Human Centered Design Workshop

Project: Workshop for "Introduction to Human Centered Design" by IDEO.org and +Acumen
Role: Facilitator for group of 6 designers, Designer of prototype (Other group members contributed prototype content, visual assets, and design edits.)
Results: Over the course of 6 weeks, worked collaboratively with group through the Human Centered Design process, including user research, prototype creation, and user testing
Four designers brainstorming around a conference table
Problem Question
How might we provide healthier food options for people in need?
Human Centered Design Process
Inspiration (Research) > Ideation (Synthesis + Prototype + Testing) > Implementation (Action Plan)
Wall of Sticky Notes
Inspiration: Research
For our initial research, we conducted in-context observations, in-person interviews of a primary user and of an expert in the field, and online surveys. We gathered as a group to share all of our gathered data and to look for themes and insights. We developed the following insights:
Insight 1: All 5 senses, especially sight, are used when making decisions. How might we stimulate consumers' senses to make healthier food decisions?
Insight 2: People in our community like to use tools that will decrease time in the kitchen. How might we inform people of time-saving tips, tricks, and tools?
Insight 3: Knowledge is power. How might we encourage community support of families to make healthy eating decisions?
Ideation: Synthesis
In the Ideation phase, we brainstormed ideas, developed a persona, and wrote an ideal user journey. 
Persona: Carina, 26 years, single mom of two children, works as a nurse. Quotes: "I wish there was more guidance and more truth on what is healthier. One person says you have to go vegan, and one says to go paleo. It's hard to decipher." "I want meal planning to take as little time as possible and keep it simple." Goals: 1. To feed herself and her family with healthy food within their budget. 2. To develop a simple and time-efficient way to plan meals. 3. To feel confident and supported in her decisions regarding feeding her family.
Ideation: Prototype
Our prototype took the form of an advertisement, which could be printed or distributed digitally through online forums and email.
Healthy Meals on a Budget Flyer: Want to eat healthy but tired and on a budget? Join friends and family as we cook, share ideas, build skills, and get healthy. Bring a recipe, tips, cooking tools... We are a local group passionate about eating healthy while keeping costs low. Join our group of 5,000 members in the Austin area or start your own chapter! What you will gain: cooking co-op, eat food, new recipes, share ideas, learn new methods, master the basics, network, no fee, its free! Find us on Facebook and Meetup.com at LetseathealthyATX We'd love to meet you!
Ideation: Prototype Testing
We surveyed the same online groups that responded to our initial research questions. These responses confirmed some of our assumptions and also surprised us with new information. 
One surprising finding was that some of those surveyed didn’t see themselves as smart enough on health issues to join our prototyped group. In future iterations, we would work to clarify our invitation as open for anyone to participate, regardless of knowledge or experience in nutrition.
We also received validation from a written survey response for some of our assumed obstacles for our primary users. These validated critical elements for the group were childcare, location, and time of day.
Implementation: Action Plan
We drafted an action plan to prepare for launching our group, including a list of potential partners, methods of funding, staffing needs, and mission statement. We wrote the following mission statement: 
"Healthy Meals on a Budget is a community-based social group providing support and education for making nutritious meals while not breaking the bank. Join us as we share meals, ideas, and skills, and build a healthy community together."
Thanks to my team members!
I have to thank my fellow designers for working on this design challenge with me. Here are links to some of their websites: jacobgarrrcia.com and kimegner.com
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