Wicked Problems, Project 1
Food Sustainability
In recent years, more people are realizing the importance of eating well, but accessing healthy, organic food isn’t easy for everyone. It often seems like only those with deep pockets can afford organic produce. Meanwhile, big grocery chains and food companies are making significant profits off the organic trend, leaving local farmers struggling and the environment suffering from their unsustainable practices.
Developing an app aimed at resolving the accessibility of local, seasonal produce holds the promise of revolutionizing how we connect with our food sources. Such an app would serve as a bridge between consumers and local producers, democratizing access to fresh, healthy produce. By providing a platform where consumers can easily locate and purchase locally sourced fruits and vegetables, the app would empower individuals to make conscientious food choices that support both their health and their communities.
We divided our initial thoughts into three main groups using the CSD Matrix. The first group was about things we know or understand, the second group was about things we assume, and the last group was about things we’re uncertain about.
Based on the insights from our CSD Matrix, we have identified the focal points for our survey and interview questions. They revolve around the following key concept
- Awareness and understanding of food sustainability concepts.
- Consumption habits and preferences for sustainable foods.
- Motivations and values driving food choices.
- Barriers and challenges to adopting sustainable food habits.
- Perceptions of the impacts of different food production methods.
- Willingness to change behavior to support sustainability.
- Sources of information about food sustainability.
- Future intentions regarding sustainable food consumption.
Once we’ve received the data from our surveys and interviews, we can gain a clearer vision and identify the main areas of opportunity on which we could focus.
Based on the data above, we have chosen to focus on our main user and start working on the solution. The area of opportunity that we have decided to tackle is education. Users prioritize making informed choices between organic and non-organic food options, and they seek an app that provides clear details on organic certification status and traceability to align purchases with their values. Similarly, those lacking knowledge about sustainable products encounter a barrier to making informed choices, which diminishes their ability to confidently select environmentally friendly options. To address this effectively, they require a feature that seamlessly integrates the shopping experience with educational resources, empowering them to make environmentally conscious decisions with confidence.
Low-Fi Wireframes and Prototype
Our approach for the app was focused on education. It allows users to scan products and receive real-time information about them, providing clear details on organic certification status and traceability. Once the user feels confident about their choice, they can add the product to an in-app grocery list, thereby keeping track of their budget.
In conclusion, users seek clear information about organic and sustainable products to make informed choices. By integrating details and educational resources into shopping apps, they can confidently select products that align with their values and are more likely to make purchases they would have otherwise avoided. This approach makes it easier for everyone to shop sustainably and contribute to a healthier planet.
