We designed Logic Bonbon, an interactive dessert (made completely out of foodstuff, without any electronics) that allows diners to change its flavour configuration interactively, just before eating.
![](https://i0.wp.com/exertiongameslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Edit2.00_04_01_13.Still008.jpg?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1)
The Logic Bonbon represents a novel approach that applies computer science thinking to the creation of dishes to allow for new and exciting ways to experience food.
![](https://i0.wp.com/exertiongameslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/BEN7271.jpg?resize=840%2C560&ssl=1)
Our research explores the notion of food as computational artifact, wherein food itself is the material of computation. We demonstrate the potential of this thinking through the Logic Bonbon, a dessert that can hydrodynamically regulate its flavor via a fluidic logic system.
![](https://i0.wp.com/exertiongameslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Edit2.00_08_11_15.Still030.jpg?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1)
The research demonstrates how we can make food “interactive” by implementing AND, OR and XOR logic gates (the fundamentals of computer science) with tasty ingredients.
![](https://i0.wp.com/exertiongameslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Edit2.00_08_12_23.Still029-1.jpg?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1)
This Logic Bonbon allows the chef to “program” their dish, and the diner executes it, just like “executing” a piece of software, allowing the diner to change the flavour configuration of their dessert right before eating it, allowing for more personalized eating experiences.
![](https://i0.wp.com/exertiongameslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Edit2.00_15_05_01.Still082.jpg?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1)
Through a study of experiencing the Logic Bonbon and reflection on our design practice, we offer a provisional account of how food as computational artifact can mediate new interactions through a novel approach to food-computation integration that promotes an enriched future of human-food interaction.
![](https://i0.wp.com/exertiongameslab.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Edit2.00_10_38_11.Still054.jpg?resize=960%2C540&ssl=1)
Prior work
See also our previous interactive food work called iScream!, WeScream! and Sonic Straws.
Publications
Deng, J., Olivier, P., Andres, J., Ellis, K., Wee, R., Mueller, F. Logic Bonbon: Exploring Food as Computational Artifact. CHI 2022. Long Paper. ACM. Video. Talk video.
Acknowledgements
We thank everyone who has helped.