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USER STORYTELLING + DESIGN INTERACTION

An engaging physical and digital space for clientele

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Team of 13

OVERVIEW

Design rooted in learning and dining.

Client

Setting

Brookfield Sustainability Institute (BSI) &

The Chefs House

Telling the story of Toronto’s only student-led fine dining restaurant while adapting it to become a flexible, sustainably driven event and dining space. We propose a system that can benefit from an empathetic connection to nature, our senses, and the patrons to inspire sustainable integration. 

Time

5 Days

Role

Co-Facilitator
UX Writer

The Problem Space

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My Role

My role covered co-facilitation in the design process spearheading design sessions for 13-member interdisciplinary team that helped present to 20+ advisors and stakeholders

Results

A redesign proposal for a unique learning and dining experience at The Chefs' House

The Design Process

Ideation 

- Investigation

- Defining Challenge

- Idea Generation

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Concept

- Inspiration

- Evaluation

- Development

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Prototype

- Digital Prototype

- Marketing

- Pitch

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Observation Cluster

Reviewed site visit notes/questions to better understand the problem area and the experiences of the potential user and other stakeholders

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Primary and secondary research was used to inspire mind mapping 

In order to provide valuable user experience and brand identity to the end product, research explored the capabilities and that exploration fit into the scope of the project.

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The BSI asked, How might we reimagine a student run restaurant model to include sustainable design and service practices while providing an engaging physical and digital space for clientele?

Defining Challenge

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"Learning is the main ingredient"

Integrating ethical and sustainable materials and practices.

Explore additional revenue streams for the Chefs’ House.

Tell a story of the Chefs’ House integrated work and learning model for fine dining.

To ensure the objectives were met, a problem statement was necessary: 

As Toronto's only student-led fine dining restaurant having exceptional culinary talent, it needs a stronger experience design. It lacks a cohesive design system that facilitates stronger engagement.

Target Audience

Food Curious & Diverse student workers

Ideation Phase

The team produced scenarios using planning methods and mapped out key areas of exploration within those scenarios. 

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Collaboration style. Each of us had time to expand on our ideas and supported the direction going forward.
 

Resources. The design jam method was used to practice understanding the terms & ordering of the various elements.

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Concept

We propose a system that can benefit from an empathetic connection to nature, our senses, and the patrons to inspire sustainable integration. We call this solution: Immersion

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User Experience

We designed an experience centred around engagement through the observation of the student chefs:

Communication strategies will play a crucial role in telling the story of The Chefs' House. The interactive window display to reach a wider audience will involve showcasing the restaurant's unique sustainability initiatives, student-led learning model, and diverse culinary offerings available.

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We propose modular seating arrangements that can be easily reconfigured to accommodate the different group sizes and types of events

To achieve maximum seating capacity, the design prioritizes efficiency and flow by using wall-mounted fold-away seats. These arrangements will be made with sustainable wood material to include the community and cut down on the cost of sourcing.

1. PAINTWASHED BRICKWALL 2.

DEHYDRATED MOSS 3. LIGHT WOOD 4. CORK 5. HERBARIUM 6. STEEL BEAMS

Sustainable System

Usage

Design system

Ensuring non-invasive passive design as it helps us retain majority of the existing material and fits into the restricted timeline. Using sound proofing doors, while the green plants absorb the noise of the busy city.

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The appeal to the guests is the sounds of students working along with a natural ambience. The unique learning experience celebrates the culinary arts, including hosting themed events and wine tasting for the ultimate fine dining.

The sense of smell is a storytelling method with the seating arrangement.

Using ingredients such as parsley, mint, thyme, and rosemary as table accents, guests can touch, feel, smell, and use as garnish:

The Chefs’ House new sustainable restaurant identity and attraction to new clients 

Part of the project is evaluation, which is integral to the process of the design. Our evaluation was in a pitch presentation to advise our vision and understanding of the problem area.

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Results
A mindful approach to remodelling

The reimagined Chefs' House harks back to the goal of sustainability. Taking inspiration from nature, education through experience, and innovation with human senses at the forefront of the design.

Awarded 2nd Place

Issued by Brookfield Sustainability Institute · Feb 2023

Other Projects:

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