Picnics may be a fun and relaxing way to enjoy a sunny summer afternoon, but they can also be messy and insect-infested; the Napkin Table hopes to change that part of the experience. It provides an unusual alternative to the traditional picnic blanket. Instead of resting on the ground to be sat on (and crawled over by colonies of ants), the Napkin Table is worn around the necks of the two picnickers. This elevates the surface above the ground while also protecting their clothes from accidental spills.
The Napkin Table was designed by Michael Jan, an industrial design graduate from Tunghai University in Taiwan. Although this elongated and shared bib might seem like a disaster waiting as well, it boasts cup holders and a flat surface to eat off of.
Wearable Picnic Blankets
The Napkin Table by Michael Jan Doubles as a Bib
Trend Themes
1. Wearable Picnic Blankets - Trend: The Napkin Table offers a wearable alternative to traditional picnic blankets, providing a unique picnic experience and addressing issues of messiness and insects.
2. Elevated Picnic Surfaces - Trend: The Napkin Table's design highlights the demand for elevated picnic surfaces, offering a disruptive innovation opportunity to create more comfortable and clean outdoor dining options.
3. Multi-functional Picnic Accessories - Trend: The Napkin Table's integrated cup holders and flat eating surface point towards the growing market for multi-functional picnic accessories, opening doors for innovative picnic product designs.
Industry Implications
1. Outdoor Recreation - Industry: The Napkin Table's wearable picnic blanket concept creates opportunities for disruptive innovation within the outdoor recreation industry, redefining the picnic experience.
2. Design and Fashion - Industry: The Napkin Table's unique blend of functionality and fashion presents an innovation opportunity within the design and fashion industry to create stylish yet practical picnic accessories.
3. Food and Beverage - Industry: The Napkin Table's integrated cup holders and eating surface cater to the needs of food and beverage companies seeking disruptive innovations in outdoor dining experiences.