Guesstimator - Design and Implementation of Nutrition Estimation App to Support Health & Wellbeing
Guesstimator is a gamified mobile web application that helps people with diabetes practice estimating the carbohydrate content of meals. Developed in collaboration with Diabetes Biel-Bienne, the project combines interactive estimation challenges, explanatory feedback, and educational content.
Initial situation
For many people with insulin-dependent diabetes, estimating carbohydrates is an important part of daily life because it directly affects insulin dosing. However, this task can be difficult. Mixed dishes, unknown portion sizes, and recipe variations can make estimation difficult at home and in restaurants. These difficulties affect not only newly diagnosed individuals who are still learning but also experienced users who want to refresh or improve their skills.
Problem statement / Project goal
The goal was to design, implement, and evaluate a lightweight, web-based application that supports the practice of estimating carbohydrates in an engaging and accessible way. Instead of merely indicating whether an answer is correct, the application was intended to help users understand why an estimate was inaccurate, strengthening learning through repeated practice, explanatory feedback, and motivating gamification elements.
Dashboard
Dashboard with learning progress, challenge access, and knowledge modules
Comparison challenge
Comparison-based challenge for estimating which food contains more carbohydrates
Slider challenge
Slider-based estimation task for practicing carbohydrate guesses for complete meals
Input-field challenge
Ingredient-based input challenge for estimating carbohydrates per component
Classified feedback
Detailed feedback comparing the user’s estimate with the correct carbohydrate values
Challenge completion
Challenge completion screen with XP reward, level progress, and celebratory animation
Solution developed and its benefits
As part of the project, a mobile-first web application was designed and implemented to make carbohydrate estimation practical and motivating. This solution incorporates progressive challenge modes, explanatory feedback, educational content, and gamification elements, such as experience points (XP), levels, and progress indicators. The resulting application provides an accessible, lightweight learning experience that can complement diabetes and nutrition education in everyday life. User evaluation showed positive results, including strong ratings for usability and overall engagement.
- Supports everyday carbohydrate estimation practice
- Combines learning with motivating gamification
- Provides immediate explanatory feedback
- Designed for mobile and tablet use
- Encourages repeated use through progress and rewards
Key terms
- DiabetesThe project was developed in the context of diabetes self-management and everyday nutritional decision-making.
- Carbohydrate EstimationGuesstimator supports the practice of estimating carbohydrate values in meals and portion sizes.
- GamificationGame-inspired mechanics were integrated to increase motivation and encourage repeated use.
- User EngagementThe application was evaluated based on user experience, with an focus on engagement.
- Mobile Web ApplicationThe final solution is a mobile-first web application designed for accessible everyday use.
Customer
Diabetes Biel-Bienne
Reto Kaufmann
Bahnhofpl. 2C
2502 Biel
www.diabetesbiel.ch
Team
Noel Burkard
Salvatore Cuppuleri
Advisor
Prof. Dr. Anton Fedosov