Guardian of the snack
Made with ❤️ by Rohit Ashok Khot & Jung-Ying (Lois) Yi
Eating alone can often feel dull and uninspiring, and it can even lead to unhealthy habits like mindless snacking or skipping meals. However, we have come up with a solution to tackle this issue head-on. Introducing the Guardian of the Snacks, a unique and interactive companion designed to promote mindful snacking. The Guardian of the Snacks is a tangible multimodal system that consists of two main components. Firstly, there's an automated turntable that holds two bowls of delicious snacks. Secondly, we have the adorable pet-shaped companion, affectionately known as the guardian, which sits atop the turntable, diligently protecting the snacks. To encourage mindful snacking, the turntable rotates periodically, bringing one of the snack bowls closer to the user. As the bowl approaches, the pet companion grabs your attention by making delightful chewing sounds, signaling that it's time to indulge in a tasty treat. It creates a playful atmosphere, making snacking a more enjoyable experience. But here's the best part - the guardian also knows when it's time to stop eating. After a short while, it emits a gentle burping sound, reminding you to take a break and avoid overeating.
Just like a good friend, it strikes the perfect balance between encouraging you to eat and preventing excessive consumption. Moreover, the system is highly customizable. You can choose the shape of your guardian, making it resemble your favorite animal. Whether you're snacking alone at home or in a different setting, the Guardian of the Snacks can adapt to various snacking scenarios, ensuring you always have a reliable companion by your side. With its auditory feedback and playful nudging, the Guardian of the Snacks not only addresses the problem of unhealthy snacking practices but also adds an element of fun and moderation to your eating routine. So, say goodbye to boring solo meals and embrace the joy of mindful snacking with your new companion!
What makes Guardian of the Snack unique?
In a world where solitary dining, often accompanied by mindless snacking, has become prevalent due to the absence of traditional communal mealtimes, the Guardian of the Snacks emerges as a provocative solution. Recognizing the psychological and nutritional implications of isolated eating, this tangible system introduces a playful companion to encourage mindful snacking behavior.
Provocative Paradigm
Guardian of the Snacks challenges the norms of solitary snacking by playfully nudging users toward adopting a healthier and more mindful approach. It redefines healthy snacking as the attentive, non-judgmental consumption of nutritious snacks in controlled portions. Departing from conventional interventions that often coach or penalize users, Guardian of the Snacks focuses on self-reflection, planning, awareness, and companionship to foster mindful eating habits.
Mindful Snacking Redefined
Building on research suggesting that structured and planned snacking can be healthier, Guardian of the Snacks invites users to proactively plan their snacking routines. This planning involves setting specific intervals for snacking and choosing the types of snacks they wish to consume. The system refrains from enforcing rigid routines or dictating snack options, empowering individuals to exercise autonomy over their snacking habits.
Contextual Empowerment
Unlike systems with pre-defined routines or coercive approaches, Guardian of the Snacks places agency firmly in the hands of the user. It does not dictate snack schedules or prescribe specific snacks. Users are encouraged to make informed decisions, set goals, and reflect on their achievements. By acknowledging the challenges of resisting certain snacks, the system provides users with the flexibility to include favorites in their snack bowls, recognizing the importance of indulgence in moderation.
Naive and User-Centric
Guardian of the Snacks intentionally avoids complex algorithms or intelligent analysis of user behavior. Instead, it serves as a facilitator, offering opportunities for users to develop a healthy snacking routine without judgment. The system operates on the principle that users themselves are best positioned to make decisions about their snack choices and routines.
Troublemaker, Not Problem Solver
Contrary to traditional problem-solving approaches, Guardian of the Snacks disrupts users' routines by periodically offering snacks and inviting them to indulge. This deliberate introduction of obstacles prompts users to reflect on their goals and decisions, fostering a heightened awareness of their snacking behaviors. The system's role as a troublemaker becomes instrumental in prompting users to overcome challenges and reinforce their commitment to mindful snacking. In essence, Guardian of the Snacks is not just a tangible system but a companion on the journey toward healthier snacking habits. It goes beyond conventional interventions by encouraging users to take charge of their snacking routines, make mindful choices, and reflect on their journey. Through its playful and user-centric design, Guardian of the Snacks disrupts the monotony of solitary snacking, transforming it into a thoughtful and intentional experience. Welcome to a world where snacking is not just about consumption but a mindful and empowering journey guided by the playful Guardian of the Snacks.
Research publications
Rohit Ashok Khot, Deepti Aggarwal, Jung-Ying (Lois) Yi & Daniel Prohasky. 2021. Guardian of the Snacks: Toward designing a companion for mindful snacking. Multimodality & Society. 2021. Apr 13:26349795211007092.