Startup Idea: Shared Office Fridge Management Software

Startup idea to develop a software that can effectively manage the shared office refrigerator. The software may include features like webcam monitoring of fridge, log system to keep track of when food items are added & removed, expiration alerts and supports multi-platform compatibility.

Although I personally work in scientific research, I think my idea applies to most fields in which people work in standard office spaces.

I think it would be very interesting to see software tackle the problem of the shared office refrigerator. Everywhere I've worked, no matter how dedicated and talented the people who work there, there's been a disgusting fridge.

The typically cited cause is the "tragedy of the commons" -- the tendency to abuse a resource that is available to everyone but for which no one is held responsible.

I've tried to brainstorm some ideas for how software could approach this problem, although I'm sure there are others:

1. Webcam: If feasible, stick a camera in the fridge itself. If not, put the camera very close to the fridge. In either case, there should be a software interface that makes it easy for employees to view the webcam feed from their desks. If people know that their fridge use is being monitored by others, then this may act as a deterrent, so they're no longer tempted to let their food sit there for months, or to let spills go uncleaned.

2. Fridge log: Create an app in which employees log when they add or remove food from the fridge. There can be a rule established that any unlogged food be thrown out every Friday. When the food has been in the fridge to long, an alert can be sent to the employee. These alerts could be informed by access to online information about how long different foods can safely remain in a refrigerator.

I've worked in some environments that are very biased towards Windows, and others where people exclusively use Macs, so software that is available for either platform would be good.