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
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.