How can I use design to perform better user research?

In order to identify hidden values of todays dining activity me and my Master Thesis partner designed, produced and deployed a "provotype", i.e. a provocative prototype. 

The provotype lived in the homes of a few brave participants who were subjected to the provotype limiting their electricity supply in the kitchen during peak hours, therby creating a behaviour barrier. 

Having lived through the scenario our participants where sensitised into more valuable insights about exactly what was hindered and why that bothered them.

Here are some pictures I took of the 3D-printed provotype as well as a short video showing it's interaction.