Wednesday, 25 May 2011

Kraft Store Kiosk Scans Your Face Then Knows What to Feed It

source

"the link above it to a clever concept on a shopping kiosk helper. The screen advisor will also suggest recipes based on the shopper's meal-time intentions: a weeknight dinner, for example, or a weekend dinner party. This is furthur prof that the kitchen concpet is very feasible.

Barcodes

Barcode Wiki

"This is just a link to wikipedias page on bacodes, i found it interesting that during this article it mentions RFID tags as its future predecessor. in some cases such UPS barcode and RFID tags are being used together.

Tuesday, 24 May 2011

User Interface Design

Source

User interface design or user interface engineering is the design of computers, appliances, machines, mobile communication devices, software applications, and websites with the focus on the user's experience and interaction. The goal of user interface design is to make the user's interaction as simple and efficient as possible, in terms of accomplishing user goals—what is often called user-centered design. Good user interface design facilitates finishing the task at hand without drawing unnecessary attention to itself. Graphic design may be utilized to support its usability. The design process must balance technical functionality and visual elements (e.g., mental model) to create a system that is not only operational but also usable and adaptable to changing user needs.

Interface design is involved in a wide range of projects from computer systems, to cars, to commercial planes; all of these projects involve much of the same basic human interactions yet also require some unique skills and knowledge. As a result, designers tend to specialize in certain types of projects and have skills centered around their expertise, whether that be software design, user research, web design, or industrial design.

Processes

There are several phases and processes in the user interface design, some of which are more demanded upon than others, depending on the project. (Note: for the remainder of this section, the word system is used to denote any project whether it is a web site, application, or device.)
  • Functionality requirements gathering – assembling a list of the functionality required by the system to accomplish the goals of the project and the potential needs of the users.
  • User analysis – analysis of the potential users of the system either through discussion with people who work with the users and/or the potential users themselves. Typical questions involve:
    • What would the user want the system to do?
    • How would the system fit in with the user's normal workflow or daily activities?
    • How technically savvy is the user and what similar systems does the user already use?
    • What interface look & feel styles appeal to the user?
  • Information architecture – development of the process and/or information flow of the system (i.e. for phone tree systems, this would be an option tree flowchart and for web sites this would be a site flow that shows the hierarchy of the pages).
  • Prototyping – development of wireframes, either in the form of paper prototypes or simple interactive screens. These prototypes are stripped of all look & feel elements and most content in order to concentrate on the interface.
  • Usability testing – testing of the prototypes on an actual user—often using a technique called think aloud protocol where you ask the user to talk about their thoughts during the experience.
  • Graphic Interface design – actual look & feel design of the final graphical user interface (GUI). It may be based on the findings developed during the usability testing if usability is unpredictable, or based on communication objectives and styles that would appeal to the user. In rare cases, the graphics may drive the prototyping, depending on the importance of visual form versus function. If the interface requires multiple skins, there may be multiple interface designs for one control panel, functional feature or widget. This phase is often a collaborative effort between a graphic designer and a user interface designer, or handled by one who is proficient in both disciplines.
User interface design requires a good understanding of user needs.

