Makenna baylor
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inform case study
inform case study
inform case study
inform case study
inform case study
inform case study
Project overview
In the wake of the post-2020 health craze and the proliferation of nutritional misinformation, I recognized a critical gap in the market for young adults seeking reliable dietary guidance. Existing nutrition apps fell short, offering only superficial information without the depth, personalization, or scientific context needed to make truly informed decisions. This realization, coupled with my own struggles navigating allergen restrictions and conflicting nutritional advice, sparked the creation of Inform.
Project goals
Inform was born from a vision to revolutionize nutritional education for young adults, especially those with specific dietary needs. As the UI/UX co-lead, I embarked on a mission to develop a platform that would demystify nutrition science and empower users to take control of their dietary health without relying on costly dieticians or falling prey to fad diets.
In the wake of the post-2020 health craze and the proliferation of nutritional misinformation, I recognized a critical gap in the market for young adults seeking reliable dietary guidance. Existing nutrition apps fell short, offering only superficial information without the depth, personalization, or scientific context needed to make truly informed decisions. This realization, coupled with my own struggles navigating allergen restrictions and conflicting nutritional advice, sparked the creation of Inform.
Project goals
Inform was born from a vision to revolutionize nutritional education for young adults, especially those with specific dietary needs. As the UI/UX co-lead, I embarked on a mission to develop a platform that would demystify nutrition science and empower users to take control of their dietary health without relying on costly dieticians or falling prey to fad diets.
In the wake of the post-2020 health craze and the proliferation of nutritional misinformation, I recognized a critical gap in the market for young adults seeking reliable dietary guidance. Existing nutrition apps fell short, offering only superficial information without the depth, personalization, or scientific context needed to make truly informed decisions. This realization, coupled with my own struggles navigating allergen restrictions and conflicting nutritional advice, sparked the creation of InForm.
Project goals
InForm was born from a vision to revolutionize nutritional education for young adults, especially those with specific dietary needs. As the UI/UX co-lead, I embarked on a mission to develop a platform that would demystify nutrition science and empower users to take control of their dietary health without relying on costly dieticians or falling prey to fad diets.
My Role
I encompassed crucial aspects of the design process, from conducting thorough competitive and creative research to crafting user flow charts. I spearheaded the development of multi-fidelity prototypes, meticulously designing both micro and macro interactions to ensure a seamless user experience. Throughout the project, my focus remained on creating an intuitive, science-based interface that would resonate with our target audience and fulfill our mission of providing personalized, accurate nutritional guidance.
My Role
I encompassed crucial aspects of the design process, from conducting thorough competitive and creative research to crafting user flow charts. I spearheaded the development of multi-fidelity prototypes, meticulously designing both micro and macro interactions to ensure a seamless user experience. Throughout the project, my focus remained on creating an intuitive, science-based interface that would resonate with our target audience and fulfill our mission of providing personalized, accurate nutritional guidance.
Research & Discovery
Research methods
Embarking on this project, we embraced Human Centered Design principles, weaving them into a comprehensive three-phase research methodology. Our journey began with a deep dive into market analysis, competitive benchmarking, user research, and creative exploration. This initial phase laid the groundwork for our understanding of the nutritional app landscape and user needs.
As we dove deeper, the stark realities of the market became clear. Our analysis unveiled a significant demand for personalized nutrition guidance, with 20 million individuals grappling with food allergies and a staggering 96 million U.S. adults facing prediabetes. These numbers weren't just statistics; they represented real people seeking solutions. Our user research echoed this need, with an overwhelming 99% of survey respondents expressing concerns about their nutrient intake, and nearly half reporting dietary modifications due to various health factors.
Research methods
Embarking on this project, we embraced Human Centered Design principles, weaving them into a comprehensive three-phase research methodology. Our journey began with a deep dive into market analysis, competitive benchmarking, user research, and creative exploration. This initial phase laid the groundwork for our understanding of the nutritional app landscape and user needs.
As we dove deeper, the stark realities of the market became clear. Our analysis unveiled a significant demand for personalized nutrition guidance, with 20 million individuals grappling with food allergies and a staggering 96 million U.S. adults facing prediabetes. These numbers weren't just statistics; they represented real people seeking solutions. Our user research echoed this need, with an overwhelming 99% of survey respondents expressing concerns about their nutrient intake, and nearly half reporting dietary modifications due to various health factors.
Armed with these insights, we transitioned into the second phase, meticulously crafting user personas and flow charts to address the pain points we'd uncovered. This process was both challenging and enlightening, forcing us to view the problem through the eyes of our potential users.
