Food Basket

CLIENT
Student Project from Google UX Professional Certificate

SECTOR
Community Outreach, Design, Sustainability

MY ROLE
Entire Project Design from Research to Conception, Visualization, to Testing

PROJECT TIME
March 2024 - July 2024

TOOLS
Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop

Project Background

Food insecurity is a significant issue nationwide, with many individuals struggling to access necessary resources. For those facing food insecurity, feelings of helplessness and worry are common barriers that prevent them from seeking help. Despite the persistence of food insecurity, the availability and accessibility of resources remain limited in our evolving world. Food Basket is an application that aims to address these challenges by making it easier for food insecure individuals to find local food pantries and connect with others for support and resources.

It should be noted that this project was accompanied by a six-month user experience design training, followed by a fixed course plan and a digital implementation was planned. It helped me to deepen my knowledge in user experience design and to explore digital approaches to encouraging community outreach and to find out how the proper resources can be set in accordance with sustainability goals.

Problem

Goal

Individuals experiencing food scarcity need a quick and efficient way to locate nearby food pantries. Unfortunately, connecting with other individuals and sharing knowledge on resources is difficult for many to do and can be tough for others to admit.

Design a user experience to help users readily find local food banks and be able to connect with other individuals for resources. Reduce stigma associated with food pantries by providing a sense of community and encouragement.

Research

I utilized various sources of secondary research, including industry reports, academic papers, online forums, surveys, and demographic data from reputable websites. This comprehensive approach allowed me to gather diverse and relevant insights about the target user. In absence of direct user interviews, this research served to gather insights into the target user group and their behaviors, needs, and pain points to inform the design process.

69%

of respondents have concerns about using a pantry because they would rather support themselves.

52%

of adults over the age of 60 who are eligible for SNAP are not enrolled in it.

42%

of respondents say they would feel embarrassed to use a pantry.

40%

of respondents worry that others would find out.

Connecticut Foodshare’s Institute for Hunger Research & Solutions. Jan 2022

Compilation of the data revealed thoughts, feelings, and concerns of our target population. Notable statistics are listed above. It appears that the majority of people experiencing food insecurity are not participating in food pantries or taking advantage of related resources.

Findings

Insight #1

Users would prefer to support themselves in food finding.

Many individuals feel a sense of pride that prevents them from reaching out for assistance in locating food. As a result, they often rely on their own efforts to meet their needs.

Insight #2

Users are in need of food but are not enrolled in proper resources.

Either individuals are aware of the resources and choose not to take advantage of the opportunities or they are lacking the information, support, and knowledge. This barrier prevents individuals from getting to the proper resources.

Insight #3

Users are reluctant about using food pantries.

Many individuals experience stigma associated with using food pantries, leading to feelings of embarrassment, shyness, or hesitation. This negative perception can discourage them from seeking the help they need.

Building Empathy

Using the insights from the data analysis, I created 2 target group profiles Gene (recent college graduate, 21) and Eunice (retail worker, 42) that represent the needs, feelings, and beliefs of our users. Despite having similar goals, both personas come from different backgrounds. These personas were designed to be realistic representations of the target users to guide the design process effectively.

The personas guided my design decisions throughout the project. They helped in prioritizing features, designing intuitive user flows, and creating solutions that address the actual needs of the users. By referencing the personas, I was able to maintain a user-centered approach in my design process.

Information Architecture

Based on insights from my research, I designed the site map to outline the general pathways and user flows within Food Basket. This structured layout helps clarify how users can interact with the application, highlighting key features and functions while also pin pointing primary and secondary goals. By visualizing the information architecture, I was able to identify various user journeys and align them with those same goals, ensuring that critical resources are easily accessible. This thoughtful organization not only enhances usability but also supports a more intuitive navigation experience, ultimately guiding users towards achieving their needs efficiently.

Blue Yellow Modern Minimal Site Map Chart (3).png

Storyboard

Product based user journey map that illustrates the beginning to task completion of an individual and their experience in going through each course phase. The overall map was adapted to better understand user needs and individual journeys. Insights were derived and utilized for implementation in next steps.

Wireframing, Prototyping and Usability Testing

Paper and Digital Wireframes

With low-fidelity wireframes, the general outline and structure of the application can easily be tested and adjusted before moving onto further permanent implementation of design. Paper wireframes were made first and altered before digital wireframes were created.

Design System

The comprehensive design system was developed through extensive research and iterative design, starting from mood boards and evolving into a final version of the style guide.

Mockups

Mockups were crafted to provide a visual representation of the final product and to illustrate the overall user journey for Food Basket users. The first four mockups illustrate the onboarding pages while the next four represent some of the unique features Food Basket offers. Each mockup captures key interactions and showcases the app’s layout, ensuring a clear understanding of navigation and functionality. These visuals not only highlight essential features, such as pantry searches and resource-sharing options, but also reflect the user-friendly design aimed at enhancing accessibility. By mapping out the user journey, the mockups facilitated valuable feedback during the design process, allowing for refinements that aligned with user needs and preferences.

Prototype

A finalized prototype was developed in a video walkthrough, showcasing a seamless user experience. Users can easily navigate through the application to find food pantries, with intuitive features that guide them through their journey. They can also message community members and share resources. The prototype includes interactive elements, such as search functions, allowing users to tailor their search based on location and specific needs. User feedback was incorporated into the design, ensuring that the final product meets real-world requirements and enhances accessibility for those in need.

Conclusion

The goals of creating an easily accessible app that addresses the crucial needs of food-insecure individuals were successfully achieved. This app not only assists users in locating nearby food pantries but also serves as a vital platform for connecting them with others in their community. By integrating features that promote resource sharing and mutual support, the app fosters a sense of belonging and collaboration among users. This dual approach not only ensures immediate access to essential food resources but also empowers individuals to build networks of support, ultimately enhancing their resilience in facing food insecurity.

If there was more time available...

Development of alternate user personas to cover more experiences and further adapt our app for more user journeys.
Additional research, preferably first hand, to gather more insights on the target population and ideas surrounding food pantry usage.
Can always use more iterations/testing to introduce search filters and preferences.

Relevance

Given the increasing reliance on food pantries, as highlighted by current statistics, an app like this becomes even more significant. It leverages technology to streamline access to vital resources, making it simpler for individuals to locate and utilize food pantries. By normalizing the use of food pantries through widespread availability of such apps, we can reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. This empowerment allows more people to make informed and confident choices about their food sources, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and inclusive community. The app's impact extends beyond its primary function, serving as a catalyst for change in how society views food insecurity and the use of food pantries. By integrating user-friendly design with essential resources, the app not only meets immediate needs but also fosters long-term positive shifts in perception and accessibility.