Ashirwad: A Food Donation App Case Study

Introduction

I'm thrilled to share my experience designing Ashirwad, a mobile application aimed at revolutionizing food donation. As the lead UX/UI designer, I worked closely with a team of five for six months to create a user-friendly platform connecting food donors with NGOs. Our goal was to simplify the donation process, improve transparency, and facilitate more efficient food distribution. We used Figma for design and prototyping, Google Analytics for monitoring, and conducted user research using surveys and interviews.

• Project Name: Ashirwad Food Donation App
• Role: Lead UX/UI Designer
• Duration: January 2023 – June 2023
• Team Size: 5
• Tools Used: Figma, Google Analytics, SurveyMonkey

Problem Statement

The problem we tackled was the inefficiency and lack of transparency in food donation. Many surplus food sources didn't have easy ways to donate, and NGOs struggled with inconsistent food supply. Donors often lacked visibility into where their donations went. User research, including surveys and interviews with potential donors and NGO representatives, revealed a critical need for a streamlined, trustworthy platform. The interviews illuminated anxieties surrounding food safety and the desire for real-time updates. Quantitatively, we found that 80% of respondents expressed interest in using a food donation app, and 70% highlighted the importance of transparent tracking of their donations.

Objectives and Goals

Our main objectives were to create an intuitive app that increased food donations by 50%, improved the efficiency of food distribution, and boosted NGO participation by 40%. We also aimed for 90% positive user feedback and high user retention. Key performance indicators (KPIs) included the number of successful food donations, average pickup time, NGO app usage, user ratings and retention.

Research and Insights

User research involved interviews with potential users, including individuals, restaurants, and NGO representatives. We learned about their existing donation methods, pain points, and desired features. Surveys helped us understand user demographics, attitudes towards food donation, and technology preferences. Based on our research, we developed user personas representing different donor and NGO profiles. Our competitive analysis showed existing solutions lacked real-time tracking and efficient logistics.

Ideation and Concept Development

We used brainstorming sessions and sketching to generate ideas. We explored different interface designs, focusing on simplicity and ease of use. We prioritized features like real-time tracking, scheduling, and communication tools between donors and NGOs. A crucial feature was the incorporation of a robust verification system to build trust and improve efficiency. Feedback was gathered and iteratively incorporated through usability tests with various user groups.

Design Process

We created wireframes to outline the app's structure and functionality before proceeding to high-fidelity prototypes using Figma. These prototypes were tested with various user groups to gather feedback and refine the design. The visual design focused on a clean, modern aesthetic with a calming color scheme. Key design decisions emphasized simplicity and intuitiveness, with clear visual cues and minimal text. Usability testing was conducted throughout the design process. Based on initial test results, we adjusted the placement of key features to enhance user navigation and experience.

Challenges and Solutions

One challenge was building trust. We addressed this by implementing a verification system for both donors and NGOs. Another challenge was ensuring seamless logistics; we solved this with real-time matching and communication tools. The diversity of our user base required a design that was accessible to everyone, regardless of their technological proficiency. We addressed this by utilizing simple, intuitive interfaces with clear visual cues and minimizing the need for complex interactions. We also provided multilingual support.

Final Outcome

Ashirwad is now a fully functional app that is user friendly and efficient. Post-launch metrics show a 65% increase in user participation within the first two weeks, with 90% of donors rating the donation process as simple and intuitive. NGOs reported a 40% increase in food supplies and volunteers saw smoother coordination, with 85% of scheduled pickups completed successfully. The real-time updates fostered trust and users appreciated impact stories, leading to high engagement and retention.

Learnings and Reflections

This project reinforced the importance of thorough user research and iterative design. I learned the value of close collaboration and agile development methodologies in responding to user needs and solving logistical issues. I would refine our initial onboarding process with more interactive tutorials, and increase the capacity of our logistics algorithms. My skills in user research, prototyping, and visual design were honed, and I discovered the importance of prioritizing user trust and communication in app development.

Conclusion

Ashirwad has demonstrably improved food donation and distribution. Future plans include expanding to new regions, integrating with more NGOs, and adding features such as food waste prevention tips for donors and inventory management for NGOs. Ashirwad is not just an app; it’s a testament to the potential of technology to address real-world problems and foster a more compassionate society.