Creating an Empowering Meal Tracking App
For this project, my objective was to create an app that addressed the meal-tracking needs of Mary, a professional in her late thirties aiming to combat weight gain. Instead of relying on traditional calorie counting and macro tracking, I took a creative approach by designing an app that promoted additive rather than restrictive dieting. My goal was to provide a more positive and supportive experience for Mary and users facing similar challenge.
Process and Tools
To ensure the viability of my ideas, I conducted thorough market research and sought feedback from a dietitian. This allowed me to validate my hypotheses and develop solutions that were practical and effective. By crafting a detailed user persona for Mary, I focused on understanding her specific needs and tailoring solutions to create a positive and empowering user experience.
The design process involved sketching, wireframing, and creating a comprehensive brand guide to establish the visual identity and user interface of the app. The first prototype was developed, incorporating features similar to competitors while also considering future iterations that included a 'community tab' connecting users like Mary to dietitians and therapists for enhanced support.
To validate the usability and functionality of the prototype, I conducted a small-scale usability test, gathering valuable insights for refining the app and planning future iterations.
Throughout the project, I utilized various tools such as Procreate, Google Docs, Figma, Figjam, and Maze to support the design and development process.
This case study showcases my ability to approach a problem creatively, conduct thorough research, create user-centered designs, and iterate based on user feedback, ultimately resulting in an app that offers a positive and empowering meal-tracking experience.
Research
Market Research
Target Audience for Nourish:
Nourish is designed for individuals who have previously used meal planning apps and recognize the harm and negative impact of calorie counting and restrictive eating on their relationship with food. They are seeking an alternative approach that promotes a healthier and more balanced perspective on nutrition and eating.
This target audience is primarily composed of individuals who identify as women and have personally experienced or are recovering from disordered eating habits. However, Nourish is intentionally inclusive and welcomes people of all genders and anyone who is dedicated to building a positive and nourishing relationship with food and eating.
Key Characteristics:
Previous App Users: Users have experience with other meal-planning apps and are dissatisfied with the emphasis on calorie counting and restrictive eating.
Seeking a Positive Relationship with Food: Users are actively looking for an app that promotes a healthier and more inclusive approach to eating, prioritizing the well-being and overall health over strict dietary rules.
Community-Oriented: Users want to connect with a supportive community that shares safe and inclusive eating practices. They value the opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals and build a sense of belonging.
Gender Composition: While the audience is predominantly women, Nourish aims to be inclusive and open to individuals of all genders who want to foster a positive relationship with food.
Motivations:
Desire for a Healthy Relationship with Food: Users are motivated to develop a positive and nourishing relationship with food, focusing on overall well-being and long-term health goals.
Wellness and Self-Care: Users seek to prioritize their personal wellness and embrace self-care practices that support their physical and mental healthCommunity and Support:
Users are motivated to connect with a supportive community that shares safe and inclusive eating practices, providing encouragement and understanding.
Pain-Points:
Negative Impact of Calorie Counting: Users have experienced the harmful effects of calorie counting, including a negative body image, obsession with food, and disordered eating habits.
Restrictive Diets and Unsustainable Habits: Users are concerned about the negative consequences of restrictive diets, such as deprivation, frustration, and the inability to maintain long-term results.
Limited Access to Inclusive Nutrition Guidance: Users may struggle to find reliable, science-backed nutrition information that is inclusive and aligns with their values and dietary needs.Lack of Supportive
Meal Planning: Users face challenges in finding meal planning solutions that prioritize balance, variety, and flexibility, leading to frustration and difficulty in maintaining healthy eating habits.
Potential Situations Use Cases:
Post-Dieting Phase: Users may encounter the problem after following restrictive diets or engaging in calorie counting, realizing the negative impact on their relationship with food and seeking a healthier alternative.
Life Transitions: Situations such as starting a new job, becoming a parent, or going through significant life changes can trigger the need for a balanced and sustainable approach to nutrition.
Seeking Supportive Communities: Users may actively search for communities and resources that promote safe and inclusive eating practices, connecting with others who share similar concerns and goals.
Wellness Journey: Users embarking on a personal wellness journey, prioritizing their overall health and seeking resources to support their goals, can encounter the problem
Interview with a Dietitian
Katie is a dietitian specializing in sports medicine based out of Fayetteville Arkansas.
