Microalgae as Future Superfoods: Fostering Adoption through Practice-Based Design Research

Maurizio Vrenna, Pier Paolo Peruccio, Xin Liu, Fang Zhong and Yuchi Sun
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Maurizio Vrenna: Michael Graves College of Architecture and Design, Wenzhou-Kean University, Wenzhou 325060, China
Pier Paolo Peruccio: Department of Architecture and Design, Politecnico di Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy
Xin Liu: Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Fang Zhong: Academy of Arts and Design, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Yuchi Sun: Independent Researcher, Beijing 100009, China

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 5, 1-26

Abstract: Consumers’ eating habits are gradually changing. In the next few decades, this shift will not be solely dictated by individuals’ decisions but by the need to feed an ever-increasing population in the face of global resources’ impoverishment. Novel superfoods rich in nutrients and produced with sustainable methods, including microalgae, maybe a solution. However, their unusual aspect, the palatability, and the lack of knowledge by most people could be obstacles to adoption. This study aims at encouraging the use of microalgae as food, highlighting the importance that design plays in the transition towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns. Through practice-based design research, characterized by empirical experiments, a survey, an engaging workshop, and the development of a fully-functional open-source product, the authors conceptualize a theoretical framework within which similar product-service systems could thrive. This real-world experimentation is of interest for academics, professionals, makers in the field of design, etc. It suggests that multidisciplinarity, education, and replicability are the keys to addressing this topic and paves the way for further technical and humanistic research.

Keywords: microalgae; future superfoods; practice-based design research; product-service systems; open-source (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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