When we are hungry and in a rush, we tend to stop at the first vending machine, munching on a snack to satisfy our hunger. Most of the times, we buy things like chocolate and chips, which are not the healthiest of choices. A new vending machine promotes healthier options. Based on a new research, when people need to wait longer for something they tend to choose a different alternative.
- These Vending Machines Use DISC Technology
- Researchers Created These Vending Machines To Lower The Rate Of Obesity
- These new vending machines promote a healthier lifestyle
- People Who Want To buy An Unhealthy Snack Need To Way 25 Seconds
This new vending machine makes people wait a few seconds longer when they choose unhealthy products. By delaying the service, the vending machine automatically influences customers to make different, healthier choices. In the US, vending machines are considered to be the main source of high-calorie snacks. Because of this, researchers found a new way to make vending machines promote healthier choices.
Researchers managed to design a smart vending machine. This new device uses a different technology that has been named DISC (Delays to Improve Snack Choices). It’s equipped with sensors that separate high-calorie snacks from the healthier choices.
When somebody decides to buy an unhealthy snack from this vending machine, the individual must wait at least 25 seconds before receiving the product. This discourages people from buying unhealthy food. While the person waits for the product, the vending machine allows the individual to select another item. This time, if the person opts for a healthier snack, the product is delivered instantly.
Healthier Snacks for Impatient Customers
Researchers observed that this type of vending machine is effective in promoting healthier foods. They mentioned that vending machines operators are not going to be affected. This is because the vending revenue or sales volumes are not affected. People only choose another product instead of waiting 25 seconds.
As most individuals value their time, customers will prefer to opt for something else than wait those extra 25 seconds. Also, researchers labeled the healthy snacks different from the unhealthy ones. In order to be labeled as a healthy snack, the products needed to meet some criteria. They needed to have less than 250 calories, less than 35% calories from fat, and more than 1 gram of fiber.
Researchers mentioned that this is another attempt at lowering the rate of obesity in the US. Due to the fact that more and more people are obese, the rate of obesity-related problems is increasing. People need to make healthier choices when it comes to their meals.
Image source: Wikipedia
MobiusStrip_1 says
If they care so much about healthy food then why even stock the machine with unhealthy items in the first place? I know this was just an experiment, but it seems ridiculous.