UMA Tableware by HAK Studio Merges Neuroscience and Design

HAK Studio presents UMA, a tableware collection born from research in gastrophysics—a branch of neuroscience that studies how sensory stimuli influence taste perception. The series features two pieces: a swirling porcelain dessert plate and a rough, unglazed, “salty” bowl.

Developed to assist individuals with reduced taste sensitivity—such as older adults or those who experienced taste loss following COVID-19—UMA explores how color, texture, and form can enhance flavor perception. Research by Professor Charles Spence of the University of Oxford shows that the brain forms expectations of taste before food ever reaches the mouth. Visual and tactile cues such as hue, material, and shape can intensify or alter flavor experiences, ultimately promoting healthier eating by reducing the reliance on sugar, salt, and other additives.

Guided by this scientific insight, HAK Studio designed a dessert plate that amplifies the perception of sweetness. Made of porcelain and finished with a glossy glaze, the plate features a swirling pattern reminiscent of confectionery—echoing the fluidity of toffee, strawberry cream, or melted chocolate. Each plate is individually crafted through a color-mixing process, ensuring that every piece is one of a kind.

The salty bowl complements the plate through contrast. Its exterior is left rough and unglazed, while the interior is coated with a smooth, quartz-like glaze. This juxtaposition of textures invites touch and visually references salt crystals. Inspired by Japanese tableware, the bowl’s proportions make it ideal for soups, stews, or rice-based dishes.

Throughout the design process, HAK Studio engaged with 20 participants—including older adults and individuals recovering from COVID-related taste loss. All reported an enhanced sensory experience when using or simply viewing the prototypes. Produced in a ceramics workshop in Copenhagen, UMA embodies a fusion of craftsmanship and neuroscience, illustrating how design can act as an extension of sensory health. By thoughtfully shaping form, texture, and color, HAK Studio demonstrates that tableware can do more than serve food—it can reshape the way we taste it.

Written by Otávio Santiago, a designer passionate about creating meaningful visual experiences through graphic, motion, and 3D design. Based between Berlin and Lisbon, he works across disciplines — from print and branding to digital and animation.