The final phase saw us bringing our research to life in a Figma prototype. This wasn't just about creating a visually appealing interface; it was about synthesizing all our findings into a solution that could genuinely address the gaps we'd identified in the market.
Throughout this process, we didn't just look at direct competitors. Our SWOT analyses encompassed both direct and indirect competitors, providing a comprehensive view of the landscape and informing our strategic positioning. We also delved into creative research, exploring food color theory and mobile user interaction principles to enhance the overall user experience.
Armed with these insights, we transitioned into the second phase, meticulously crafting user personas and flow charts to address the pain points we'd uncovered. This process was both challenging and enlightening, forcing us to view the problem through the eyes of our potential users.
The final phase saw us bringing our research to life in a Figma prototype. This wasn't just about creating a visually appealing interface; it was about synthesizing all our findings into a solution that could genuinely address the gaps we'd identified in the market.
Throughout this process, we didn't just look at direct competitors. Our SWOT analyses encompassed both direct and indirect competitors, providing a comprehensive view of the landscape and informing our strategic positioning. We also delved into creative research, exploring food color theory and mobile user interaction principles to enhance the overall user experience.
Personal discovery
This project was a transformative experience. It marked my first foray into mobile application design, introducing me to user research methodologies and the intricacies of Human-Centered Design. Working with Figma opened new avenues of creativity and precision in my design work. But more than just technical skills, this project deepened my understanding of how design can profoundly impact usability and user satisfaction. It wasn't just about making things look good; it was about making them work better for real people with real needs.
Personal discovery
This project was a transformative experience. It marked my first foray into mobile application design, introducing me to user research methodologies and the intricacies of Human-Centered Design. Working with Figma opened new avenues of creativity and precision in my design work. But more than just technical skills, this project deepened my understanding of how design can profoundly impact usability and user satisfaction. It wasn't just about making things look good; it was about making them work better for real people with real needs.
This journey solidified my passion for user-centric design and provided a robust foundation for my professional growth. As I reflect on the process, I'm struck by how each phase of research and discovery not only informed our project but also shaped my perspective as a designer. It's clear to me now that great design is born from a deep understanding of user needs, market dynamics, and creative possibilities – a lesson I'll carry forward in all my future endeavors.
This journey solidified my passion for user-centric design and provided a robust foundation for my professional growth. As I reflect on the process, I'm struck by how each phase of research and discovery not only informed our project but also shaped my perspective as a designer. It's clear to me now that great design is born from a deep understanding of user needs, market dynamics, and creative possibilities – a lesson I'll carry forward in all my future endeavors.
Design process
Screenshot of Miro user flow that I created
Screenshot of Miro user flow that I created
Screenshot of Miro user flow that I created
Our design process for Inform began with a comprehensive user flow developed in Miro. I strategically divided the application into four key domains: personal dashboard, food integration, nutrient information, and grocery scanner. This structured approach allowed for precise interface segmentation and targeted design assignments across our team, effectively translating complex user interactions into an actionable design strategy.
As Figma novices, my co-lead Kalyn Hernandez and I embarked on an iterative learning journey. We started with tablet-based white boxing sketches, progressed to Figma wireframing, and gradually refined each page into high-
Our design process for Inform began with a comprehensive user flow developed in Miro. I strategically divided the application into four key domains: personal dashboard, food integration, nutrient information, and grocery scanner. This structured approach allowed for precise interface segmentation and targeted design assignments across our team, effectively translating complex user interactions into an actionable design strategy.
As Figma novices, my co-lead Kalyn Hernandez and I embarked on an iterative learning journey. We started with tablet-based white boxing sketches, progressed to Figma wireframing, and gradually refined each page into high-fidelity displays. A Behance template served as our guide, helping us master Figma's intricacies in creating frames, interactions, and components.
Being our first mobile application project, Inform's prototyping capabilities were somewhat limited compared to later work. While we successfully implemented inter-page navigation and select micro-interactions, retrospective analysis revealed opportunities for more comprehensive prototyping. This experience not only shaped the project but also provided valuable insights for future endeavors, highlighting areas for growth in enhancing user experience and functionality.
fidelity displays. A Behance template served as our guide, helping us master Figma's intricacies in creating frames, interactions, and components.
Being our first mobile application project, Inform's prototyping capabilities were somewhat limited compared to later work. While we successfully implemented inter-page navigation and select micro-interactions, retrospective analysis revealed opportunities for more comprehensive prototyping. This experience not only shaped the project but also provided valuable insights for future endeavors, highlighting areas for growth in enhancing user experience and functionality.
iteration & Testing
Our testing and iteration phase was a hands-on, immersive experience. We utilized Figma's mobile application to conduct direct usability testing, personally interacting with the prototype on our devices. This approach allowed us to systematically refine button placements and navigation flows, constantly striving to optimize the user experience.
