How did Stigler’s initial approach differ from contemporary diet recommendation engines regarding user experience?

Answer

It was entirely divorced from subjective user experience.

A key distinction highlighted by Stigler's early work is its singular focus on objective metrics, specifically cost minimization against nutritional necessity. The resulting mathematical solution provided the cheapest possible dietary composition without regard for whether a person would actually find the suggested foods palatable, enjoyable, or relevant to their daily life or cultural context. Modern engines, conversely, must actively integrate subjective data points like stated preferences, dislikes, and contextual factors to ensure long-term user adherence, marking a significant departure from this early purity of purpose.

How did Stigler’s initial approach differ from contemporary diet recommendation engines regarding user experience?
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