Faces of Nutrition HEALTH Our Needfinding Process Meet

Faces of Nutrition - HEALTH Our Needfinding Process

Meet the Team. Sophia Niall Trisha Cortlandt

Our Problem Domain: The role of diet and nutrition in daily life.

● Christina Barton ● Susan Detro Our Seven Interviewees. ● Claudia Windesheim ● Lynn Fletcher ● Paul Gavarini

● Christina: an extreme user Why them? ● Jill: random and without bias ● The Rest: availability and willingness (thanks, nextdoor. com)

Where did we meet them? ● In their homes: Christina, Carol ● In cafés: Susan ● On campus: Jill, Lynn, Paul, Claudia

(A Sampling of) our Questions.

How do you categorise foods as ‘good’ vs. ‘bad’? How does travelling affect your diet? How do food politics affect what you eat? How does your social life influence what you eat? What did you eat today? How has your diet changed over time? How do you decide on what to eat? ? How are nutrition and exercise related for you? Tell me about a time when you disagreed with your physician. What do you think of moderation in a diet? Tell me about the supplements you use and why you use them. How often do you prepare your own food as opposed to going out?

Let’s get to know our seven.

Christina: Personal trainer ‘No foods should be off-limits… food is life and a part of child-raising. ’

Susan: Recently retired ‘They think I should be on cholesterol meds now… I tried seven different ones but they upset me so I don’t take them. ’

Claudia: Currently not working (husband does) ‘People should go by their gut feeling… People themselves know what is best for them. ’

Lynn: Stanford Alumni Relations Coordinator ‘I used to be really strict in my food choices… But I’ve loosened up. I take nutrition into my own hands. ’

Paul: Retired, holds Ph. D. ‘Education and awareness are crucial… They help people realise the difference between advertised ‘facts’ and reality. ’

Jill: A Stanford student (!) ‘I used to be very focused on nutrition and health… But that ultimately made me unhappy. ’

Carol: Retired ‘Food is medicine in our house… And yes, there is ‘good’ vs. ‘bad’ food. ’

Discussion.

Let’s talk about: Surprises? Contradictions? Tensions?

1. Doctors, what are you thinking? ‘You have to look out for yourself. . . you’re the only person who cares about your own health. ’ ‘I feel angry with doctors. ’ ‘I am suspicious of American physicians. ’

2. Don’t tell me how to do ‘me’. ‘They think I should be on cholesterol meds now – I tried seven different ones and they upset me so now I don’t take them. ’ (docs just don’t get a break)

3. Science, can we trust you? ‘Sometimes, science just flip-flops on what’s supposed to be good or bad for you. Like egg yolks. ’ (hello once again, cholesterol)

4. $upplement$ ‘Those who (falsely) market supplements ought to be put in jail. ’ ‘Everyone is just out there to make money and kill you. ’

5. To kale or not to kale? ‘I used to be very strict about food choices, but I’ve loosened up a bit. . . but I’m still disciplined about making healthy choices. ’ ‘(But) I always eat seasonally. ’ (same person)

6. I am what I breathe. ‘I didn’t move to India because I was worried about pollution. ’

Our Empathy Map (in four parts).

SAY.

Food restrictions don’t affect my social life Germany’s healthcare system is more accessible than the US’ I base my diet on experience, not recommendations Anything unnatural is bad for your health SAY. Exercise and nutrition go hand-in-hand Certain foods are hard not to like although they aren’t ‘good’ for you My obsession with healthy foods eventually made me unhappy Eating in Europe is healthier than in the US

DO.

Ate homemade mushroom pasta during interview Eats red meat once a week and no packaged food Buys only organic, never fries food, avoids unnecessary medication Eats out once a week or less and usually cooks DO. Follows food Instagram accounts Showed us bags of nuts and bean chips while lamenting raisins Cooks meals in bulk; freezes and reheats over the week Eats primarily where the locals eat

THINK.

What’s healthy for one isn’t necessarily healthy for another Health trends are fads that will pass Everyone is out to make money and kill you THINK. Geography plays a role in how easy it is to be healthy Alternative medicinal solutions are good (Chinese / German) Food and eating are a social experience Health is more than just food - hello, exercise and mental health It’s easier to avoid things if you never get used to them

FEEL.

Paranoid about food/supplement companies’ agendas Experimentation in diet is important in remedying problems Others need assistance through education FEEL. Indignant that doctors did not listen to how an organic diet cured her grandson’s brain tumour Proud of her physician son and his openmindedness to alternatives Listening to my body and to what my friends say is important Stressed by diets and detoxes Concerned about husband’s Alzheimer’s

Analysis: Needs + (Initial) Insights

Insight 1: The science behind what you’re eating is more important than some fad. Need 1: People need access to the *raw* facts and education in this matter.

Insight 2: Many eat the same breakfast daily and have the same exercise routines. Need 2: People need to understand discipline and consistency to form healthy habits.

Insight 3: A number of healthy food options are ubiquitous globally. Need 3: People need greater knowledge of what these are and how to obtain them.

Insight 4: People’s diets and choices in relocation depend on the ease of being healthy there. Need 4: People need a greater awareness of where these places are and what makes them ideal.

Insight 5: People tend to have a general distrust of what doctors prescribe, favouring experimentation. Need 5: People need access to information on what is best for themselves, and why.

Wrapping up: ● ‘Healthy’ is a relative term ● People tend to be suspicious of doctors and corporations ● Dietary experimentation is learning about oneself ● Exercise and nutrition ought to go hand-in-hand

It’s time for questions.