Our testing and iteration phase was a hands-on, immersive experience. We utilized Figma's mobile application to conduct direct usability testing, personally interacting with the prototype on our devices. This approach allowed us to systematically refine button placements and navigation flows, constantly striving to optimize the user experience. While external user testing was limited, we compensated by leveraging comprehensive peer and faculty feedback. These expert critiques became the cornerstone of our iterative process, helping us enhance the project's overall user experience and design integrity with each revision.
While external user testing was limited, we compensated by leveraging comprehensive peer and faculty feedback. These expert critiques became the cornerstone of our iterative process, helping us enhance the project's overall user experience and design integrity with each revision.
Persona Application
Throughout this phase, we continually refined and expanded the application's features, always keeping our primary user persona in mind. Skylar Johnson, a 20-year-old individual with celiac disease, became our focus. We tailored nutritional guidance and information to address her specific dietary restrictions, ensuring that our app could provide personalized recommendations to mitigate potential nutrient deficiencies associated with food intolerances. This focus on personalization drove our iterations, shaping Inform into a truly user-centric solution.
Persona Application
Throughout this phase, we continually refined and expanded the application's features, always keeping our primary user persona in mind. Skylar Johnson, a 20-year-old individual with celiac disease, became our focus. We tailored nutritional guidance and information to address her specific dietary restrictions, ensuring that our app could provide personalized recommendations to mitigate potential nutrient deficiencies associated with food intolerances. This focus on personalization drove our iterations, shaping Inform into a truly user-centric solution.
Persona Application
Throughout this phase, we continually refined and expanded the application's features, always keeping our primary user persona in mind. Skylar Johnson, a 20-year-old individual with celiac disease, became our focus. We tailored nutritional guidance and information to address her specific dietary restrictions, ensuring that our app could provide personalized recommendations to mitigate potential nutrient deficiencies associated with food intolerances. This focus on personalization drove our iterations, shaping Inform into a truly user-centric solution.
Screenshot of whiteboxing and lo-fidelity screens in Figma
Screenshot of whiteboxing and lo-fidelity screens in Figma
Screenshot of whiteboxing and lo-fidelity screens in Figma
final solution
The prototype contains four main pagess which are personal dashboard, food integration, nutrient information, and grocery scanner. The hope for the different domains are to do the following: educate, personalize, and apply.
Educate
With Inform, you can easily learn nutritional information, understand how each food or nutrient affects your body, and create a list of foods best for you personally.
Educate
With Inform, you can easily learn nutritional information, understand how each food or nutrient affects your body, and create a list of foods best for you personally.
personalize
Using your profile data, Inform scans common grocery items or foods and gives advice on whether it would be beneficial for your body, or if there are better alternatives to fit your personalized needs.
personalize
Using your profile data, Inform scans common grocery items or foods and gives advice on whether it would be beneficial for your body, or if there are better alternatives to fit your personalized needs.
Apply
The knowledge and substitutions that Inform provides will enable you to create personalized eating and shopping patterns grounded in nutritional understanding and confidence.
Apply
The knowledge and substitutions that Inform provides will enable you to create personalized eating and shopping patterns grounded in nutritional understanding and confidence.
Food Integration serves as a dynamic food exploration and comparison tool, enabling users to discover suitable alternatives, analyze nutritional content, and receive personalized recommendations tailored to their unique dietary needs and health goals.
Personal dashboard serves as a centralized hub for users to input, view, and manage their comprehensive health data, dietary preferences, and budget constraints, enabling the app to provide highly personalized nutritional recommendations and insights tailored to everyone’s unique profile and goals.
Food Integration serves as a dynamic food exploration and comparison tool, enabling users to discover suitable alternatives, analyze nutritional content, and receive personalized recommendations tailored to their unique dietary needs and health goals.
Personal dashboard serves as a centralized hub for users to input, view, and manage their comprehensive health data, dietary preferences, and budget constraints, enabling the app to provide highly personalized nutritional recommendations and insights tailored to everyone’s unique profile and goals.
Personal dashboard serves as a centralized hub for users to input, view, and manage their comprehensive health data, dietary preferences, and budget constraints, enabling the app to provide highly personalized nutritional recommendations and insights tailored to everyone’s unique profile and goals.
