Can good design make insects more appetizing and reduce effects of famine? Designer Katharina Unger thinks so and has invented a new kitchen appliance to test out her icky idea.
Could insects soon be part of our diet? —
Can good design make insects more appetizing and reduce effects of famine? Designer Katharina Unger thinks so and has invented a new kitchen appliance to test out her icky idea.
Courtesy Katharina Unger / Wired
Frog Design founder Hartmut Esslinger used clever industrial design to make personal computing a reality over 30 years ago when working for Apple. Now his student, Katharina Unger, is trying to use industrial design to make insects a delicacy.
Making the disgusting delightful —
Frog Design founder Hartmut Esslinger used clever industrial design to make personal computing a reality over 30 years ago when working for Apple. Now his student, Katharina Unger, is trying to use industrial design to make insects a delicacy.
Courtesy Katharina Unger / Wired
Not only did Unger have to contend with the typical design challenges of aesthetics and manufacturability, she also needed to become an expert in the reproductive habits of flies.
Life of fly —
Not only did Unger have to contend with the typical design challenges of aesthetics and manufacturability, she also needed to become an expert in the reproductive habits of flies.
Courtesy Katharina Unger / Wired
While researching the concept, Unger found she didn't mind the taste of bugs, but the feel freaked her out, so she designed the system so the insects were never in users hands.
Tasty bugs —
While researching the concept, Unger found she didn't mind the taste of bugs, but the feel freaked her out, so she designed the system so the insects were never in users hands.
Courtesy Katharina Unger / Wired
Maggots march themselves into stomachs, by way of a collection bin. "The self-harvesting should be celebrated and visible, therefore the migration ramp is highlighted," says Unger. "In this way, the user always stays informed about every stage of the lifecycle."
Maggot migration —
Maggots march themselves into stomachs, by way of a collection bin. "The self-harvesting should be celebrated and visible, therefore the migration ramp is highlighted," says Unger. "In this way, the user always stays informed about every stage of the lifecycle."
Courtesy Katharina Unger / Wired
Black soldier flies are an ideal insect to eat — they reproduce quickly and will "harvest" themselves if the right structure is in place. The larvae are over 40% protein and are an excellent source of calcium and amino acids.
Tomato and larva risotto —
Black soldier flies are an ideal insect to eat — they reproduce quickly and will "harvest" themselves if the right structure is in place. The larvae are over 40% protein and are an excellent source of calcium and amino acids.
Courtesy Katharina Unger / Wired
You may not like the result, but simple calculations show bugs at the top of the protein power rankings.
Protein power —
You may not like the result, but simple calculations show bugs at the top of the protein power rankings.
Courtesy Katharina Unger / Wired
So, will Katharina Unger's maggot making appliance fly off the shelf? It mite bee a while.
Making a buzz —
So, will Katharina Unger's maggot making appliance fly off the shelf? It mite bee a while.
Courtesy Katharina Unger / Wired