Human-computer interaction patterns within the mobile nutrition landscape : a review of literature

Abstract

Advances in mobile computing offer the potential to deliver better solutions in the growing health problem of obesity. Poor nutrition and a lack of exercise have led to a situation where obesity is rapidly on the rise. As a result, mobile health interventions in the area of nutrition have been a great asset into changing the lives of many through the use of their devices. Smartphones and other mobile devices can be transformed into effective nutrition tracking tools that consumers can easily make use of to help improve their lives and wellbeing. The academic community has conducted a vast amount of research in the area of mobile nutrition however a number of challenges still exist in the area of human-computer interaction (HCI). HCI has been found to be a key contributing factor when developing systems that constantly and directly interact with their respective users. Effective HCI is required to bridge the communication barrier between a user and the device, thus ensuring a seam-less approach. This research paper highlights the efforts done by academics in the area of mobile HCI within the nutrition landscape. Every study will be discussed in detailed by highlighted the key benefits together with a number of challenges that still exist. As a result, this review of literature will identify key lacunae that still exist in the field of mobile HCI within the nutrition landscape.