Requirements

The dynamic characteristics of a system are described in terms of dialogue requirements contained in seven principles of part 10 of the ergonomics standard, the ISO 9241. This standard establishes a framework of ergonomic "principles" for the dialogue techniques with high-level definitions and illustrative applications and examples of the principles. The principles of the dialogue represent the dynamic aspects of the interface and can be mostly regarded as the "feel" of the interface. The seven dialogue principles are:
  • Suitability for the task: the dialogue is suitable for a task when it supports the user in the effective and efficient completion of the task.
  • Self-descriptiveness: the dialogue is self-descriptive when each dialogue step is immediately comprehensible through feedback from the system or is explained to the user on request.
  • Controllability: the dialogue is controllable when the user is able to initiate and control the direction and pace of the interaction until the point at which the goal has been met.
  • Conformity with user expectations: the dialogue conforms with user expectations when it is consistent and corresponds to the user characteristics, such as task knowledge, education, experience, and to commonly accepted conventions.
  • Error tolerance: the dialogue is error tolerant if despite evident errors in input, the intended result may be achieved with either no or minimal action by the user.
  • Suitability for individualization: the dialogue is capable of individualization when the interface software can be modified to suit the task needs, individual preferences, and skills of the user.
  • Suitability for learning: the dialogue is suitable for learning when it supports and guides the user in learning to use the system.
The concept of usability is defined in Part 11 of the ISO 9241 standard by effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of the user. Part 11 gives the following definition of usability:
  • Usability is measured by the extent to which the intended goals of use of the overall system are achieved (effectiveness).
  • The resources that have to be expended to achieve the intended goals (efficiency).
  • The extent to which the user finds the overall system acceptable (satisfaction).
Effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction can be seen as quality factors of usability. To evaluate these factors, they need to be decomposed into sub-factors, and finally, into usability measures.
The information presentation is described in Part 12 of the ISO 9241 standard for the organization of information (arrangement, alignment, grouping, labels, location), for the display of graphical objects, and for the coding of information (abbreviation, color, size, shape, visual cues) by seven attributes. The "attributes of presented information" represent the static aspects of the interface and can be generally regarded as the "look" of the interface. The attributes are detailed in the recommendations given in the standard. Each of the recommendations supports one or more of the seven attributes. The seven presentation attributes are:
  • Clarity: the information content is conveyed quickly and accurately.
  • Discriminability: the displayed information can be distinguished accurately.
  • Conciseness: users are not overloaded with extraneous information.
  • Consistency: a unique design, conformity with user’s expectation.
  • Detectability: the user’s attention is directed towards information required.
  • Legibility: information is easy to read.
  • Comprehensibility: the meaning is clearly understandable, unambiguous, interpretable, and recognizable.
The user guidance in Part 13 of the ISO 9241 standard describes that the user guidance information should be readily distinguishable from other displayed information and should be specific for the current context of use. User guidance can be given by the following five means:
  • Prompts indicating explicitly (specific prompts) or implicitly (generic prompts) that the system is available for input.
  • Feedback informing about the user’s input timely, perceptible, and non-intrusive.
  • Status information indicating the continuing state of the application, the system’s hardware and software components, and the user’s activities.
  • Error management including error prevention, error correction, user support for error management, and error messages.
  • On-line help for system-initiated and user initiated requests with specific information for the current context of use.
"I found this to very imforming abou the subject of designing a user interface. As my project will be mainly driven br a touch screen system it is nessarry that the user interface is ti highest quililty. As i have little exsperance in this area i feel that out soucing some of the work to be a better option. To make this possible i will have to contact a graphic designer/user interface designer in a consulting biases." 

Digital City

Source

DigitalCity is creating the most vibrant digital hub in the UK – a successful and self-sustaining digital media, digital technology and creative supercluster based in the North East. Along the way, we’re developing a worldwide reputation for creativity, imagination and daring.

Why ‘supercluster’? Because for a cluster to genuinely work it must contain a complete range of activities including business, culture, entertainment, education, community, infrastructure and finance.

These are all being realised by the DigitalCity project. The project is delivered by two joined up organisations – The Institute of Digital Innovation at the University of Teesside and DigitalCity Business at the Boho Zone in the Tees Valley.

The Institute of Digital Innovation harnesses the resources and capabilities of the University of Teesside (one of the UK’s big three digital media Universities), and is becoming a powerhouse for all things digital including the DigitalCity fellowship programme which has created over 50 exciting new digital start-up companies.
DigitalCity Business drives the business end of the project. It’s run by industry professionals who’ve been there, done it, and continue to do so. We understand what you need, and will do everything we can to deliver it.

We collaborate with The Centre for Design in the Digital Economy ( d | l a b ), also at the University of Teesside, which adds to this capability by being an R&D resource driving the commercialisation of the virtual worlds of the 3D web through partnerships with commerce and industry.

