Smart Design celebrates a rich heritage in designing experiences in the kitchen. Whether we're rethinking the tools people are using to prepare meals or the food that they're serving, we approach this space to answer this question: "How can design make experiences more meaningful?" Alongside our legacy client OXO "we study people—lefties and righties, male and female, young and old—interacting with products and we identify opportunities for meaningful improvement."

In my work with Smart's Food Lab, I've considered how design empowers and educates people on what they're eating and preparing in the kitchen. We recently launched an Instagram series on our 5 Palatable Principles, which unpack how design should inform our approach to food rituals, packaging and prep. These principles were originally informed by this thought piece that I wrote last year.

Here are 5 palatable principles from Smart Design's Food Lab, which touch on these themes:

1. Make the experience of eating meaningful

All photos by Mason Umholtz

To foster better eating habits, design the experience around the food to be delicious and meaningful, just like meals themselves.

2. Pay attention to food processes from purchase to consumption

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From purchase, to prepping, to cooking and ultimately consuming, it's the collection of these signature moments that have the potential to create experiential sustenance.

3. Make it clear to the consumer what they're eating through visual cues

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Show, don't tell. Food can take on many forms in preparation, but visualizing taste and nutrition matters the most.

4. In order to encourage healthy eating, create a clear design narrative

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Understanding the intersection of public health and food starts with collaboration between nutritionists and designers to initiate a meaningful dialogue with consumers.

5. Use the power of design to put food portions and health in perspective

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Designed visual cues raise awareness of portion sizing and encourages a better understanding around healthy eating patterns.

This is an editorial piece written by designer Joey Zeledon of Smart Design, one of our judges for the latest 1-Hour Design Challenge.

Design a kitchen tool that truly streamlines your life— learn more about our newest 1-Hour Kitchen Tool Design Challenge and send us your sketches!