Reducing Food Waste Through Pre-Decision Interaction Design

Key findings from this study

This research indicates that:

• Pre-decision uncertainty significantly disrupts the conversion of environmental intentions into household cooking behaviors
• Non-evaluative, competence-focused design increases perceived confidence and intention to cook with available ingredients while preserving user autonomy
• Constrained meal options based on existing household inventory reduce decision friction without introducing guilt or evaluative pressure

Overview

Household food waste persists despite strong environmental and health motivations among individuals. Existing sustainability-focused human-computer interaction research emphasizes post-decision eco-feedback, which intervenes after choices occur and risks introducing guilt or disengagement. This research examines pre-decision interaction design as an alternative strategy. The approach supports sustainable cooking by reducing decision-stage uncertainty and perceived effort before actions are initiated. The theoretical foundation draws from Self-Determination Theory, emphasizing competence support without evaluative messaging.

Methods and approach

Research-through-design methodology grounded Self-Determination Theory principles. FlavorLoop functioned as a competence-supportive design probe, presenting constrained meal options derived from household ingredients already available. A sequential mixed-methods study integrated qualitative and quantitative data collection to identify barriers and measure design effectiveness. The study examined perceived confidence, autonomy, and intention to cook using sustainable practices.

Results

Pre-decision uncertainty emerged as a primary barrier preventing individuals from cooking with available household ingredients, despite possessing strong intentions to reduce food waste. The constrained, non-evaluative design intervention increased perceived confidence in meal preparation and strengthened cooking intentions. Autonomy remained preserved throughout the interaction; participants retained agency in final food choices while receiving targeted decision support. The study demonstrated that interventions addressing uncertainty at the decision point—rather than after choices occur—align behavior with existing environmental motivations more effectively than post-decision feedback mechanisms.

Implications

Pre-decision interaction design offers a reframing of sustainable HCI interventions. By supporting competence without guilt-inducing evaluation, systems can facilitate sustainable practices within everyday routines. This approach reduces cognitive and practical burdens that disconnect motivation from action, potentially increasing adoption rates for food waste reduction strategies. Future sustainable technology development may prioritize decision-stage support alongside or instead of outcome-focused feedback loops.

Scope and limitations

This summary is based on the study abstract and available metadata. It does not include a full analysis of the complete paper, supplementary materials, or underlying datasets unless explicitly stated. Findings should be interpreted in the context of the original publication.