"I am lucky enough to based in the same building as the digital city innovations department. so looking at the technical aspect of my project i was considering getting in touch with the digital city to see if they could aid my in some shape or form when it comes to the realisation module."   

Human Computer Interface (HCI)

Source

"According to the article above their 3 main types of (HCI): Command, Menu and GUI (Graphic User Interface). There was need to research this as this will be the only thing that the user will need to come into contact with. After going through the article i feel that the GUI is the best option for what i am trying to achieve, the reason for this is that from a users point of view they will need no previous computing skills to operate and is more user friendly."

Monday, 23 May 2011

Dorset Software

Dorset Software creates bespoke software development solutions that enable private and public sector customers to realise significant competitive advantages.

"As i have no experience when it come to software programming i will have to obtain some outside help possibly. Dorset Software's are a possible solution to my problems on a consulting biases. the problem with this company is that it is not local and would prefer that the company and person was local as i could meet them personally to be able to explain my ideas more efficiently." 

All Recipies - Dinner Spinner



Source

"I came across this website and company when searching for recipes app for my mobile phone. The image above is of their 'dinner spinner' which is a feature on both their website and app. I like the idea as you can see from the image it give you a choice of recipes depending on nutrients not only ingredients."

Tablet PC UK Review

source

"This post looks at a article that reviews the 11 bast avilible PC tablets. i felt this was important as i will problerly have to base my concept on one of these designs. the article was very useful as it gives both pros and cons for each model of pc tablet."

PC Tablets

Source

A tablet personal computer (Tablet PC) is tablet computer having the main characteristics of a personal computer in the tradition of the Microsoft Tablet PC, as a machine operated by an end-user with no intervening computer operator. A portable tablet PC is equipped with a touchscreen as a primary input device and designed to be operated and owned by an individual.

"The reason for researching tablet pc is that i feel that the kitchen aid concept will have a simular look and feel to a tablet pc."

RFID Technology Transforming Food Retailers Like Wal-Mart

Source

"The link above is to a artical about how retailers are starting to use RFID to manage their stock. The thing that I take from this aticle is that their is defferently a possible market for my concept." 

Friday, 20 May 2011

RFIDConsultants

RFIDConsultants.com, is an On-Line and on-site, international, professional services, technology portal dedicated to providing our clients with HIGH QUALITY, Professional, RFID consulting services via our global team of RFID Consultants. Our team of experienced, technology specific, project managers and RFID system integrators is ready to assist you in the successful implementation of leading edge RFID, Sensors, and Wireless (RSW) technologies for your enterprise.

"These might be a possible solution to my programming problems."

RFID Start up Kit

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Description: This kit includes everything you need to get started with RFID. It includes a USB RFID board, ID-12 RFID reader, and 2 RFID cards.

"I could possible perchase this kit to try out some of my ideas. The only problem is that im sure how to programme it. So i will need to contact suitble programmer or someone with the right software knowledge." 

Mifare

source

"This link is to a smart card technology manufacture which could be a source for collecting certain components to make my kitchen aid concept".

Thursday, 19 May 2011

RFID Components Ltd

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RFID Components Limited is a dedicated distributor of Radio Frequency Identification Technology. The company was established in 1995 specifically to supply RFID products to Systems Integrators, resellers and companies with in-house technical expertise, and has since become one of the leading RFID distributors in Europe.

"These are a possible company that i need to get in touch with if i was to produce the kitchen aid concept"

RFID Basics

Source

"The link above is to a website call zebra technologies, the good thing about this page is that it gives all the basic and imformation about RFID from the labels to readers."

Source

"This link is to a web page say what you will need to create a working RFID system". Researching each compnant and finding where there are avilible will be a huge advantage for the next module."

How to Build an RFID Reader

Source




"Although this video gives you some ideas about how to make a RFID reader it is quite expensive. the part of this video that most interested me was the demonstration using the fridge. This is further prof that i will be able to monitor kitchen stock and order it when necessary."

RFID Reader Detector and Tilt-Sensitive RFID Tag

Source

"The link above is a guild into build your own simple RFID tags using avilible matrials. I am going to test one of these methrod as experimentstion to see how easy it is."

