Date

12-16-2025

Department

School of Communication and the Arts

Degree

Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (MFA)

Chair

Monique Maloney

Keywords

home cooking, nutrition, health, fast food, processed food, barriers to cooking, culinary knowledge, meal-planning, cooking methods and environment, well being, healthy eating, food

Disciplines

Art and Design | Nutrition

Abstract

This study investigates how a visual approach—combining design, photography, and illustration with nutrition—can encourage home cooking. In today’s fast-paced society and overabundance food culture, many emerging adults struggle to prepare meals at home. This study examines how food industry practices and cultural trends shape the eating habits of emerging adults by exploring the reasons behind the decline in home cooking and its adverse effects on health, finances, well-being, and the environment.

Although research indicates that most adults recognize that home cooking is the healthiest choice, they often do not practice it, citing time and lack of cooking knowledge as their primary obstacles. These findings also reveal a common perception that preparing healthy meals is complex and time-consuming. Some expressed that it is mostly about their organization of time, not their lack of time, that prohibits them from cooking. To identify the most effective way to overcome these barriers, the study combined case studies, visual analyses, and a comprehensive literature review. The resulting visual solution directly addresses the two primary obstacles: perceived time constraints and limited culinary knowledge.

Key deliverables include meal cards, a recipe book, labeled magnets, and a shopping list designed to make cooking feel accessible and helps the user build confidence and sustainable habits.

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