UX Research for Food Insecurity & eCommerce Applications
What is our problem?
The Providers app is addressing challenges faced by users of the EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) system in the U.S.
In 2022 was 17 million families who struggled to meet their nutritional needs according to a report by U.S. Department of Agriculture.
What details should I collect?
Role
User Researcher
Year
2022
Duration
14 Weeks
✨ Product

Analysis pre-existing paint points with our current EBT product and how our customers feel.  

By collecting feedback from users to gauge their satisfaction, identify areas where the product falls short, and gather insights on how the product impacts their ability to manage food assistance effectively.

Services

Build a holistic understanding of these customers experiences with service through user research.

Focusing on capturing the full range of user interactions, from initial application to ongoing management, to identify common frustrations, unmet needs, and potential areas for service improvement.

Systems

Mapping our products experiences our operating in relationship with other food assistant services.

This systems mapping will help us understand the broader ecosystem in which our product exists, revealing opportunities for integration, collaboration, and optimization with other services that users may rely on.

Future Casting

Chart out how our product could evolve in the future based on existing systemic factors.

This  will allow us to anticipate potential challenges and opportunities, enabling us to proactively adapt our product to better serve the needs of food-insecure households in the years to come.

What information requires more research?
Our Products First Impressions
We identified significant issues in our current system, particularly its lack of communication in customer service, hindering user engagement. This hurts credibility, as it lacks empathy towards our clients' needs.
The issues users are facing Now
Serval general categories of issues were uncovered  
Problems with transparency of information.
Problems sign in or other information access.
General requesting of assistance without specifics.
Assorted critical problems that would require support.
There are many forms of assistance
Through conducting research using the STEEP analysis framework, I found many different considerations people in need of food assistance have including around affordability, location, and general perception. I was also able to make note of what needs to be consider to provide aid in regards to regulations, distribution, and food production.
What did I learn?
Navigating Food Assistance
Difficult situations and the complexity of finding and applying for assistance adds to their stress.
Food Price Inflation
Varying food price affect users' ability to afford groceries based on their specific location.
Managing Accounts
Once users receive assistance, balancing their finances and managing their accounts becomes a new challenge, replacing their previous concerns.
Communication Issues
Users often need help with specific issues  but the lack of effective communication channels makes it difficult for them to get the support they need.
INSIGHTS & WHATS NEXT
It is important to address these issues by designing a community-centric service, by Providing tools that empower users to manage their funds, find solutions that fit their needs, and connect with the community we can alleviate stress and improve their overall financial health.