DISCUSSION PLATES

Discussion Plates is a food subscription box for families of Chinese adoptees (ages 10-12), designed to foster identity exploration by allowing parents and children to cook traditional Chinese dishes together. The service includes weekly deliveries of appetizers, entrees, and snacks, along with a mobile app featuring cooking videos and cultural insights to spark discussions about culture and identity.

MY ROLE:

  • Create the product concept

  • Conduct research (literary research, user interviews, competitive analysis, etc)

  • Develop visual/brand identities and system design

  • Design packaging

HOW IT WORKS

1.

The box is delivered

2.

Cook with step by step instructions

3.

Watch an info video about the dish

4.

Share with other subscribers

5.

Eat and share a conversation

WHAT’S IN THE BOX?

  • App

  • Produce Box

  • Plastic Lining

  • Gel Packs

  • Resealable Bags

  • Partnership Branded Ingredients

  • Reinforcement Cardboard Layer

  • Seasoning Packets

  • Augmented Reality Component

  • Cooking Instructions

  • Nutritional Facts

  • Premixed Marinades and Sauces

THE APP

The app offers educational videos for each dish, a glossary for specialty ingredients, and a breakdown of meal kit components, including billing, tracking, and step-by-step cooking instructions. The design draws on conventions from meal prep apps like Hello Fresh and Blue Apron, while integrating learning tools like instructional videos.

SYSTEM DESIGN

The main challenge in designing the companion app was presenting a large volume of information in a user-friendly, non-overwhelming way for new cooks and users unfamiliar with the ingredients. Color coding dishes, using icons matching branded packaging, and simple copy streamlined the user experience.

VISUAL IDENTITY

The challenge with this visual identity was developing a fresh and inviting design that avoided stereotypical associations with Chinese culture, ensuring it felt welcoming to everyone.

THE LOGO

The spoon and chopsticks represent both Chinese and American cultures. Two intersecting speech bubbles form a plate at the center with the wordmark inside, symbolizing the convergence of people and conversation over food. The logo's outline acts as a placemat holding the plate, spoon, and chopsticks.

ICONS & ILLUSTRATIONS

The icons are interchangeable across three color sets for appetizers, main dishes, and snacks, with various silhouettes for utensils and ingredients. The food illustrations in the instructions incorporate all brand colors for added detail.