How ‘The Slooowest Vending Machine’ by KitKat and VML Is Encouraging Mindfulness

Within Hyderabad's fast-paced commercial hub, an intricately designed KitKat vending machine is deliberately slowing down its process, giving customers a moment to pause and reflect.

KitKat has introduced ‘The Slooowest Vending Machine in the World’, designed and engineered by Delhi-based production house The Other Half from an idea by VML Netherlands and VML India. Set up in one of Hyderabad’s largest commercial hubs, where fast-paced work and maximised productivity is the goal, the installation is meant to act as a brief, immersive experience that gives people a chance to break away from work and take a moment for themselves.

“We live in a culture that increasingly values speed, especially in India, where even our breaks are becoming shorter,” said Gopichandar J, director of chocolates and confectionery at Nestlé India. “Vending machines are typically built for convenience and immediacy. With this, we wanted to explore whether even a small pause could feel meaningful – a simple KitKat break, experienced a little differently.”

Going against the typical function of delivering items instantly, this KitKat vending machine invites the customer to treat the transaction as an interaction. Once a coin is placed, each KitKat moves through a series of playful scenes inspired by everyday life in India – travelling on a toy train, passing through a Ferris wheel, riding an iconic truck, floating along a river, and finally becoming part of a festive procession. The experience unfolds gradually, encouraging people to slow down, watch, and enjoy the moment.

Kalpesh Patankar, chief creative officer of VML India, explains the intent behind the process as an invitation to “do what they hardly ever do anymore: have a break. To watch. To smile. To simply be.” Owing to the nature of its location, the installation quietly drew the curiosity and attention of people, naturally allowing them an opportunity to linger and take some time for themselves in the hustle and bustle of their days.

Owing to the nature of its location, the installation quietly drew the curiosity and attention of people, naturally allowing them an opportunity to linger, take some time and give themselves a moment in the hustle and bustle of their days. 

“Everything today is about speed, about multitasking and checking things off a list. But what happened to taking a moment for yourself, to have a break? We created the vending machine to allow people a guilt-free moment of wonder in a world that needs it more than ever,” added Bas Korsten, global chief creative officer, innovation and chief creative officer, EMEA.

‘The Slooowest Vending Machine’ has not only become a design novelty, but has actively used its languorous functionality to inject a moment of reflection into the daily lives of workers, reminding them of the power of thoughtful, mindful design.

Source: Design Week UK