QR Codes Are Ugly

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"During my research i came across this areticle about how althrough QR codes are very useful they still seemlessly unatractive. with this in mind companies are hireing advertising consultants to think of ways to solve this problem. This article highlights one particular company that is trying this and i do find there work very interesting."


"This is one of the advertisment from SET Japan, which althrough you can still see the QR code it feels more related to the product and is less ovious."

Wednesday, 18 May 2011

Order Wine by Number and Colour-Code Technology

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94wines offers a line of French wines in which each variety is indicated by a number and a bottle colour rather than a name linked to its maker, vintage or region. Consumers begin by taking a short quiz of six questions regarding their likes and dislikes. That, in turn, produces their personal WineID, which can then be used to guide their choices from among the company’s series of wines. The use of numbers and colours makes wine preferences easy to remember, while personal ID profiles allow friends to see each other’s preferences for gift-giving purposes.

"When reading this article i found two aspects very intruging and could be possibly used within my design concept.

The first was the ability to personlise your search for the wine by answering six questions regarding the users likes and dislike. Which inturn, creates a personal WineID, which can then be used to guilds thier choice from among the series of wines.

The second is about QR codes (Quick Referance/Respones) which is simply a more advanced form of bar-codes.



This is a simpler solution to the RFID codes but is alot less affective, so because of this I still think i am better off using RFID codes."

Home Food Inventory Scanner

source

How Does RFID Work?



"I found this website very useful as explain how RFID work and what i would possible need to make it work"

RFID in households



"This video is further prof that RFID is being used in the home, and is capable of acheving what i desire"

Innovation Labs - Intelligent Fridge



The fridge has now become aware of its contents; and it is capable of establishing direct contact between you and their producers. Like you, the fridge is on the Internet and thus able to get hold of you -- even on your mobile. It will let you know what you need to buy if you want to prepare a simmering beef stroganoff; also, it will alert you if you are out of chocolate-and-fruit flavoured ice cream.

Despite being a prototype of a prototype, the fridge is fully operational; and it represents an excellent illustration of a future where the things surrounding us will give us access to information useful in our everyday lives.


"This video proves that it is possible for the fridge to automaticlly reconise the products within. the way it works is that is uses RFID tags which is stuck or printed on the product and then uses a RFID antenna which reconises the tag and tells the fridge what it is."

Philips shows off kitchen of the future

http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/18453/philips-kitchen-gadget-simplicity-concept



“The link above is to a article on Philips ‘kitchen of the future’ the problem with this is that it was created in 2008, and no further advancement or updated ideas have been produced since. I do link some of the concepts which they highlight, like the face that you can accurately control the water temperature that come of the tap.”

Tuesday, 17 May 2011

Randomized algorithm

Source

"I don't really want get into technical talk. but this is the algorithm that i will need to create the random recipes for the meal aid concept. As i dont have the personal know how on this subject i will have to outsource the programming to a software engineer, luckerly their are a couple at teeside university which i could possible contact about the concept."

Monsanto - House of the Future





“Although the Monsanto House of the Future was created in 1957 and has been closed since to be updated I still find it to have a futuristic sense about it. I really like the fact the house looks like it is floating within the landscape making you feel intrigued when observing it.”

Recipe Sites




"There are many website dedicated to cooking, food and recipes, these are just 3 of many. This is just prof that there is a market and a possibility of using one of the databases from my products."




Random Recipe Generator

jamesoff.net/site/fun/random-recipe-generator


"The Random Recipe Generator is a app for the iphone. It is a fun app that gives you bizzare recipes that you carnt actually make. the reson for posting this is that it shows that recipes can be generated."

Gourmet

www.gourmet.com

"Gourmet is a magazine all about cooking and food. This could be a ideal base to making some of my concepts feasible."

Meals from Scratch

Scratch

"I did originally have this idea but i found this web page that does the same thing. although i carn't take this concept further i was possible thinking that and could use there service similar to Epicurious and link them to one of me concepts (Kitchen Aid)."

