Heed (utensils)

Problem of interest

Is there someone you know who might have an Eating Disorder?

Design focuses

Product Design Service Design Critical Design

THE HEED PROJECT

Created in partnership with NEDIC (National Eating Disorders Information Center), the HEED project aims to raise awareness of Eating Disorders and recognize that such a "silent" issue can go unnoticed and become deadly to those who are affected by it.

This project targets the physical and psychological behaviours of the disorders through a series of products to further educate families and the public about Eating Disorders.

PUT YOURSELF IN OTHER'S SHOES

The HEED project would like to facilitate a safe environment for patients, families of patients as well as the public where Eating Disorders can be discussed in-depth. Our learning kit let audiences capture knowledge and experience the mental trajectory of Eating Disorders - which traditional verbal and written materials are not capable of.

Workshops are held with professional doctors, psychologists and educators who will be using learning tools that are designed by the HEED Project. By participating, audiences gain access to our online network where information and online consultation regarding prevention, treatments of Eating Disorders are available.

Furthermore, both patients and families of patients are able to share their journeys, getting tips from each other and navigating through their struggles.

HEED LEARNING KIT

THE TORMENT OF EATING

Eating can be the most challenging task to people who have eating disorders. Due to various factors, which could range from physical to psychological, a patient will show certain reactions and behaviour at mealtime - which we often mistake for "bad manners" or "being picky".

EXPERIENCE A DISORDERED MEAL

This set of utensils show how eating a meal is like when someone has an eating disorder. Users go through discomfort and frustration while using the tools, which allows them to establish an emotional connection with the patients.

Each piece translates a different eating disorder behaviour and make eating unpleasant, time-consuming, including other difficulties such as chewing, swallowing, etc.

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#1 AVOIDANCE OF EATING

Designed for soup/liquid. In the body of the spoon lies a hollow channel, which causes fluid to flow backward into the food container

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#2 OBSESSIVE MEASURING

Designed for solid food. The fork can only carry a small amount of food at a time, else, it breaks in half.

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#3 SELF-INDUCED VOMITING

Designed for both solid food and fluid. The spoon body is long enough to trigger a gag reflex when being used.

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#4 PLAYING WITH FOOD

Designed for both solid food and fluid. The bowl is magnetic and will be attracted to any metallic utensils, making it difficult for users to pick up their food.