exploring the phenomenon of absent-mindedness during mealtime, industrial designer hung lu chan has refined his original concept of what an ideal dining experience is — with the napkin table. his design emphasizes the relationship and interaction between two diners via a wearable product. 

 

 

napkin table: teaser
video courtesy of hung lu chan

 

 

hung lu chan’s napkin table is an experimental product that reflects on today’s social dining and how it is influenced by technology. indeed, with the distraction of digital media, it seems that people are growing more and more distant from basic communication — like paying attention to a friend sitting with us during a meal. therefore, through this project, chan wants to bring back the attention to the dining table and create a proper social dining experience. 

hung lu chan upgrades the napkin table experience
the napkin table is an experimental product reflecting on today’s social dining experience 
all images courtesy of hung lu chan

 

 

during the design process, chan has created three different prototypes to try and make the napkin table as stable as possible for daily use. at the end, he combines waterproof cloth and elastic steel which offer a light, small and sturdy product that can easily be shared by two people in any setting. one successful trial of that produt took place in a park, resulting in surprising interactions. 

hung lu chan upgrades the napkin table experience
a dynamic social experience at the park

hung lu chan upgrades the napkin table experience
several prototypes have been made to make sure the product is as stable as possible for daily use

hung lu chan upgrades the napkin table experience
the design brings the attention back to the dining table

 

 

napkin table: dining experience
video courtesy of hung lu chan

hung lu chan upgrades the napkin table experience
‘sharing is caring’ comes right into play 

hung lu chan upgrades the napkin table experience
napkin pocket 

hung lu chan upgrades the napkin table experience
napkin table can unfold into a dining base, and collapse back to a smaller size when no longer used

hung lu chan upgrades the napkin table experience
the product is made of waterproof cloth and elastic steel, making it lightweight and easy to carry around

 

 

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom