Project Reflect Lab

Developing ideas that catapult the food system into new spaces of possibility.

The Project Reflect Lab is a collective of designers with diverse expertise who are focused on developing concepts that support a meaningful, just and joyful food system. The Lab provides space for creativity, research, and learning.

The Project Reflect Lab is an affiliated nonprofit initiative of Project Reflect.

Incubating Transformational Ideas

Over the years, we have seen organizations and individuals who are doing good work be constrained by the stressors of short term, day-to-day operations.

These stressors can inhibit organizations and individuals from developing new programs and ideas that leverage their expertise to prompt systems level shifts.

At the Lab, we provide practitioners the time and space for new ideas to be incubated. We support with brainstorming, workshops, creative resources and strategic planning in order to facilitate the development of new concepts that turn into sustainable, long term programs and projects.

WHERE THE MAGIC HAPPENS

When thinking about the design of systems, we believe there are three stages that need to be considered:

Design takes place across all three, but alchemy happens during the “In the Meanwhile” phase and this is where the Project Reflect Lab thrives.

Library of Ideas

The food system is in need of a paradigm shift and the Lab develops concepts to support this shift. These are some of the ideas that have been developed thus far. 

  • A community-grown program that connects neighborhoods through the food growing in front yards.

    Eat Fresh. Waste Less. Get to Know your Neighbors.

    This idea is currently being researched and designed in partnership with students at Stanford University. Learn more about YardFruit here.

  • Funding agricultural practices that not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhances food security, economic opportunities for workers, and the biodiversity of our regions.

    More information to come!

  • We are reconstructing the narrative and experience of school meals via a simple and ubiquitous medium—the lunchbox. But, it's not just a lunchbox. It's a lunchbox that also turns into a tray. Through thoughtful design and the creation of engaging content, we seek to create a powerful sense of belonging at the cafeteria table that will shift how students approach learning, community building, and creativity now and throughout their lives.

    Learn more about the LunchTrox.

Want to learn more about any of these ideas?

Sign up for our newsletter

Get updates about events and upcoming programs.