Technology acceptance of 3d food printers and 3d printed food in domestic environments

Abstract

The acceptability of new technologies and new products by users is a popular research topic. In this research, technology acceptance of food printing will be investigated in food and appliance dimensions. Unlike the existing studies on this technology, it also looks at 3D food printing technology from a design perspective and examines the relationship between food design and 3D food printing under two main dimensions: design of food and appliance. This technology makes possible to produce food in designs that are difficult to achieve by using traditional methods. Studies show that the appearance and texture of the food has an impact on the user's decision to consume a food. In 3d food printer design, there are many factors that will affect the expectations of the users and the decision of use for a appliance that will be placed in the kitchen and to be used in producing food. Under the headings of food and appliance design, the design of the service required to present this technology to the user and the design of the interfaces where the users will make the necessary settings and modeling to get output from this product are also included in this relationship. Food printing requires some digital platforms and systems that require human interaction. It is necessary to select the dish, define the recipe and design if necessary, and adapt the data to the printer or obtain the model and print settings from online platforms. Another issue is service design, which is an important part of the usability and accessibility of a food print. The user's ability to install, use and access the hardware and software should be considered as an experience design. Work should be done on the provision of content and the provision of reliable content. 3D food printers offer a new food production method for use both at home and in food companies or small businesses, thanks to the developments in today's 3D printing technology. It allows consumers to produce personalized products at home. 3D printing can bring culinary arts and non-professional food manufacturers closer together. In the future, this technology will enable everyone to access every recipe and easily produce that dish at home whenever they want. In addition, the user can reach the food that is free from harmful ingredients and has the nutritional values they need. 3D food printers in their current form have barriers such as shelf life, lack of official regulations, constraints of usable materials and the need for processes such as cooking and freezing after printing process. Although it is frequently used in areas such as chocolate printing and cake decoration to create presentation and interesting forms, it is thought that it will change food production methods and become widespread in the future with its potential benefits such as personalized food and new food sources.