On May 16, the university hosted a captivating talk featuring food designer Yuan Tsai-feng, who introduced students to the creative and interdisciplinary field of food design. Drawing from her own journey, Yuan shared how she transitioned from a background in the humanities to pursuing advanced studies in food design in Milan, Italy—driven by her deep interest in food and culture.

Yuan explained that food design goes far beyond the visual presentation of food. It encompasses a broad range of elements including packaging design, product storytelling, event planning, and marketing strategies. Through engaging examples, she introduced various international food designers and their unique works, allowing students to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what food design entails.

One of the highlights of the session was an interactive exercise led by Yuan. Each student was asked to think of a meaningful dish, then work in groups to transform that dish into a food design concept. Whether it was menu design, branding, packaging, or promotional campaigns, students had the opportunity to step into the shoes of a food designer and bring their creative ideas to life. The classroom was filled with energy, innovation, and collaborative spirit.

This event not only provided insight into the diverse aspects of food design but also encouraged students to think across disciplines and explore new ways of connecting creativity with everyday experiences. Food, as Yuan emphasized, is not just something we eat—it is a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and design innovation.