Between Courses is a set of serving bowls intentionally designed to empower meaningful connection at the dinner table. Each bowl is delicately engraved with questions that deepen in intimacy, gradually revealing themselves as the meal progresses, inviting diners to engage in heartfelt conversations between each course.

The bowls invite diners to interact both socially and physically, as they can be rearranged to create new shapes and configurations at the table. This interactive, modular design encourages playful engagement, transforming the dining experience into a shared, creative activity that enhances connection through both conversation and hands-on interaction.

Research - Interviews & Empathy Mapping

Fabrication Process - 3D Model to Ceramic Castings

Prototype Testing & Feedback

User Testing and Research

Key Takeaways

  • People may not interact with the questions always, but appreciate their presence

  • Ergonomic form feels comfortable to hold
    When looking for things to fidget with, rearranging the bowls was comfortable and intuitive

  • Taller bowls hold a good individual snack serving vs, the shorter height

When given the design prompt from Collab and PMA - I knew I wanted to design something playful and fun, especially for small supper clubs and people who love to host. My process began with research, and I was able to get on a call with Amanda Schulman, a renowned Chef in Philadelphia. Her journey began with hosting supper clubs out of her college apartment and then her small NYC apartment and my conversation with her gave me the direction for my project.

My design process included exploring a new method of prototyping and design. Since the objects hold food, it was important to me to find a way to produce something in my final material, stoneware, but still keep my 3D modeled and intentionally engineered form. After 3D printing the shapes and stamps in resin,I created molds using plaster and casted with stoneware slip.

I brought my final serving platters to a restaurant and to a gathering alongside actual conversation cards to validate assumptions and gather feedback on my design.

Future Improvements

  • Create an even mix of questions on the inside and the outside, to provide conversation “starters” vs. “facilitators”

  • Add color to emphasize the playful nature of the form and invite interaction

  • Explore advanced fabrication techniques like laser engraving and underglaze transfers