TimeHue
TimeHue
Reusable, Zero-Tech Food Expiration Detection
Reusable, Zero-Tech Food Expiration Detection
TimeHue is designed for users who struggle to detect food spoilage by smell or tend to lose track of expiration dates. The specially designed lid indicates how much time the food has left, helping users avoid consuming expired food.
TimeHue is designed for users who struggle to detect food spoilage by smell or tend to lose track of expiration dates. The specially designed lid indicates how much time the food has left, helping users avoid consuming expired food.
Disciplines
Disciplines
Brand Design
Animation
Brand Design
Animation
Tools
Tools
Interaction Design
Craft
Coding
Interaction Design
Craft
Coding
CHALLENGE & SOLUTION
CHALLENGE & SOLUTION
Food waste is a common household problem, often caused by uncertainty about when food should be consumed. TimeHue explores how a simple, intuitive product can help people monitor food freshness without relying on digital technology.
TimeHue is a food storage system that uses a silicone plug and lid mechanism to indicate food freshness. Designed for four food categories—eggs, meat, fruits and vegetables, and bread—the product uses color-changing silica beads that gradually shift from orange to green as they absorb moisture. This visual cue signals when food should be consumed while it is still fresh.
Food waste is a common household problem, often caused by uncertainty about when food should be consumed. TimeHue explores how a simple, intuitive product can help people monitor food freshness without relying on digital technology.
TimeHue is a food storage system that uses a silicone plug and lid mechanism to indicate food freshness. Designed for four food categories—eggs, meat, fruits and vegetables, and bread—the product uses color-changing silica beads that gradually shift from orange to green as they absorb moisture. This visual cue signals when food should be consumed while it is still fresh.
HOW IT WORKS
HOW IT WORKS
The silicone beads inside the plug absorb moisture from the refrigerator over time. When the user reheats the plug in a microwave, the beads dry out and return to their original orange color, making the system reusable for continuous freshness tracking.
The silicone beads inside the plug absorb moisture from the refrigerator over time. When the user reheats the plug in a microwave, the beads dry out and return to their original orange color, making the system reusable for continuous freshness tracking.
REFLECTION
REFLECTION
Our design process included interviews and testing with users, including Pedro, an 80-year-old widower living independently. Through sketching, prototyping, material testing, and silicone molding, we explored how a simple product could fit naturally into everyday routines.
The experience reinforced my belief that effective design does not always require more technology. Sometimes the most impactful solutions emerge from understanding the properties of materials and leveraging them in creative ways.
Our design process included interviews and testing with users, including Pedro, an 80-year-old widower living independently. Through sketching, prototyping, material testing, and silicone molding, we explored how a simple product could fit naturally into everyday routines.
The experience reinforced my belief that effective design does not always require more technology. Sometimes the most impactful solutions emerge from understanding the properties of materials and leveraging them in creative ways.