Hypothesis

If university dining halls are redesigned through colorful branding, vibrant interior spaces, and visually appealing, diverse menus, then students will be more likely to crave and choose a wider variety of healthy foods, fostering better nutrition and engagement with campus dining.

• Why

During the transition to university, young adults frequently experienceincreased consumption of calories, sugars, fats, and sodium, accompanied by a declinein fruit and vegetableintake.Itis hypothesized that throughintentional design, university dining halls can serve as strategic environments to positivelyinfluence studentsʼ dietary choices by offering healthier options and fostering food literacy skills.

• How

By filling the dining hall with bright, colorful décor and creating an environment that celebrates the full spectrum of healthy foods, we naturally draw studentsin and spark their curiosity. Menus highlight a range of vibrant, rainbow-hued dishes,makingit easy for students to choose options richin fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

• What

Rainbow Ripple dining brings bold, colorful design elements and vibrant visual cues into the campus dining hall, alongside menus and dishes that highlight the full spectrum offruits, vegetables, and wholegrains.

• So What

By immersing students inalively, color- rich environment that makes healthy choices attractive and easy, this approach inspires more frequent selection of nutritious foods, helping to build lifelong healthy eating habits during a critical period ofyoung adult development.