Post-Graduation Project: app design for simplifying meal prep

Transforming the culinary landscape with an innovative app aimed at simplifying meal planning and preparation, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainability and creativity in the kitchen.

Role

UX/UI Designer

Role

UX/UI Designer

Role

UX/UI Designer

Industry

Food & Beverage

Industry

Food & Beverage

Industry

Food & Beverage

Duration

4 months

Duration

4 months

Duration

4 months

An image depicting multiple smartphones displaying various mockups

Stage 1. User Research

Conducted an extensive exploratory research phase involving a diverse group of 68 individuals responsible for meal planning and preparation within their households. This included qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys aimed at understanding their meal planning habits, challenges, and perceptions of time management. The findings underscored the importance of reducing mental burden associated with meal preparation, informing the development of detailed user personas to better address the needs of our target audience.

Stage 2. Ideation & Conceptualization

In collaboration with a partner, we applied empathy mapping to gain deeper insights into our users. We conducted brainstorming sessions to ideate innovative features for the application, ensuring they effectively addressed identified user needs. Additionally, we mapped out multiple user journey scenarios to visualize interactions with these features. These activities fostered a collaborative environment, promoting engagement and paving the way for gamified experiences aimed at enhancing user interaction.

Stage 3. Design Execution

Flowchart: Initiated the project by meticulously developing a comprehensive flowchart. This strategic approach enabled us to outline the necessary screens and features for our prototype, while also mapping out the user journey within the application. This foundational step ensured a clear and structured path from initial user interaction through to seamless navigation and functionality.
Wireframing: Developed wireframes for various app screens, meticulously planning each element of the user interface to ensure intuitive navigation and a seamless learning experience. These wireframes served as the foundation for the app's structure, focusing on facilitating easy access to educational content and interactive features.
Prototyping: Utilized advanced features in Figma to create interactive prototypes, enabling realistic user interactions. Conducted live prototype demonstrations to stakeholders, providing a tangible sense of the app's look and feel, as well as its functionality.

Stage 1. User Research

Stage 2. Ideation & Conceptualization

Stage 3. Design Execution

Flowchart: Initiated the project by meticulously developing a comprehensive flowchart. This strategic approach enabled us to outline the necessary screens and features for our prototype, while also mapping out the user journey within the application. This foundational step ensured a clear and structured path from initial user interaction through to seamless navigation and functionality.
Wireframing: Developed wireframes for various app screens, meticulously planning each element of the user interface to ensure intuitive navigation and a seamless learning experience. These wireframes served as the foundation for the app's structure, focusing on facilitating easy access to educational content and interactive features.
Prototyping: Utilized advanced features in Figma to create interactive prototypes, enabling realistic user interactions. Conducted live prototype demonstrations to stakeholders, providing a tangible sense of the app's look and feel, as well as its functionality.

Stage 4. Final Presentation and Documentation

Prepared an in-depth presentation and comprehensive documentation detailing the research findings, design rationale, user testing outcomes, and the iterative design process. Additionally, presented all the screens of the prototype and the Design Thinking process utilized.

This project was delivered as the final work for the post-graduate program in User-Centered Design at Universidade Positivo in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, completed in 2023. Highlighted the app's potential to transform meal planning by simplifying the process, reducing food waste, and promoting sustainability and creativity in the kitchen.

a pair of cell phones on a concrete block

a cell phone with a yellow rectangular screen

Reflections

This project aimed to revolutionize meal preparation by developing an innovative app that optimizes pantry ingredients, reduces food waste, and promotes sustainable eating habits. It addressed the daily challenges faced in kitchens by offering a holistic approach to meal planning, emphasizing simplicity, sustainability, and creativity.

Through extensive user research and iterative design processes, this project underscored the importance of understanding user needs and preferences. It honed skills in collaborative problem-solving and effective communication, setting a solid foundation for future endeavors in UX/UI design. By integrating advanced technology with user-centric design principles, the app not only streamlined kitchen efficiency but also encouraged more mindful consumption practices.