Competitive Analysis
Existing meal-planning apps like MyFitnessPal, Lose It!, and Yummly focuses on calorie tracking, macro counting, and food elimination, lacking direct catering to individuals seeking a positive and non-restrictive approach to meal planning. This market gap creates a prime opportunity for Nourish to stand out by addressing these unique needs and goals, providing a safe and inclusive space for users to nourish their bodies without harmful practices.
Top Competitors
MyFitnessPal: allows users to track their meals, count calories, set goals, and monitor their nutrient intake. It offers a large food database and syncs with various fitness trackers.
Lose It!: is a comprehensive weight loss and calorie tracking app. It allows users to set goals, track food intake, create meal plans, and connect with a supportive community.
Yummly: a popular recipe and meal planning app that offers personalized recipe recommendations and the ability to save favorites. With its extensive recipe database, it has gained popularity among home cooks and food enthusiasts seeking culinary inspiration and meal-planning assistance.
Areas of Improvement in Current Applications:
Idea 1: Intuitive and Non-Restrictive Meal Tracking
Enhance the meal-tracking functionality of existing apps by offering an intuitive interface that focuses on food choices and portion sizes rather than strict calorie counting.
User Benefits: Users can develop a healthier relationship with food, focusing on balanced choices rather than rigid calorie goals, promoting positive eating habits and reducing feelings of guilt or deprivation.
Company Benefits: By promoting a non-restrictive approach, the app can attract users who are seeking a healthier and more sustainable approach to nutrition, differentiating itself from competitors and expanding its user base.
Idea 2: Inclusive and Body-Positive Content
Incorporate inclusive and body-positive content, including articles, tips, and motivational resources, to support users in developing a positive self-image and cultivating a healthy mindset towards their bodies and food.
User Benefits: Users can receive support and encouragement in embracing their unique bodies, fostering self-acceptance, and promoting a healthy relationship with food, leading to improved mental and emotional well-being.
Company Benefits: By prioritizing inclusivity and body positivity, the app can attract users who are seeking a supportive and non-judgmental environment, establishing a positive brand image and building user loyalty.
User Persona
Ideation
Initial User Flow
Download and Account Creation:
User downloads the Nourish app from their respective app store.
User creates a personal account by providing necessary information like name, email, and password.
User is guided through an onboarding process to set up their profile.
User may be asked to provide additional details such as dietary preferences, allergies, and health goals.
Meal Prep and Planning:
User explores the meal prep features of Nourish, which provide customizable meal plans based on their preferences and dietary needs.
User can access a variety of recipes, filterable by dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.
User can select recipes and add them to their meal plan for the desired duration, whether it's a week or a specific period.
Nourish generates a comprehensive shopping list based on the selected recipes and quantities required.
Shopping Lists and Grocery Management:
User views and manages their generated shopping list within the app.
User can check off items as they purchase them, ensuring they have everything they need for their meal plan.
Community Access (Future Iteration):
User gains access to a community feature in Nourish, where they can connect with nutritionists, therapists, and other users.
User can seek advice, ask questions, and engage in discussions related to nutrition, mental health, and overall well-being.
Nourish facilitates a supportive environment where users can find guidance and build connections.
Branding and Style Guide
Mission Statement:
At Nourish, our mission is to cultivate a natural and supportive relationship with eating and food. We reject restrictive practices and instead focus on nourishing our bodies through the inclusive addition of diverse foods. We provide a safe, judgment-free environment that celebrates all types of eating. With guidance and empowerment, we help you make choices that align with your well-being, fostering a positive and sustainable relationship with food. Join us at Nourish as we embrace the simple truth that food is meant to be enjoyed, appreciated, and nourished in its diverse forms.
Voice:
When communicating with users, Nourish adopts an inclusive and supportive voice and tone, ensuring there is no body or gender bias. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Our language and messaging promote inclusivity, understanding, and empathy, embracing the diverse experiences and identities of our users. We are here to support you on your unique journey and provide guidance without judgment or bias.
Prototype and Usability Testing
For usability testing, I utilized the app Maze to create a test and invited a select group of friends as participants. The objective was to validate my initial hypotheses, gather feedback, and identify potential areas for improvement. By conducting this testing, I gained valuable insights that will inform iterative development and help outline the next steps for refining the app's user experience.
