Playful tray: Adopting ubicomp and persuasive techniques into play-based occupational therapy for reducing poor eating behavior in young children

Abstract

This study has created the Playful Tray that adopts Ubicomp and persuasive techniques into play-based occupational therapy for reducing poor eating behavior in young children after they reached their self-feeding age. The design of the Playful Tray reinforces active participation of children in the activity of eating by integrating digital play with eating. Results of a pilot user study suggest that the Playful Tray may improve child meal completion time and reduce negative power play interactions between parents and children, resulting in an improved family mealtime experience. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.