AM I REALLY HUNGRY?

Promoting a healthy relationship between people and food through intuitive eating

There are several causes to eating disorders and other compulsive behaviors around food. No matter how an eating disorder starts, it can be prevented from becoming extreme. In this project, I focus on dieting as a common cause; how it can begin as a harmless idea yet develop into a destructive behavior. I explore design methods to help change behavior in order to help people adopt intuitive or normal eating. I performed interviews, workshops and other forms of research with professionals on the subject as well as with people who have experienced it in order to better understand the severity of the problem. Through working with a Weigh Down group, who promotes intuitive eating methods, based in Philadelphia, I was able to test and refine my work. My research and prototypes led to the design of an app that puts its users in the driver’s seat of their own health, nudging them to become experts of their own bodies’ nutritional needs. By providing support in adopting intuitive eating, an unhealthy relationship with food can be avoided in the future.

Below is my full thesis book followed by some excepts from its different sections.

INTRODUCTION

RESEARCH: THE SEVERITY OF EATING DISORDERS

THE DESIGN OPPORTUNITY

DESIGN INTERVENTIONS

THE FINAL PRODUCT: HAPPY BELLY

USER TESTING AND CONCLUSION