Susan Parker Leavy

Shaping Healthy Habits: Designing Clay Plates to Promote Portion Control and Weight Loss

Susan Parker Leavy

Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar

sparker_leavy@me.com

Natasha Parker-Doyle

United Kingdom

Ranjena Gohil

Channel Four, UK

In an era marked by increasing rates of obesity and diet-related health concerns, innovative approaches to promoting healthier eating habits are essential. This study explores the potential of clay as a medium for creating plates designed to encourage portion control and support weight loss. The research merges artistic creativity with behavioral science, demonstrating how the intersection of design and functionality can foster healthier lifestyles. The study examines how plate size, shape, and visual aesthetics influence portion perception and food consumption. Research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health emphasizes that reducing portion sizes is a critical strategy in preventing overconsumption and promoting weight management (Harvard T.H. Chan, 2023). Using clay as the primary material, prototypes of plates were crafted to subtly guide users toward reduced portion sizes. Key design features included smaller diameters, segmented sections for balanced food groups, and elevated rims to create the illusion of fullness with smaller servings. Patterns and colors were incorporated strategically to stimulate mindfulness while eating, encouraging slower consumption and greater satiety. The effectiveness of these plates was evaluated through a pilot study involving 50 participants over a six-week period. Participants were provided with clay-designed plates and asked to document their meals, portion sizes, and weight changes. Preliminary findings revealed significant reductions in average portion sizes, with 78% of participants reporting improved awareness of their eating habits. Nearly half of the participants (46%) experienced measurable weight loss, attributing their progress to the plate's impact on their portion control. This research contributes to the broader conversation about how design can influence health behaviors. As highlighted by studies on mindful eating and behavioral triggers (Harvard T.H. Chan, 2022), the use of design as a behavioral nudge is particularly effective. Moreover, the artistic process involved in crafting the plates provides an avenue for personal expression and engagement, enhancing the user experience. By integrating art, design, and health sciences, this study highlights the potential of simple, everyday objects to inspire meaningful changes in behavior. The findings suggest that clay-designed plates are a practical and impactful tool for addressing overeating, underscoring the role of creativity in advancing public health initiatives.

References

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2022). Mindful eating: Savoring every bite. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (2023). Portion control strategies for weight loss. Retrieved from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/

BIOGRAPHIES

Susan Parker-Leavy, BFA, MLS, MBA

Head of the Museum of Islamic Art Library, Qatar

Susan Parker-Leavy is a multifaceted professional with over two decades of experience in library science, art, and community engagement. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Manitoba, a Master’s in Library Science from a leading institution, and an MBA in Entrepreneurship, Susan combines creativity, leadership, and innovation in her work. She serves as the Head of the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) Library in Qatar, the most visited special library in the country, celebrated as a model of best practices. Susan’s career spans public, special, and reference libraries, with accomplishments that include implementing AI-driven cataloging, organizing large-scale community events, and creating educational programs such as museum escape rooms and VR workshops. A dedicated ceramist, Susan’s art intersects with health, inspired by her studies in public health and nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Her innovative projects, like clay-crafted plates for mindful eating, bridge her artistic expertise and health advocacy. An elected member of the IFLA Art Libraries Section, Susan actively networks with global professionals. Her work reflects a passion for cultural preservation, public health, and fostering learning across diverse communities.

Natasha Parker-Doyle

Fine Artist, Graphic Designer, and Photographer

Natasha Parker-Doyle is a UK-based creative professional and recent graduate in Fine Art and Graphic Design. With a multidisciplinary approach that spans ceramics, graphic design, and photography, Natasha explores the intersection of aesthetics, functionality, and social impact in her work. Her artistic practice is deeply informed by a strong interest in the modern fast food industry's influence on young people's diets. Natasha's current projects focus on designing innovative tableware that encourages healthier eating habits and promotes positive changes in both mindsets and physical well-being. By combining her expertise in design with a passion for public health, Natasha aims to create meaningful interventions that address contemporary dietary challenges. Through her work, Natasha demonstrates a commitment to leveraging art and design as tools for social change, inspiring healthier and more mindful living.

Ranjena Gohil

Project Manager, Ceramist, and Public Health Enthusiast

Ranjena Gohil is a UK-based project manager at Channel Four, where she oversees creative initiatives with precision and vision. With a degree and a City and Guild qualification in ceramics, Ranjena blends her professional expertise with her passion for art and design. Her academic journey also includes completing the prestigious Harvard Public Nutrition program, which deepened her understanding of global health challenges. Ranjena's unique interests lie at the intersection of cultural traditions and modern dietary practices, particularly how tableware influences eating habits and health outcomes. Through her work, Ranjena seeks to explore the cultural significance of tableware design and its potential to inspire healthier dietary behaviors. Her multidisciplinary approach combines creativity, research, and practical application, reflecting a commitment to meaningful and impactful innovation."