SnackBox
your smart snacking companion that helps you maintain healthy snacking habits while still enjoying your favorite treats | 2024 | Berkeley, CA
Team member: Ryugwang Jang, Chuhua Ding, Yule Kim
Have you ever started eating snacks and suddenly realized the whole bag is empty? You’re not alone. Mindless snacking is a common habit that can lead to overconsumption and health issues. But what if there was a smarter way to enjoy your snacks without worrying about overindulging? SnackBox isn’t just a container. It’s a complete system designed to help you track your calorie intake and encourage an active lifestyle.
Background
Obesity is a major global issue, especially among children. Developing healthy habits is critical during their growth period. Addressing this problem requires a focus on both diet and pyhsical activity. We combined these two aspects into a single solution: SnackBox, a smart device that helps control snack portions based on activity levels.
One of the cores in our system is a mobile app. The app integrates three main APIs: Apple Health API to track users' daily activity data and Open Food API to retrieve calorie information from snack barcodes. This data is processed through Google Sheets API, which connects to our backend system.
In the back-end system, we use ChatGPT API, which calculates the limit of user's daily snack calories based on their activity levels.
This information controls the hardware component: a balloon mechanism that pyhsically restricts or allows access to the snack box based on the calculated limits. We use a gesture sensor to detect when a user reaches for a snack every time.
And finally, using photon, we provide weekly reports, such as warning sign and work out recommendation for user, utilizing accumulated data on console display.
Sketches
Testing
Prototype Demonstration
SnackBox makes healthy snacking simple and smart. Start by inputting your height, weight, and scanning your snack’s barcode. Powered by AI, SnackBox calculates your personalized daily snack calorie limit and determines the ideal portion sizes just for you.
Using advanced gesture recognition, SnackBox detects when you reach for a snack. As you enjoy your treats, our innovative balloon system inflates, gradually restricting the entrance as you get closer to your daily limit.
Once you’ve reached your daily limit, the entrance becomes restricted, gently reminding you to take a break. But don’t worry—SnackBox encourages a healthier lifestyle by giving you the chance to earn more snack time.
Want to unlock more snacks? Just get moving! Whether you’re walking, running, or practicing yoga, SnackBox tracks the calories you burn and adjusts in real time. As you stay active, the balloon system deflates, reopening the entrance so you can enjoy more snacks.
SnackBox creates the perfect balance—helping you enjoy your favorite snacks while staying mindful of your health. It’s a smarter way to snack, designed to keep you active and satisfied.
SnackBox is more than just a snacking tool. Imagine using it for meal portion control. Place your meals inside, and let SnackBox guide you to healthier eating habits. From kids learning portion control to seniors managing their diet, SnackBox can benefit anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle.
Strengths:
-Tackled a challenging healthcare topic with a creative, tangible prototype.
-Successfully integrated multiple external APls to enhance functionality.
Weaknesses:
-Physical design and app visuals need further refinement.
-Device speed could be improved due to reliance on many APls.