Reducing Food Waste with PlantJammer

Company: PlantJammer
Role: UX Designer, UX Researcher
Tools: Figma, Google Forms
Duration: Mar - May 2022
Team: Product Manager, Developer
Stakeholders: PlantJammer Team

Project showcase laptop mockup
Project showcase laptop mockup

The Challenge

Create a widget for grocery store websites inspired by PlantJammer's recipe generator app that encourages users to utilize leftover ingredients and reduce household food waste.

Process and Execution

  • User Research

    • Conducted surveys to identify user struggles in finding recipes and to gather insights on their cooking habits. This helped highlight key features that would improve the overall user experience.

  • Wireframing & Prototyping

    • Developed several iterations of wireframes, focusing on usability and navigation. The designs were continuously refined based on user feedback and stakeholder input.

  • User Testing

    • Conducted user testing sessions to validate design choices and gather insights on user interaction with the prototype. This informed necessary adjustments to improve usability.

Solutions Developed

  • Dynamic Recipe Suggestions

    • Created a feature that allows users to input available ingredients and dietary preferences, returning customized recipe suggestions tailored to their needs.

  • Shopping List & Browse Section

    • According to survey data, majority of users plan out their meals before shopping; introduced a browse meals section and shopping list to aid in weekly meal planning.

  • Time Estimates

    • Incorporated time estimates for each recipe, helping users plan their cooking efficiently and address the common concern of limited time.

  • Ingredient Management

    • Implemented a system that promotes grocery store products while limiting the introduction of new ingredients to those that fit within the user’s preferences and needs.

Outcomes

The PlantJammer project successfully resulted in a user-friendly widget that helps reduce food waste while promoting grocery store products. The design was well-received for its intuitive interface and ability to cater to diverse user needs. Feedback indicated an increase in user engagement with recipes based on available ingredients.