Case Study 6:
IMPERIUM - An at home bar like experience aimed to track and slow down alcohol consumption.
Project Overview
IMPERIUM is a critical design project outcome for my final year of University.
The brief was to design a product that promotes discussion, encourages responsible drinking, and tracks alcohol intake. The brief was shaped by my initial research into the UK's problematic relationship with alcohol, which led to the research question: How can we challenge the UK's drinking culture and reduce consumption through a product?
Throughout the project, I was responsible for understanding the user, conducting primary research by speaking with individuals struggling with alcoholism, identifying the core problem, ideation, and developing a product-based solution. The most crucial aspect of this project was research, which involved attending AA meetings to engage directly with individuals impacted by alcohol dependency.
Solution to the Problem
This theatrical home bar kit promotes mindful drinking, featuring glass syringes that hold one unit of wine and one unit of spirits. The design slows consumption by requiring users to draw the liquid, encouraging a more controlled, deliberate drinking experience.
Impact of IMPERIUM
Many participants shared that IMPERIUM prompted them to reflect on their alcohol consumption, while offering a fun, thought-provoking, and impactful experience.
Reflection
To expand the reach of this project by creating a product accessible to individuals across various social classes.
To enhance the kit by making it more user-friendly, with a focus on simplifying the experience and improving ease of use for all users.