FoodFetch

An app to revolutionize access to nutritious food for all in Indiana

Embedded in the IoT Interface Design Business Innovation course and backed by AgriNovus Indiana, "FOODFETCH" stands as a beacon of human-centered innovation aimed at tackling Indiana's food security challenges. This project weaves together IoT technology with strategic design methodologies to pave the way for equitable food access throughout the state.

As a case study, it unfolds "FOODFETCH's" evolution from an insightful exploration of food security issues to the development of a solution poised to redefine food accessibility, highlighting its ambition to become a scalable blueprint for nationwide food security initiatives.

OVERVIEW

ROLE & DURATION

UX Researcher | Designer

User Research, Interaction, Visual design, Prototyping & Usability testing

Client

AgriNovus Indiana

Jan - May 2023

The Problem

In Indiana, the pressing issue of food security is stark, with individuals and families navigating a landscape where nutritious, affordable food remains out of reach for many. This challenge is exacerbated by systemic barriers, such as the limited availability of EBT-eligible grocery stores offering diverse and healthy options, and the logistical hurdles that complicate access to these vital resources. The plight of residents like Jayla Smith, grappling with the dual demands of feeding her family nutritious meals and managing a tight budget and schedule, underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions.

Addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring that all Indiana residents can access the food they need, promoting not just health and well-being but also fostering a sustainable model of food distribution for future generations.

Secondary Research

Our secondary research into food insecurity in Indiana revealed critical insights, highlighting that 11.2% of Indiana's population faces food insecurity, with significant impacts across all age groups.

Data from the Food Industry Association and the U.S. Department of Agriculture illuminated the extent of the issue, including the prevalence of food deserts affecting 11.5% of Indiana residents and the reliance on SNAP benefits by over 37 million Americans.

Qualitative Interviews

Qualitative interviews served as a bridge, connecting broad desk research to secondary research for a nuanced understanding of the food security issue.

This allowed us to delve into the complexities and personal experiences behind the data, ensuring that the potential solution is developed with a deep empathy and understanding of the user's needs and challenges in accessing nutritious food in Indiana.

Key insights from interviews,

Individuals with limited financial resources are often cautious about incurring an additional expenses.

Accessing groceries often required significant effort, involving multiple bus rides to locate a store accepting EBT.

Greater distances not only elevate gas expenses but also don't assure the availability of fresh produce.

Juggling multiple jobs to
cover living costs leaves little
to no time for cooking the
meals.

Persona

We distilled our research into a persona, representing distinct age demographics, to inform and guide our design process. This persona, derived from our comprehensive findings and observations, plays a crucial role in tailoring our ideation and implementation strategies to meet diverse user needs effectively.

Conceptualization

We devised three distinct business models, each with its unique cost and revenue structures. For each model, we created storyboards to illustrate potential user interactions, highlighting how these solutions could seamlessly integrate into users' lives. These visual narratives not only demonstrated the user journey but also detailed the financial aspects, presenting a clear picture of potential profitability and sustainability for each concept. This approach allowed us to explore various avenues for addressing food insecurity while considering the economic viability of each solution.

The Solution

Guided by the feedback received, we chose to advance with "FOODFETCH" as our primary solution. This step involved crafting a detailed business model and strategy to realize the concept effectively, focusing on its potential to make a significant impact on food security in Indiana.

Prototype

Competitive Landscape

Customer Journey Map

IoT Ecosystem

Business Model Canvas

SWOT Analysis

Business Values

Desk Research

In our desk research, we explored a wide range of articles and research papers to understand the multifaceted nature of food security in Indiana. This investigation encompassed market forces, emerging trends, industry dynamics, and macroeconomic factors, providing a holistic view of the external elements influencing food accessibility and distribution.

Let's connect

Feel free to reach out for a collaboration or just a friendly hello 😇

hellosaranshg@gmail.com