TealPlate
Design Question
How could a software application providing user specific information about elimination diets, due to food sensitivities, help remove confusion, enhance user confidence and peace of mind, and increase safety around the food preparation process?
Design Methods
- Primary Research
- Secondary Research
- Stakeholder Maps
- Journey Map
- Affinity Diagramming
- User Personas
- Wireframes
Objective
To create a proof-of-concept prototype for an app that connects users to shared food sensitivity information in order to increase their confidence in, and decrease the risk of, purchasing and preparing foods that pose dangers of allergic or food sensitivity reaction.
Overview
TealPlate is an individual project submitted as my thesis for my master's program. I used Adobe XD to create the resulting design proof of concept as well as Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop for additional graphics.
Abstract
Food allergies, intolerances, and other food sensitivities are increasing in frequency. This increase in people effected is exponential since it affects not only those with the sensitivity, but also those who surround them in life, such as caregivers, family, friends, schools, and employers. Diagnosis is a long and tedious process of elimination of foods in diet combined with available testing when possible. There is currently no cure for food sensitivities, only avoidance of the food or foods and experimental therapies are available. Food labels often include ingredient names unfamiliar to most people. Improvements have been made in updated legislation for food labeling to clearly print key allergens on the products’ labels. But, the process of finding and purchasing safe products is still challenging. Shopping requires more time, and navigating the everyday task of preparing a meal becomes significantly more complicated when specific background experience is absent. The proposed app will work to help users discover and combine features that will help fill the knowledge gap and increase food safety for those with food sensitivities.
