Process Overview
The List-It app was designed with a focus on a critical issue facing international students: the challenge of managing tight budgets while sourcing ingredients for meals that connect them to their cultural roots.
Our process was shaped by the unique needs of this audience, ensuring that the app not only addresses their financial constraints but also empowers them to shop smarter and eat better.
Identifying the Challenges
International students often face several barriers when it comes to grocery shopping and meal planning.
Audience
Designing for international students who struggle with budgeting and finding deals on ingredients for proper meal planning.
Goal
The common goal for the audience is to purchase groceries that fit within their budget and last until the next shopping trip, while also easily locating ingredients to prepare meals that bring a taste of home.
Our Approach
To address these challenges, we carefully crafted a solution that combines practical tools with real-time data to help students maximize their budgets and enjoy home-like meals.
Our User Flow
Designed to guide students through a seamless process, from entering their meal preferences to generating a personalized grocery checklist.
Our Wireframes
The initial wireframes were designed with our audience and goals in mind, ensuring a smooth process as users move from entering their meal preferences to generating a personalized grocery checklist.
User Study Considerations
Our Storyboard
Illustrates key moments in the user's journey, showing how the app interacts with them at each stage—whether it's suggesting meal ideas, displaying a tailored grocery list, or providing favorite dishes which the user can add to their checklist.
Budget Constraints
Limited financial resources make it crucial for students to manage their spending effectively.
AI-Generated Grocery Checklist
Our app uses AI to generate personalized grocery lists based on users' preferences and meal planning needs. Whether users have a specific dish in mind or need inspiration, the app tailors a list to help them buy the right ingredients. This saves time and minimizes the risk of unnecessary purchases.
Browsing Menu
For those uncertain about what to buy, our interactive browsing menu lets users explore different meal options and add them to their checklist, complete with recipes. This empowers students to experiment with new dishes while staying within their budget.
Favorite Checklists
To further streamline the shopping process, users can save and favorite their most-used checklists for easy reference in the future. This feature enhances efficiency and saves time during repeat grocery trips, reducing decision fatigue.
Lack of Knowledge About Grocery Stores
Many students are unfamiliar with local grocery options, often resorting to the nearest store, which may not have the best prices or ingredients.
Lack of Awareness of Deals and Prices
Students typically discover deals only when they’re in-store, leading to overspending or purchasing suboptimal alternatives.
Our Outcome
“The List-It app is a practical, real-world solution that empowers international students to manage their grocery shopping, meal planning, and budgets with ease.
By focusing on their specific needs and challenges, we've created a tool that balances affordability, convenience, and cultural connection. Students can now enjoy meals that remind them of home without the stress of overspending or struggling to find the right ingredients—ultimately making their student life a little easier and more enjoyable.”
Our Interactions
Thoughtout interact with the system as the users will interact by addingthe dishes they would like to create, browsing the menu for dishes, and going through their checklist.
AI Malfunctions Considerations
Customize List
Gestures
Keyboard & Dropdown Menus