MIFresh: promoting local produce consumption

ABSTRACT

In this paper we introduce MIFresh, a grocery store system consisting of a large display and individual kiosks that aims to increase the demand of local produce. In cities like Detroit, where poverty and health are major concerns, increasing consumption of local produce can help create local jobs, sustain the environment, and improve health. We used rapid contextual design to analyze Detroit's existing food system and, based on our findings, iteratively design a solution. MIFresh uses proven techniques such as coupons and rewards points programs and delivers education and awareness about the importance of consuming local produce. User testing results among the target population are promising.

REFERENCES

• 1: City-Connect-Detroit, An Overview of Detroit's Food System. 2007, City Connect Detroit: Detroit.
• 2: D Pimentel, M.P., Food, Energy and Society. 2007: CRC Press.
• 3: Gallagher, M., Detroit Project Technical Appendix. 2007, Mari Gallagher Research & Consulting Group: Chicago, IL.
• 4: Niels Jungbluth, O.T., Roland W. Scholz, Food Purchases: Impacts from the Consumers' Point of View Investigated with a Modular LCA. Int. J. LCA, 2000.
• 5: US-Census-Bureau. 2007.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.m Miscellaneous

General Terms:
Design

Keywords:
consumer systems, human-centered computing, kiosk systems, large displays, sustainability