UX design (Introduction to human- centered design) (2016)

A Human-centred design process strives to develop designs that encompass the user experience holistically. User Experience is about measuring and improving effectiveness, ease of learning, and efficiency of use, memorability, error prevention and satisfaction. For this project each student was required to come up with an idea for a digital product that solves a real-world problem. There had to be a need for the product and a compelling reason for users to adopt it. Once all the necessary information was collected each student was required to undertake a user-centred design approach by researching the potential users and create personas, user journeys and paper prototypes. The paper prototypes had to be tested with potential users, which finally allowed us to create our own unique wireframe and user interface design. Everybody is changing their lifestyles, counting calories or simply making healthier choices. With the increase in health consciousness the need for an app to suit your new lifestyle is in demand. There are currently so many apps, from foodie apps that show restaurants closest to you to calorie counting apps. This need is combining foodie apps that show restaurants in your area as well as showing their menus, with a calorie counting app. But it doesn't stop there, the app will allow you to spot restaurants, have access to their menus and know exactly what ingredients are in every dish. It will estimate the calorie intake and warn you about any food allergens namely; gluten, nuts, dairy etc. This app will also specify if it is diet friendly and which diet is suited for namely; Banting, Paleo etc. This app will be beneficial to the user in a sense that now you are able to go out and enjoy a meal knowing exactly what you are eating and having piece of mind knowing you made a healthy decision. This app will diminish assumptions of healthy eating and create an even bigger awareness of a healthy lifestyle. The app can be seen as a marketing platform for the restaurants, as well as more transparent honesty policy. We are aware that time, effort and admin is required to be part of this app, and as a suggestion to this challenge health administrators can be assigned to each restaurant or the head of a franchises like for example Mugg&Bean. These administrators will be assigned by the app team and be part of the team to handle all the admin and uploading for the app. Target audience: People who are health conscious, who follow a specific diet, who struggle with allergies and who like to feel in control and prepared, can be considered a
target audience for this specific problem. The persona that I focused on for this project was an Indian male in his thirties. He has specific cultural dietary needs and it is often difficult for him to find a restaurant that meets his specific needs. For this project I collected and researched the different apps and scenarios that would typically present itself. The project required that an in-depth research is conducted on the concept of the app, who the key users would be a task and goal analysis had to be developed. Lastly the context, environment and accessibility analysis had to be researched and established in order to develop a wireframe and user interface. The name of the app is called ‘FOED’ which is an acronym for ‘The Food Helper’.