Entry 5: Project Outline

Assignment Brief

Embodied computing, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) allows users to engage in a blended physical and digital world. In this seminar, we will read works from Human-Computer Interaction, Cognitive Science, Embodied Cognition, Neuroscience, Participatory Action Research, and more to understand why sample interactive systems work in the context in which they are presented. We will engage in evaluation, design, and prototyping exercises that explore this emerging area. You will look at techniques from qualitative and quantitive data analysis. You will evaluate and learn from design choices through this data.

Introduction

A mobile application designed to help university students cook a balanced meal effortlessly. The app implements Augmented Reality technology that allows users to virtually measure cooking ingredients, input inventory of pantry by automatically scanning or manually, and guide users in the process of preparing their ingredients. Utilizing the data given by the users, the app would return a selection of healthy and delicious recipes they can cook with ingredients they already have in their pantry.

Problem

Key Problem

All too often, the busy schedule of university students forces them to compromise the nutrient balance in their meals.

This puts university students who don't regularly eat healthily are at risk of poor nutrition, inclined to productivity and concentration.

I embarked on a research journey to acquire a detailed view of university student's eating habits and the impacts so that I could better create a solution tailored to the problem.

More than 75% of students cook their own meals, but only 19% of them cook a balanced meal daily.
51% of students noticed an increase in productivity and energy after consuming a balanced meal.
60% of students have the intention to cook a balanced meal but fails to do so as they don't know what to cook with ingredients they have at home and that are accessible near campus accommodation.

Key Insights

1. There is a clear need for improving the eating habits of university students.

2. There is a strong coloration with eating habits and level of productivity - which students are aware of.

3. Students are willing to cook a balanced meal as long as it's practical.

4. A mobile app that helps them cook healthier meals with ingredients they have would be an effective solution.

Revised Problem Statement

How might we motivate students to balanced their eating habits to improve their productivity and energy level?

After evaluating survey results and inputs, I've gained the understanding that students do have the intention of consuming a balanced meal daily, however, the external problem such as the impracticality of acquiring ingredients and finding a recipe hinders them from accomplishing it.

Hence, the project is focused on including features in the app that would simplify the process of cooking a beneficial meal.

Features

Concern #1:

More than 75% of students forget their grocery until it surpasses its expiration date.

Feature Solution #1:

"Input Groceries" allows users to manually input or automatically scan their grocery list or item barcode to be stored in a virtual pantry. The app would take into account the expiration date, food group, and quantity of the item. The app would also alert users when an item is close to expiration along with a list of recipes to choose from that includes the item.

Concern #2:

46% of students agreed that the biggest struggle while cooking is measuring and determining proportions.

Feature Solution #2:

Implement a "Virtual Scale" that allows users to use their phone camera to measure the volume of an item.

Concern #3:

Students have the intention of cooking a healthy meal, but most don't know what or how to cook them.

Feature Solution #3:

Provide a "Recipe Finder" a feature that returns a list of nutritious recipes with ingredients listed in the "Input Groceries" section. This ensures practicality as students would use the ingredients they already have.
As 63% of students prefer a "Written Guide" or an article style tutorial, the recipes will be in the form of a linear text that highlights; ingredients and step-by-step instructions.