While LILA’s husband is off on an extended adventure, she is adjusting to the challenges of living alone. Meal planning for one has been a bit of a challenge. LILA is in search of easy, nutritious meals that she can prepare for just herself.
LILA interviews Virginia Ingram, an expert on the fringe use of technology. Virginia explains that when considering a new application of technology, the normal approach is to gear it towards a standard target audience. Virginia is interested in how that technology can be applied to the fringe audience—the audience that lays outside of this target range, such as the disabled community.
Virginia gives the example of a driverless car. Rather than designing it for the average commuter who can drive, she suggests designing it for someone who can not. The benefit is much greater for someone who is blind or a paraplegic.
3D printing itself is an amazing technology. Yet 3D printing FOOD? Virginia is excited about the potential applications for the fringe population. She explains that there are many people who have difficulty eating regular food, whether swallowing disorders, texture issues, or allergy issues. With 3D printing, food can be presented in ways that is easier to eat.
Virginia and LILA laugh about that 3D printing food is not like a replicator from Star Trek, but uses food as ink in the 3D printer. In fact, the results look closely like the real thing.
Someone with a swallowing disorder may only be able to eat food that has the consistency of baby food. A chicken breast can be 3D printed that looks and tastes like a chicken breast but has a texture that is easier to swallow.
Think that a food 3D printer is a bit too futuristic for you? Virginia reminds us of how strange the microwave oven was to people 60 years ago. The availability of 3D printers for your kitchen is not that far away!
LILA and Virginia have some fun discussing foods that could be 3D printed. Think custom-made pizza modified for food allergies or lower calorie cookies personalized for the dieter. What about tableside cooking in a restaurant? Talking about new things leads to awareness which leads to more innovation.
Virginia tells us that XYZprinting is currently selling a 3D printer for food and it’s not an outrageous price. Bakeries can use it to make cookies or pastries or writing “Happy Birthday” over and over again.
Virginia believes that 3D printed food is not something to be afraid of. The concept of personalized food is very exciting and the wave of the future. She encourages us to open our minds and learn more about the practical benefits.
LILA is shaking things up with her fitness routine. She is now the proud owner of her own kettle bell and is surprisingly quite sore from this new form of exercise. LILA is challenging all of us to try a new workout, too. You might have interesting results as well!
Talking of inspiration, we’re interviewing a fellow LILA next week. Her story is SO amazing and we kinda fell in love with her.