Milan / January 2021 / 6 people team
The Politecnico di Milano Design Department launched a call titled “Future Food Habits” focused on the evolving relationship between design and food, with a specific challenge on inclusivity.
Following the research, our team chose to focus on people on the autism spectrum, a minority often excluded today by design, and home pizza-making as a culturally familiar and socially meaningful food habit to explore.
Case studies and interviews with educators and autistic individuals clarified the key behavioral traits of the spectrum, highlighting how current tools and methods for making pizza at home are not accessible or user-friendly for this group.
1/5 An inclusive pizza kit
Slices is a complete home pizza kit designed for everyone, starting from people affected by autism. Through eight steps and a guide, it enables an easy and satisfying cooking experience for all.
2/5 A tool for each step
Considering sensory difficulties common in autism, especially when touching food, an ergonomic study was conducted. Dedicated tools were designed for each step, all featuring handles that keep hands clean.
3/5 Pizza test
A 1:1 functional prototype was then built using 3D-printed PLA, cardboard, and common kitchen tools. A first documented test covered all cooking steps and achieved a solid final result.
