TimeHue is a product that manages food spoilage using a silicone plug and lid system, designed for four food categories: eggs, meats, vegetables (fruits), and bread (toast). As food is stored, the silicone beads inside the plug changes color, transitioning from orange to green, signaling when the food should be consumed for freshness.
The silicone beads inside the plug absorb moisture from the fridge, and when reheated in the microwave, they dry out and return to their original orange color, making TimeHue reusable and efficient for continuous food freshness tracking.
In the design process, we embraced zero-tech for its simplicity and practicality in kitchen settings. We selected food-grade silicone for its durability, heat resistance, and flexibility, allowing it to fit various container sizes. The color-changing silica beads, commonly used in packaging to absorb moisture, are embedded in the lid and act as a visual freshness indicator. This design provides an intuitive, effective solution for food storage without relying on high-tech systems.
Silicone plugs in various shapes, each filled with color-changing silica beads, shift from yellow to green as they absorb moisture. The density of holes in the silicone plugs varies depending on the type of food they are designed for, from lowest to highest: baked goods, fruits, leftover meals, and prepared proteins. This variation helps control the rate of exposure to moisture, allowing each plug to track food spoilage rates effectively for different food types.
This project opened a new design approach for me, where materials themselves become a key solution instead of relying solely on high-tech innovations. Over time, I realized that simple, effective materials, like silicone, can offer innovative, low-tech solutions for real-world challenges. This shift in thinking allowed me to explore how sustainable, functional design can be achieved with minimal technology while still addressing modern needs efficiently.