TastyFloats

Abstract

We present two realizations of TastyFloats, a novel system that uses acoustic levitation to deliver food morsels to the users' tongue. To explore TastyFloats' associated design framework, we first address the technical challenges to successfully levitate and deliver different types of foods on the tongue. We then conduct a user study, assessing the effect of acoustic levitation on users' taste perception, comparing three basic taste stimuli (i.e., sweet, bitter and umami) and three volume sizes of droplets (5µL, 10µL and 20µL). Our results show that users perceive sweet and umami easily, even in minimal quantities, whereas bitter is the least detectable taste, despite its typical association with an unpleasant taste experience. Our results are a first step towards the creation of new culinary experiences and innovative gustatory interfaces.

Gustatory interface: the challenges of ‘how’ to stimulate the sense of taste

“…This system can be integrated into a variety of interactive applications (e.g., notification system, gaming). The second concept, TastyFloats is a novel approach with high relevance for food interaction design, as it does not only allow the delivery of food morsels (liquid and solid items) from one place to the users' tongue but also opens up new design opportunities for HCI, such as enhance gaming experiences for single and multiple users (see [25] for more discussion on application scenarios). Moreover, TastyFloats has the potential to change user's taste perception and dining experiences.…”

“…Our intention is to systematically reflect upon those two concepts in the context of the other devices from prior work. Thus, we will highlight how the complete spectrum of all five basic tastes can be covered (concept 1, we refer to as TasteBud) and how a totally new delivery mechanism can be exploited (concept 2, we refer to as TastyFloats, see [25] for more details).…”

“…The technical implementation and first insights into its effect on users' taste perception are described in Vi et al [25]. Prior attempts of levitating food have been made by chefs such as Fernando Canales at Etxanobe (Bilbao) [1] and Anthony Martin at Morimoto (New York) [10] who are serving dishes on top of a levitating plate.…”

Levitating Particle Displays with Interactive Voxels

“…These particles can be many types of object/material (even liquid [26]). We envision a new type of display where each particle is a "voxel" (a pixel in a volumetric display) that can be used as a display primitive in mid-air.…”

“…TastyFloats [26] levitated food and liquid particles. Presenting 'meals' in this way altered the perception of taste and demonstrated a novel way of including taste in interaction.…”