Managing a healthier lifestyle with a self-heating and space-saving lunchbox

Abstract

The main objective of this project is to create a product that will encourage consumers to prepare their own meals in order to maintain a healthy eating lifestyle and to inspire individuals to engage in pro-environmental behaviour in their everyday lives. This is done through the development of a self-heating and space-saving lunchbox prototype. Throughout the research the impact of nutrition on human health, as well as barriers that make choosing the healthy alternative challenging, were identified. This, along with the take-out food industry’s negative environmental impact, revealed a design opportunity that seemed ripe to be addressed. Keeping in mind the importance of hygiene that the Covid-19 pandemic has clearly proven, the resultant prototype was designed to assist individuals in maintaining personal hygiene practices as well as to heat up one's healthy meal at an optimal temperature without the need of resorting to community microwave ovens. In addition, considering the significant environmental damage and waste management concerns caused by single-use take-away products, users will be encouraged to reject unsustainable goods by being provided and equipped with sustainable, reusable and space-saving cutlery and lunchboxes. A smart material was employed to create an innovative solution as well as to establish an emotional connection with consumers.