Louise Knoppert: Proef

Young product designer Louise Knoppert developed a set of tools for people who have difficulties eating and drinking that includes a variety of sensations, flavors, feelings, movements and actions.

Every year, around 5,000 people in The Netherlands have a tube installed in their stomachs permanently for tube feeding. All food is being pumped into their stomach directly. Many of these people are capable of living regular lives like us, except they are not allowed to eat or drink ever again.

But there are more groups of people who have difficulties eating and drinking. These are people suffering from ALS, dementia, terminal illnesses, neurological disease, cancer or children who have troubles with food.

A life without food and drinks means also missing out on all the social events that revolve around it. Louise Knoppert wants to give these people something back, something to experience, something to share, inviting them to the dinner table again.

With the set of tools Proef you can create a new food experience. The set includes a variety of sensations, flavors, feelings, movements, actions, etc. The flavors are related to particular cuisines or events so people can relate properly to what others around them are having.

Louise Knoppert, Proef. Left: Ice. With this piece you can create a tiny layer of ice around the shape. Between the shape and the cap, which functions as a mould, is a flavorful liquid. After freezing you can take off the cap and enjoy the cold sensation with flavor and texture. Right: Roll. With this piece you can roll the flavor onto your tongue and lips, providing a massage and putting the flavors directly onto the taste buds at the same time

Louise Knoppert, Proef. Left: Foam. This piece must be shaken to create foam on the liquid inside. The flexibility makes sure you can squeeze out the foam, which will then make its way onto the textured surface. In the mouth, the foam reveals a flavor burst and it leaves a tingly sensation and sound in the mouth when it goes away. Right: Dip. This flexible piece is for dipping. After dipping it into a paste you can either lick it or brush it onto your tongue. The flexible arches make for a pleasant texture, and allow for playing around with

Louise Knoppert, Proef. Left: Sponge. This piece sucks up a liquid that can be squeezed out by using your mouth. The sponge feels soft, and the liquid inside is juicy. Right: Mist. Squeezing this piece will spray mist from it. The vapor leaves a pleasant sensation in your mouth, and flavor of course

Louise Knoppert, Proef

Proef
Design: Louise Knoppert

Louise Knoppert: Proef

Young product designer Louise Knoppert developed a set of tools for people who have difficulties eating and drinking that includes a variety of sensations, flavors, feelings, movements and actions.

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