The potential for pervasive computing to change peoples cooking and eating habits

Lejsgaard Myrup, Martin

4. term

Software, Master

2011

2011-06-16

40

Dette speciale undersøger, om pervasive computing kan bruges til at ændre folks madlavnings- og spisevaner. Pervasive computing betyder, at interaktiv teknologi er integreret i hverdagsmiljøer, som køkkenet eller hospitalet. Specialet består af to studier: et om studerendes madlavning hjemme og et om hospitalsindlagte patienters måltider. I studiet med studerende blev der gennemført en litteraturgennemgang, et spørgeskema og en workshop for at identificere, hvad nye køkkensystemer bør fokusere på. Fem områder blev fremhævet: gøre madlavning mere social; hjælpe med at holde styr på udløbsdatoer; gøre processen mere effektiv; inspirere til madlavning; og tilbyde sundere alternativer i både opskrifter og ingredienser. I hospitalsstudiet blev der anvendt et system, der lod patienter se og kommunikere med en pårørende under indlæggelse, sammen med interviews analyseret med grounded theory (en metode, der udvikler teori ud fra kvalitative data). Resultaterne tyder på, at sådan kontakt kan motivere patienter til at spise mere. Der blev også rapporteret gevinster som mindre ensomhed, større nærhed, positivt humør og en lettere hverdag. Samlet set peger specialet på, at for bestemte målgrupper kan teknologi integreret i hverdagen støtte ændringer i madlavnings- og spisevaner. Sociale aspekter, oplevet samhørighed og at gøre daglige aktiviteter lettere bør spille en central rolle i designet af sådanne systemer.

This thesis investigates whether pervasive computing can be used to change people’s cooking and eating habits. Pervasive computing refers to interactive technology embedded in everyday environments, such as the kitchen or hospital. The work comprises two studies: one focused on students cooking at home and one on hospitalized patients’ meals. In the student study, a literature review, a survey, and a workshop were used to identify priorities for new kitchen systems. Five areas emerged: make cooking more social; help track grocery expiration dates; streamline the cooking process; inspire cooking; and offer healthier options in both recipes and ingredients. In the hospital study, a system that allowed patients to see and communicate with a relative while admitted was used, alongside interviews analyzed with grounded theory (a method that builds theory from qualitative data). Findings suggest that such contact can motivate patients to eat more. Reported benefits included feeling less alone, greater closeness, improved mood, and an easier everyday routine. Overall, the thesis indicates that for specific target groups, technology embedded in daily life can support changes in cooking and eating habits. Sociability, connectedness, and making everyday activities easier should guide the design of systems for this purpose.

[This abstract was generated with the help of AI]

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Lejsgaard Myrup, Martin:

• Students cooking habits and the potential for pervasive computing to increase their willingness to cook. (2011)