OB004 → Nijntje Dumpling Vorm
Nijntje Dumpling Vorm (2024)
Material: plastic (FDE, Dishwasher safe)
DISCLAIMER: The design project showcased on this portfolio was created as an academic assignment and is not affiliated with or endorsed by HEMA or the owners of the Miffy trademark. The use of the Miffy trademark in this project is purely hypothetical and intended for educational purposes, as part of a conceptual proposal for a potential collaboration with HEMA, which carries a line of Miffy products.
This design is not available for commercial sale, and any rights related to the Miffy trademark remain with their respective owners. Should this concept be developed for commercial purposes, it will be done in full compliance with trademark and intellectual property laws, including securing necessary permissions from the trademark holders.
Children frequently show picky eating habits, a lack of vegetable consumption, and a predilection for unhealthy foods. According to research, teaching little ones to cook can enhance their willingness to try unfamiliar foods and eat healthier (Hwang et al.[2]).
By combining interactive culinary activities with character-themed food products, parents and caregivers can effectively encourage healthier eating habits in children. This hands-on approach enhances the food’s attractiveness and lessens resistance to new and healthier dishes (Hwang et al.).
For picky eaters, creatively sneaking vegetables into their favorite dishes can be particularly effective; incorporating veggies into familiar foods like pancakes, pasta, or ravioli makes them more appealing. This approach encourages healthier eating habits in a fun and engaging way (Levie [1] 140).
According to the official Nijntje[3] wbsite “Miffy appeals to children all over the world, instilling a sense of safety. Many children are able to identify with Miffy and her adventures. She is uncomplicated and innocent, has a positive attitude and is always open to new experiences.”
So what a better character to help children experiment with new food if not their brave friend Nijntje?
Knowing that most dutch children enjoy pasta and love Nijntje, I decided to incorporate the character into the design. This tool makes making ravioli easy and encourages families to cook together and explore new culinary creations. By making homemade food easy and enjoyable, the dumpling maker promotes healthier eating habits in a playful way. It celebrates the charm and appeal of Nijntje and inspires a positive approach to cooking that resonates with children’s love of both cooking and imaginative play, by filling dough with whatever ingredient they like (or don’t).
Testing the product:
1. Levie, Samuel. Eten Met Nijntje: verhalen voor de allerkleinsten, recepten voor de hele familie. Illustrated by Dick Bruna, 2019.
2. Hwang, Sunmin May, et al. “Familiarity Trumps Playfulness: Exploring Children’s Preferences for Playful Design of Vegetables.” International Journal of Food Design, vol. 5, no. 1, Dec. 2020, pp. 43–64.
3. “About Miffy.” Miffy, www.miffy.com
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