Pantry App
Preventing food waste one scan at a time
UX Design
- Time table 1 year
- Role Product Design / UX Design
- Platform Mobile (iOS)
Introduction
Problem: How do we tackle food waste?
Okay, let’s start small; how can you tackle your food waste? Sometimes you buy food items you don’t need or already have. Sometimes, produce gets lost behind the chaos of a crowded fridge, only to be rediscovered much later with a rainbow of mold growing on it. We are only human after all. Some of us (let’s be honest, all of us) struggle to keep our food waste to a guilt-free minimum.
However, this weekly personal dilemma becomes catastrophic at a societal scale. In the U.S., we waste about 31% of our food. This equates to roughly 133 billion pounds and $161 billion of food wasted annually, which costs the average family of four about $1,500 every year.
It’s a problem we all realize is bad (and we all are looking for ways to save on groceries nowadays), but too few of us have cracked the code to eliminating our own food waste. This means not overbuying at the grocery store, not letting food spoil before you can use it up, and adjusting your consumer habits to your actual food use. Unfortunately, too many of us have gaps in attention or understanding our own habits to make good on a commitment towards lower food waste, which is where we can begin to tackle this issue.
Solution: One step at a time.
Our solution relies on holistically grasping the full cycle of food; one that starts in the produce aisle, lays in wait in the fridge or on countertops, and completes its journey as a delicious meal for the whole family. This approach allows us to tackle three of the largest sources of waste at once: lack of inspiration, inattentiveness, and lack of information. It is not realistic to believe a mobile app can possibly have the power or reach to enact global changes in consumer habits. However, that shouldn't detract from trying to assist those who desire it for themselves.
Discovery and Research
The project kicked off with an extensive discovery phase, involving stakeholder interviews, user surveys, and a thorough analysis of user behavior data. Understanding the pain points and aspirations of the target audience was crucial in shaping the project's direction. Personas were created to represent different user archetypes, providing a human-centric framework for decision-making throughout the design process.
Defining Objectives
The primary objectives were crystal clear – streamline navigation, enhance feature discoverability, and establish a visual identity that resonated with the brand ethos. Beyond aesthetics, the goal was to create an app that seamlessly integrated into users' routines, anticipating their needs and simplifying complex interactions.
Design Process
Armed with insights from the research phase, the design process unfolded in iterative cycles. Wireframes were crafted to map out the app's information architecture and user flows. Collaborative workshops involving both designers and developers ensured a cohesive understanding of technical feasibility and design aspirations.
The visual design phase emphasized a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality. A carefully chosen color palette and typography enhanced readability and accessibility. Micro-interactions were strategically implemented to provide users with real-time feedback, enhancing the overall tactile experience.
Prototyping and Testing
Interactive prototypes were developed to simulate the user journey, allowing for in-depth testing and refinement. Usability testing sessions provided invaluable feedback, leading to adjustments that addressed pain points and refined the user interface. Iterative testing became a crucial aspect of the design process, ensuring that the final product was not just visually appealing but also inherently user-friendly.
Implementation and Launch
Collaboration with the development team was seamless, thanks to a well-documented design system and ongoing communication channels. The phased implementation allowed for continuous feedback loops, ensuring any unforeseen challenges were addressed promptly. The launch marked not just the introduction of a revamped app but a redefined digital experience for the users.
Results
Post-launch analytics revealed a significant uptick in user engagement metrics. App usage increased by 30%, and user satisfaction ratings soared. The streamlined navigation and enhanced feature discoverability were highlighted in user reviews, showcasing a successful alignment of design with user needs.
Conclusion
Pantree stands as a testament to the transformative impact of user-centric design. By aligning business objectives with user needs, the revamped app not only met but exceeded expectations. The success of this UX design project serves as a roadmap for future initiatives, emphasizing the importance of empathy, collaboration, and iterative refinement in creating digital experiences that truly resonate with users.
