| dc.description.abstract | This thesis project further develops the Fremtidsmat web calculator prototype, contributing to efforts in assisting diverse food producers in confirming the adherence of their food products with complex food labelling regulations, such as Nøkkelhullet (The Keyhole label) and Ernæringspåstander (Nutrition Claims). Specifically, the thesis focuses on the implementation of the sugar-related Ernæringspåstander such as "Lavt sukkerinnhold" (low sugars), "Sukkerfri" (sugars-free) and "Uten tilsatt sukker" (with no added sugars), and the "Med et naturlig innhold av sukker" (contains naturally occurring sugars) claim. This functionality is essential for producers to avoid false or misleading labelling and reduce the risk of legal penalties, damage to reputation, mistrust, and confusion among consumers. By employing a many-sided approach in creating the tool, the research integrates User-Centered Design (UCD), Heuristic Evaluation (HE), and web accessibility recommendations. This many-sided approach aimed to make a tool that is not only functional and compliant with regulations and recommendations but also accessible to a broad range of users, regardless of their background or level of expertise in the food and nutrition industry. Using a UCD methodology, guided by the activities mentioned in the ISO 9241-210 standards and the UCD principles proposed by Gould and Lewis, ensured that the web calculator met the needs and expectations of end-users. The development of the tool adopted an iterative process, continuously incorporating user feedback, addressing usability issues, and conforming to web accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Representatives from Fremtidsmat and its business members, nutrition experts, and OsloMet academic staff were involved during every round of user-based testing, which took place over five iterations. This continuous feedback circle guaranteed that the Fremtidsmat web calculator was functional and user-friendly for a broad user base instead of focusing only on users with specific disability types. A Heuristic Evaluation (HE) was conducted on the final version of the Fremtidsmat web calculator prototype, using the Website Accessibility Conformance Evaluation Methodology (WCAG-EM), adhering to WCAG 2.1 Level AA as guiding heuristics, for compliance with Norway's "Forskrift om universell utforming av informasjons- og kommunikasjonsteknologiske (IKT)-løsninger" (Regulation on universal design of information and communication technology (ICT) solutions). The Heuristic Evaluation (HE) results showed that the web calculator failed to fully confirm Level A and Level AA of WCAG 2.1 Level A and Level AA Success Criteria. Of high importance would be addressing the issues found on the HE and ensuring full compliance of the web calculator to WCAG 2.1 Level A and Level AA. Furthermore, future work on this project could benefit from a more multidisciplinary team, ensuring full integration of the Ernæringspåstander into the web calculator, as well as expanding the tool's applicability to include other types of food labelling regulations, such as Helsepåstander (Health Claims). Overall, this thesis project contributes to efforts in the field of web development and accessibility within the food and nutrition industry. The combination of web accessibility recommendations, UCD, and HE established a strong base for further development of the Fremtidsmat web calculator. While the tool may not have achieved perfect accessibility at the end of the final development phase, the process highlighted critical issues, setting a path for future improvement. | en_US |
