If you've ever wondered what it might be like to have a conversation with a tomato or share a laugh with a bunch of grapes, this talking food project will provide some satisfying answers. The Talkable Vegetables were created in a collaboration between Suda Lab and Hakuhodo i-studio’s HACKist creative lab and they were recently shown off at the Hakuhodo Prototyping the Future booth at SXSWi 2015. Aiming to bridge the connection between farmers, produce and grocery store shoppers, Talkable Vegetables involves a touch-activated technology that plays a recording of a farmer's voice to reiterate the authenticity and honesty to fresh farm-grown produce.
Although it might be startling to have broccoli and apples start talking to you in the store, this is a clever issue to address the issue of traceability in Japan's food market in light of numerous scandals. By establishing a direct connection with the farmer responsible for growing an item, this is a natural way to build trust with shoppers.
Interactive Produce Stations
Hakuhodo's Talking Food Prototype Lets Farmers Chat with Consumers
Trend Themes
1. Interactive Produce Stations - The trend of using interactive technology in produce stations allows for a unique and engaging shopping experience.
2. Traceability in Food Market - The trend of emphasizing traceability in the food market helps build trust between farmers and consumers.
3. Collaboration Between Technology and Agriculture - The trend of collaboration between technology and agriculture is creating innovative solutions to enhance the agricultural industry.
Industry Implications
1. Grocery - Grocery stores can benefit from implementing interactive produce stations to attract and engage customers.
2. Farming/agriculture - The agriculture industry can explore the use of technology to improve traceability and connect with consumers.
3. Food Retail - Food retailers can leverage traceability as a selling point to gain consumer trust and differentiate themselves from competitors.