Cafeteria, Self Service Counter Design 2010
As part of the undergraduate graduation project, I focused on a public space design, and conducted an extensive research involving observations and interviews to better understand user groups for cafeteria design. In the research, cafeteria kitchen and service process flows were reported by noting the actors, processes and human-object relations in the flow. The data gathered from these research efforts underscored the need for product development targeting two primary user groups for the cafeteria self-service unit. The first group consists of workplace employees who utilize the cafeteria during meal breaks. Emphasis has been placed on ergonomic solutions aligned with user-friendly scenarios, as well as the significance of aesthetics shaped by material and form choices in this space where they spend their break times. In contrast to the conventional industrial-style self-service counters, the developed design offers a unique departure from the factory environment, presenting a more dynamic and attractive aesthetic.
The second user group consists of personnel responsible for meal distribution in the cafeteria. Insights from interviews with a food engineer and service staff and observations during the service have played a pivotal role in shaping the design decisions. During these interviews, the food engineer highlighted a crucial point: the meal break, a common socializing time for all employees, is a working time for cafeteria staff.
In the existing design, I observed that the presence of metal two-tiered shelves, originally planned for placing filled meal plates disrupted communication by making it difficult for cafeteria staff and the employees to establish eye contact. In response to these findings, the surface for placing filled meal plates was positioned immediately above the surface where the service tray would slide, eliminating the obstructive shelves. The unit's various components were designed following a modular principle to create a cohesive whole.
Project Duration:
4 months
Research Methodology:
Interview, Observation, Actor Mapping, Flowcharts, and Journey Maps
Presentation Tools:
Rhinoceros 3D Modelling, VRay Rendering, Adobe Illustrator & Photoshop
As an extra... this is my poster design for our end-of-year graduation project exhibition, which was highly appreciated by my classmates. [Mezuniyet Projeleri Sergisi, 8-11 June 2010, METU KKM]
