Exploring the Impact of Nudge Design in Robotic Plate on Enhancing Children's Dietary Habits*

Abstract

This study investigates how nudge design in robotic plates can improve children's eating habits. Establishing healthy dietary habits in childhood is crucial for their growth and development and can decrease the risk of developing diseases later in life. Traditional coercive methods for dietary change have been largely ineffective. In contrast, nudge design, which respects user autonomy and reduces negative reactions, appears to be a promising strategy for positively influencing children's dietary behaviors. We developed a robotic plate based on nudge design principles, incorporating rainbow metaphors, to encourage children to explore a variety of foods and mitigate picky eating tendencies. The study included comparative experiments with two control groups. The findings indicated that the robotic plate with rainbow metaphors attracted more interest, received better evaluations, and was deemed more appropriate and useful than the control plates. Although there were no significant differences in how the plates were used according to observational data, interviews with participants showed a preference for the robotic plate and an increased willingness to try new, healthy foods. The study concludes that nudge design, particularly when using rainbow metaphors, is more effective with younger children, potentially improving their dietary habits. Nonetheless, the influence of such designs on older children might be restricted due to their advanced cognitive development and greater susceptibility to external influences.