Project Overview
For Dutch Design Week (DDW) 2023, my team at DesignLab created an interactive installation called “The Cookery”, designed to spark conversations about desirable futures. The installation was housed in a shipping container and allowed visitors to reflect on their values and how they contribute to societal challenges using a metaphorical cooking experience. It was divided into three parts:
- The Pantry, where visitors chose ingredients representing their values.
- The Kitchen, where they selected an appliance based on their personality, and the system generated a “dish.”
- The Dining Table, where visitors reflected on how their choices could address societal problems.
My Contributions
- Concept Development: Worked collaboratively on the initial ideas and finalizing the speculative design concept.
- Logistics: Coordinated the setup of the shipping container and the transportation of materials.
- Design Work: Designed the ingredient labels and the informational panels, ensuring they were visually engaging and aligned with the theme.
Impact
- The installation drew hundreds of visitors, encouraging them to reflect on their values and their role in shaping the future.
- The Cookery is now part of DesignLab’s permanent exhibition, where it is used for educational and research purposes.
- This was a demanding project completed under a tight deadline and budget, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience. It allowed me to dive deeper into logistics and hands-on creation in a high-profile event like DDW.


