Steven Angove
nuBLEND
How might we utilize health data from our digital self-tracking technologies to better understand and manage our personal nutrition?
Personal health is a growing priority for Canadians. Wellness services and facilities are experiencing the unprecedented growth of 3-4% annually on average, and nutritional supplement sales are growing at a rate of 5-6% annually. We conducted a survey and found that over 70% of Canadians between the ages of 18-65 supplement their nutrition, however, only 8% were diagnosed with a deficiency. Most participants admitted they didn’t fully understand their supplementation, often purchasing the same supplements as their family or friends.
“I take vitamin B12 because my mother takes it”
- Survey Participant
nuBLEND utilizes data collected through the users digital self-tracking technologies to understand, and supplement their nutrition.
Insight
A variety of technologies have emerged over the past decade that enable the measurement of embodied experiences. Sensors in mobile phones, smartwatches and other wearable devices allow for tracking of physical activity levels, heart rate, energy expenditure, body temperature, stress levels, sexual activity, sleep patterns, and nutrition. That data is detected, captured and visualized, helping users quantify many of their daily activities.
However, in a study published by the University of Canberra, Australia; participants stated that they struggled in making sense of the information from their digital devices.
“I struggle to understand how to utilize my personal data to improve my health.”
- Study Participant, University of Canberra
Idea
nuBLEND is a system that uses digital self-tracking technologies to collect personal nutritional data. The system compares user consumption with the micronutrient recommendations of Health Canada. Utilizing that data, analytics identify where users might be nutrient deficient, and a customized nutrient blend is created to help users meet their nutritional requirements. This nutrient blend changes in response to the users changing nutrient intake and nutritional needs.
User data is further analyzed to provide insights into the consumption habits, lifestyle, and product engagement of users. That KPI data provides valuable insights for consumer brands to better understand how their products are being consumed, and how they contribute to the users overall health.
The data is broken out by population to provide an in-depth understanding of how nutrition is contributing to public health; helping Epidemiologists to improve the health of Canadians.
Impact
Users receive a customized nutrient blend that changes in response to their changing needs. The system also allows users to select personal goals that can be achieved through improved nutrition. nuBLEND takes the guess work out of managing personal nutrition, and ensures neither under or overconsumption of vitamins and minerals. No more pills, optimal nutrition is just one dose per day away.
Food & Beverage companies better understand their users, thus allowing them to create products that fit the needs and goals of their customers. This increases profitability, but also provides transparency for the user to understand how these foods contribute to their overall nutrition.
Public health is better understood in relation to nutrition, and EHRs (Electronic Health Records) can include accurate micro and macronutrient tracking.
Biography
Steven Angove is a Designer with a background in music and theatre. His work focuses on utilizing human centred design methodologies to build strategic business offerings. He has previously interned with SE Futures, and the Berlin startup Emmy (formerly eMio). Prior to attending OCAD, he was elected the 200 level student representative for the University of Alberta’s Student Design Association.