with spontaneity.
Theme
Sets the mood and focus of the meal.
Cooking
Guides meal preparation and involvement.
Education
Introduces learning through food and stories.
Communication
Sparks conversations and shared moments.
We started by investigating how families connect through food, drawing from interviews, field trips and personal interviews.
By mapping insights and analyzing past practices, we explored the role of rituals in strengthening relationships.
concept development
Through sketching, prototyping, and iterative testing, we developed a modular system that makes mealtime rituals tangible. Inspired by diverse cultural traditions, we refined the interaction and structure to encourage meaningful engagement.
Material & Form
Testing with different materials, colors, and formats helped shape an intuitive and inviting experience. Furniture linoleum was selected for its durability and warmth, while color coding guided the user’s journey from preparation to dining.
testing & refinement
Family testing sessions provided key insights into usability and interaction. By observing how users engaged with the tiles and framework, we adjusted the system to enhance clarity, accessibility, and personalization.
from meal to ritual
Once assembled, the ritual frame guides families through their chosen structure while allowing creativity. ‘togather’ strengthens social bonds (SDG 3), promotes food sustainability education (SDG 4) and encourages responsible consumption (SDG 12). It turns mealtime into a meaningful opportunity for connection and learning.