Application of Inclusive Design in the Healthy Food Dashboard: Research on Diverse User Needs and Equity

Abstract

In the process of digitalization, although the Dietary Instrument for Selecting Healthier (DISH) has provided consumers with the convenience of making healthy diet choices, it is rather challenging to achieve inclusive design when facing a diverse user group. This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the application of inclusive design in DISH. By integrating the concepts of sustainable design and the theories of healthy food selection, a theoretical framework is constructed and hypotheses are put forward. An interdisciplinary approach is employed to explore the impacts of food policies, literacy, and socialization on user satisfaction, as well as to analyze the moderating role of gender differences. Based on the data collection and analysis of 600 valid questionnaires, the results demonstrate that food socialization, policies, and literacy design have significant positive effects on satisfaction, and gender plays a moderating role in some of these relationships. The study further clarifies the differences in the needs of users with different ages, genders, and health conditions, thus providing directions for the optimization of the dashboard. Moreover, this study proposes strategies for deepening inclusive design, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, data-driven decision-making, continuous iteration, and user participation. It also discusses the synergy of promoting a healthy diet culture and sustainable development, providing theoretical and practical guidance for the development of this field and helping to achieve the goals of meeting diverse user needs, ensuring fair and healthy diets, and realizing sustainable development.