'Self-Cleaning' Kitchens

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"The article above is about how consumers will be able to clean their kitchens with only a wet cloth with the aid of a added surface on the counter top."

Your Mobile Can Control Home Appliances

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"This post is prof that you can use you smart phone to contact your home appliances, i want to propose a similar motion to this but have different features, such as being able to boil the kettle or pre-heat the oven."

Monday, 16 May 2011

Smart Fridges



"This product is simular to what I am hopfully going to pupose apart from i feel mine will be a single product that will help people decide what they could eat for their meals through ramdom selection."

Epicurious



 www.epicurious.com

"Epicurious is a website dedicated to recipes, cooking, drinking, entertaining and restaurants. They have also made a phone app which gives recipies and other aspects of coooking.

I could try and link my poposal to this website as it would save time on gathuring a large database."

Inside Microsoft's "Future Home"



"this is microsofts home of the future. i has some interesting ideas about how the home will work specially the kitchen, with it being microsoft you can imagin it is very technology driven."

Sunday, 15 May 2011

Fast food Culture 'makes us rush unnecessarily'

www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/7603642/Fast-food-culture-makes-us-rush-unnecessarily.html

Fast food culture is driving people to rush through life in search of instant gratification, a study has suggested.

Eating Habits

www.eatinghabits.org

The term ‘Eating Habits ‘ can be define as what and how people eat, their selection of food, their way of  getting food. In every part of world, there always an influence of environment, religion, economic and culture on eating habits of habitants.

Eating Habits and There Influences

www.faqs.org/nutrition/Diab-Em/Eating-Habits.html

The term eating habits (or food habits ) refers to why and how people eat, which foods they eat, and with whom they eat, as well as the ways people obtain, store, use, and discard food. Individual, social, cultural, religious, economic, environmental, and political factors all influence people's eating habits.

Different Eating Habits Among Cultures

www.forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=967268


“The link above is a debate on how different cultures ea, the main aspect of the debate is what cutlery each different country uses.”

Why Do People Enjoy Cooking

www.uk.answers.yahoo.com
(search for 'Why Do People Enjoy Cooking')


“The link above was to a debate on why people enjoy cooking, the main reasons that was highlighted:"
  • Hobby
  • Healthier
  • Satisfaction
  • Relaxing
  • Socialise
  • Creativity

Adam Bron Interview - Shared Kitchen


“I was lucky enough to have a interview with a student who has recently just shared a kitchen with other students. I decided to ask him about his experience and how the house tried to handle the situation. He shared with other people of different ages and sex and these were the rules of the house:
  • People used there own cutlery (Successful)
  • Wash and dry after self (Unsuccessful)
  • Had a cleaning router (Unsuccessful
  • Clean up after self (Unsuccessful)
  • Empty bin when full (Unsuccessful)
  • Individual shopping (Successful)
As you can see a lot of the rules set were unsuccessful. Another problem he stated was that people were using other people food and belonging which he said was expensive and problematic.”

Current Trends in Foodservice

www.escoffier.com/index.php/content-categories/articles/food-business-articles/99-current-trends-in-foodservice

This paper focuses on five eating trends:
  1. The money spent at food service establishments.
  2. The role of convenience in consumers' food and restaurant selections.
  3. The increasing demand for meal variety.
  4. The importance of food safety in consumers' shopping patterns.

Kitchen Etiquette: Tips for Shared Kitchen Spaces

www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/etiquette/kitchen-etiquette-tips-for-shared-kitchen-spaces-093720


“As the title says the link above is to a article that give tips on how to improve shared kitchen experience.”

Roommate problems - Shared kitchen







“The article above is of a question asked about sharing a kitchen and peoples experiences of doing so. The images above are of the current universities kitchen in my building. As you can see it could be better looked after especially the microwave which looks like a biohazard. But as people have said in the article you can’t change people’s habit. This could be a area to look into developing a solution.”

Casa Bugatti








“This post is to show that other companies are trying to get to the kitchen appliance market, like Bugatti who have design a range of products. This is their kettle which is fully digitally controlled.”