IntentLock
Author: Xiaoman Yang, Carrie Wang, Zijie Zhou
IntentLock is a speculative behavioral design intervention aimed at addressing the psychological rebound effects commonly associated with strict dietary control. Rather than enforcing physical restriction through forceful locking or pharmacological suppression, this project explores how light-friction, intention-based mechanisms can encourage mindful eating and reduce impulsive food access behaviors.
The system functions as a soft refrigerator lock that requires users to complete a short self-reflection input before access is granted. Specifically, users must indicate their current mood, self-assessed hunger level, and the type of food they intend to take. This brief interaction introduces a cognitive pause and encourages introspection, allowing internal regulation mechanisms to engage. The aim is not to deny access, but to transform impulsive eating into a more conscious, intentional behavior.
By reframing dietary control as a dialogue between user and object, IntentLock aims to bridge the gap between behavioral autonomy and external intervention, offering an alternative to high-barrier or punitive control systems.
KeyWords: Behavioral Intervention, Dietary Behavior Modulation, Affective Computing, Health-Related HCI
Function Modules
Problem Definition
Traditional approaches to dietary control, such as restrictive dieting, pharmacological interventions, or physical constraints (e.g., locking refrigerators), often lead to psychological resistance and behavioral relapse. While these methods may suppress eating impulses in the short term, they frequently undermine users' sense of self-efficacy and autonomy, limiting their long-term effectiveness.
Moreover, existing dietary control tools primarily focus on functional restrictions, neglecting the emotional and cognitive aspects of users' decision-making processes. They lack mechanisms to engage users' intrinsic motivation and support mindful behavior. Therefore, there is a pressing need for a new design strategy that preserves user autonomy while guiding them toward conscious dietary decisions, facilitating sustainable behavioral change.
Design Concept
IntentLock is a behavioral intervention device designed to promote users' self-regulation. Before accessing the refrigerator, users are prompted to complete a brief self-reflection task, including inputting their current mood, self-assessed hunger level, and the type of food they intend to consume.
This interaction introduces a cognitive pause between impulse and action, encouraging users to assess their situation and become more self-aware before eating, thereby activating their internal regulatory mechanisms.
Rather than imposing strict controls, IntentLock guides users toward conscious decision-making, enabling them to manage their dietary behavior effectively while maintaining autonomy.
Prototype Development
Close-up view of the IntentLock interface prototype.
The main control
unit features modular dials and symbolic input
cubes, requiring users
to input their emotional state, hunger level,
and desired food type
before unlocking access. This interaction
introduces a moment of
cognitive reflection, encouraging intentional eating behavior.
Exploded view diagram
Usage Scenario
Video