Food Integration serves as a dynamic food exploration and comparison tool, enabling users to discover suitable alternatives, analyze nutritional content, and receive personalized recommendations tailored to their unique dietary needs and health goals.
Nutrient Information serves as a comprehensive knowledge hub within Inform, offering users in-depth, personalized insights on food items, nutrients, substitutions, and global food standards, enabling them to make informed dietary decisions aligned with their health goals and nutritional needs.
Grocery Scanner serves as a powerful tool that enables users to instantly access and evaluate nutritional information of grocery items by scanning barcodes, providing personalized ingredient rankings, product comparisons, and shopping list functionality to facilitate informed, healthier purchasing decisions aligned with individual dietary needs and preferences.
Nutrient Information serves as a comprehensive knowledge hub within Inform, offering users in-depth, personalized insights on food items, nutrients, substitutions, and global food standards, enabling them to make informed dietary decisions aligned with their health goals and nutritional needs.
Grocery Scanner serves as a powerful tool that enables users to instantly access and evaluate nutritional information of grocery items by scanning barcodes, providing personalized ingredient rankings, product comparisons, and shopping list functionality to facilitate informed, healthier purchasing decisions aligned with individual dietary needs and preferences.
Grocery Scanner serves as a powerful tool that enables users to instantly access and evaluate nutritional information of grocery items by scanning barcodes, providing personalized ingredient rankings, product comparisons, and shopping list functionality to facilitate informed, healthier purchasing decisions aligned with individual dietary needs and preferences.
Nutrient Information serves as a comprehensive knowledge hub within Inform, offering users in-depth, personalized insights on food items, nutrients, substitutions, and global food standards, enabling them to make informed dietary decisions aligned with their health goals and nutritional needs.
impact & results
Our efforts culminated in a prestigious accolade at the 2023 Viz-a-Gogo ceremony, where Inform's mobile application and promotional video clinched the 'Best in Interactive Media' award. This recognition, amidst competition from year-round projects, was a testament to our problem-solving and design implementation skills.
The impact of Inform extended far beyond our initial expectations. Shortly after completing our project, we witnessed the release of Fig, a mobile application that mirrored many of our core features. This market validation was both exciting and affirming, confirming our identification of user needs in the nutrition and shopping space. While Fig didn't encompass our full vision for nutritional education, its success and high user ratings corroborated our initial hypotheses, underscoring the potential impact of our prototype.
This experience has been transformative, sharpening my understanding of market trends and user needs in health technology. It highlighted the critical importance of thorough market research and user-centric design in product development. Moreover, it has fueled my ambition to further refine my abilities, setting my sights on creating app store-ready projects in the future. The journey of Inform has not only validated our concept but also paved the way for continued innovation in the realm of nutritional technology.
my part
As a first-time participant in the interactive studio, I faced a steep learning curve that required intense focus and dedication. Professor Anatol Bologan's guidance proved invaluable throughout this challenging semester. Our team, effectively operating as a trio despite being four on paper, often required me to step beyond my designated role. This experience not only expanded my skill set but also bolstered my confidence in tackling complex, multifaceted projects.
As the user flow designer, I took the initiative to create and articulate the app's navigation structure to my team. I presented the rationale behind each section, fostering collaborative discussions to refine the flow. This responsibility extended to designing numerous mobile application screens, with my initial wireframes significantly shaping the app's layout and functionality in subsequent iterations.
As a first-time participant in the interactive studio, I faced a steep learning curve that required intense focus and dedication. Professor Anatol Bologan's guidance proved invaluable throughout this challenging semester. Our team, effectively operating as a trio despite being four on paper, often required me to step beyond my designated role. This experience not only expanded my skill set but also bolstered my confidence in tackling complex, multifaceted projects.
As the user flow designer, I took the initiative to create and articulate the app's navigation structure to my team. I presented the rationale behind each section, fostering collaborative discussions to refine the flow. This responsibility extended to designing numerous mobile application screens, with my initial wireframes significantly shaping the app's layout and functionality in subsequent iterations.
Looking back
While I now recognize areas for improvement in design and visual cohesion, I'm proud of the substantial progress our team achieved, especially considering our novice status in app development. This experience pushed me to realize capabilities I hadn't previously recognized in myself, proving both demanding and incredibly rewarding. It solidified my ability to lead, collaborate, and innovate in a creative environment.
Looking back
While I now recognize areas for improvement in design and visual cohesion, I'm proud of the substantial progress our team achieved, especially considering our novice status in app development. This experience pushed me to realize capabilities I hadn't previously recognized in myself, proving both demanding and incredibly rewarding. It solidified my ability to lead, collaborate, and innovate in a creative environment.
