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Integrative design in gastronomy

Making the table setting more inclusive

Gastronomy often offers unforgettable experiences. However, certain barriers, such as poorly legible menus or unclear table arrangements, can interfere with enjoyment. This is especially true for people with visual impairments or elderly guests. The solution: tableware with barrier-free design.

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Decorative elements for accessibility

The BAUSCHER brand is a pioneer in terms of integrative design: it goes beyond conventional porcelain design and integrates decorative elements that also serve as visual guides. This is because, based on market and trend analyses, BAUSCHER designs its shapes according to the principle that "function shapes design", thus resulting in functionality that has been thought through down to the last detail, combined with aesthetic and inclusive design. The Relation Today collection, for example, features a blue decorative band on the flag, which not only has a decorative effect on the plates, but also visually sets the mirror or dining surface apart from the flag. For the benefit of the guest, the dishes are visually framed and orientation during the meal is facilitated for an eye catching and accessible design.

Inclusion through deep plates

Deep plates, bowls and dishes also offer a similar function. Because any tableware that has a high or stepped rim clearly shows through its shape "where the plate ends" - not only visually, but above all haptically. Deep plates, bowls and dishes therefore have an inherently accessible design. They also make handling easier for both the guest and the service staff, because the likelihood of spills is greatly reduced. Last but not least, the handling of cutlery is simplified. At the same time, dishes with a high rim can be easily held with one hand while eating with the other. These features are offered, for example, by the Purity Specials or Scope bowls and the deep plates in the Marie Christine collection, which perfectly combine accessible design and aesthetics. The Marie Christine collection also has a festooned, curved rim – for even more grip security and tactile orientation in its inclusive design.

Contrasts and separate portioning

Collection OPTIONS - BHS tabletop

The right color when choosing dinnerware can do wonders for the table's inclusive design. Bold, solid colors or decors can be both visually appealing and functional. That's because they allow you to create distinct contrasts by serving light foods on dark plates, and dark foods on light plates. This literally makes it clear at first glance where what is on the plate. Very supportive of accessibility in this respect is the Options collection from BAUSCHER with the Solid decor. If sauces, spices and side dishes are also served separately in small bowls, orientation is even easier for people with visual impairments.

Perfect use of space on the table

Also helpful for clarity are rectangular plates and platters from the Purity Square collection. The shapes are typical for buffets, but can also be used very well on the table. In this way, space is saved and the individual menu components are positioned in a well-ordered and clearly distinguishable manner, catering to a wholly inclusive and largely accessible design. If other materials are used in addition to porcelain – such as wooden items from PLAYGROUND – the individual components are even better distinguished from one another, which further promotes accessibility in its beautiful design.

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