FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Yummy: A Unique Wooden Toy for Interactive Restaurant Simulation Play

Hang Li, an industrial design student from Zhejiang University, introduces "Yummy," a wooden toy designed to provide a unique restaurant simulation play experience for children. Inspired by the success of kitchen simulation games on digital platforms and the belief in the benefits of physical toys for children's development, Yummy offers an engaging and educational way for children to learn about restaurant operations.

The toy features a teppanyaki oven, a cash register, wooden ingredients, and menus, allowing children to take on roles such as customer and chef, promoting cognitive, social, and hands-on skills. Yummy is designed to be played by multiple children, fostering cooperative play and learning.

Realized using Arduino UNO for data processing and RFID modules for wireless interaction, Yummy combines the appeal of virtual games with the safety and environmental benefits of wooden toys. The design has been awarded the Silver A' Design Award in 2023, recognizing its outstanding innovation and technical excellence.

Yummy measures 540 x 300 x 205 mm and was initially prototyped in Ningbo in March 2022, with ongoing optimization in Hangzhou. The design overcame challenges in implementing NFC technology for ingredient differentiation, reflecting the dedication to creating a unique and interactive play experience for children.

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