This needs analysis follows Morrison, Ross, and Kemp’s four-stage model (2004), including Planning, Data Collection, Data Analysis, and Report Compilation, to assess the challenges college students face when cooking for themselves in shared apartments or college dorms.
Using a combination of survey data, an AI chatbot interview with Jon Chin, and secondary research, we identify key barriers such as limited cooking skills, time constraints, budget restrictions, and kitchen access limitations.
To understand the barriers preventing college students from cooking regularly, we conducted:
- AI Chatbot Interview with Jon Chin – To gather insights from Open Kitchen’s past experience.
- Secondary Research – To compare findings with broader trends in student food behaviors.
AI Chatbot Insights (Jon Chin - Open Kitchen Reflections)
The AI chatbot modeled after Jon Chin, an NYU alumni who helped create Open Kitchen, revealed that students face three major barriers when it comes to cooking:
1. Knowledge and Skill Gaps
- Many students live on their own for the first time and lack experience in grocery shopping and meal prep.
- Students struggle with where to start with cooking and lack structured learning resources.
- Healthy cooking is often misunderstood, leading to reliance on fast food or pre-packaged meals.
2. Economic Barriers
- High cost of living in NYC makes grocery shopping a financial challenge.
- Students struggle with budgeting for groceries, often overspending or resorting to unhealthy cheap meals.
- Many students from lower-cost areas struggle to adjust to NYC food prices.
- Initial investment in cooking tools (knives, pans, storage containers) can be a barrier.
3. Psychological Barriers
- Many students experience fear of taking personal action, even when recognizing the need to cook.
- Cooking feels intimidating, especially for those with little prior experience.
- Lack of confidence leads to avoidance of cooking tasks altogether.
Secondary Research Findings
Cooking presents major challenges for many college students, including a lack of skills, time restraints, and cost limits. According to the New York Post, over two-thirds of Generation Z lack basic cooking skills, with 61% unable to make an omelet. Hence,it is crucial to receive systematic instruction to build confidence in the kitchen. Furthermore, 34% of college students report experiencing food insecurity, making budgeting and meal planning techniques essential (Hope Center, 2021). Even though they claim to want to eat healthier, many students turn to processed or fast food since it is thought to be more convenient and less expensive. Additionally, studies indicate that Gen Z students favor interactive, mobile-friendly resources over conventional text-based instructions, highlighting the importance of engaging visually stimulating learning experiences in cooking.
Needs Identified
Budget-Friendly Grocery Planning
Many college students struggle with managing their food expenses while maintaining a balanced diet. A well-planned grocery list can help students minimize waste, stick to their budget, and make the most of available ingredients.
Time-Efficient Meal Preparation
Between classes, assignments, and part-time jobs, students have limited time for cooking. Learning how to prepare meals quickly using batch cooking, meal prepping, and multi-functional kitchen tools can make cooking more manageable.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guidelines
Many students lack confidence in the kitchen and need clear, beginner-friendly guidance. Providing step-by-step instructions with visuals, simple recipes, and basic cooking techniques ensures they can cook with ease.
References
Barnes & Noble College. (2022). Incorporating UX design principles to create meaningful digital learning experiences for Gen Z and Alpha. ProQuest.
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FindingTheOne. (2025, January 27). Gen Z is a failure at cooking—even whipping up a simple egg is 'too stressful,' they admit. New York Post.
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The Hope Center for College, Community, and Justice. (2021). Student food and housing insecurity report. Arizona Board of Regents.
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Szapkiw, A. (n.d.). Conducting a needs analysis: Morrison, Ross, & Kemp. Amanda Szapkiw.
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