Researcher(s)
- Jordyn Stackhouse, Visual Communications, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Brandan Henry, Department of Art and Design, University of Delaware
Abstract
Behind the Scoop: Designing an Interactive UDairy Experience
Consumers often enjoy food products without understanding the people, animals, and processes behind them. At the University of Delaware, students regularly purchase UDairy ice cream, yet many don’t have a connection to the dairy cows or the farm responsible for producing it. This project investigates how visual communication design can strengthen a face-to-face connection by making the UDairy farm and processes more visible, and engaging for all students.
The primary research question asks: How can visual storytelling and design increase empathy and awareness of the dairy cows and processes behind UDairy ice cream? To answer this question, I conducted background research on empathy, human-animal connection, visual storytelling, and social media engagement strategies. I also explored the UDairy production journey, from dairy farm to ice cream production.
Based on this research, I designed an interactive event at the University of Delaware’s CANR dairy farm that encourages students to engage with the people, and animals behind UDairy ice cream. The event invites students to meet the cows, learn about their daily routines, sample UDairy ice cream, and participate in a “Golden Ear Tag Hunt” for the opportunity to name a UDairy cow. To support the experience, I developed a cohesive visual campaign that includes promotional posters, social media content, informational signage, and custom ice cream packaging featuring fun facts about the cows and dairy production. Together, these design elements transform a familiar campus tradition into an engaging educational experience that builds curiosity, and a stronger connection between students and the dairy farm.
This research demonstrates the potential for interactive design to bridge the gap between consumers and food production. Future work would include expanding the campaign into a long-term communication resource for the University of Delaware’s CANR dairy farm and UDairy Creamery, an event that can be recurring for students every year!