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Eco Warrior I
Nov 24
Human Warrior I
Nov 20
Animal Warrior I
Nov 16
Add +
Cricket pasta
Nov 12
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 19
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 08
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9:41
Meal Box 1
$15.99
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Related challenge
How it was prepared
Cricket Carbonara Pasta: A creamy, protein-packed twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring sustainable cricket flour pasta and a rich, flavorful carbonara sauce.
Source Sustainably: Insects are raised in certified facilities with a focus on sustainability and food safety.
Ensure Premium Quality: Each batch adheres to strict standards to maintain high quality.
Partner Locally: Collaborate with local farmers to ensure fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Prioritize Nutrition: The product is packed with essential nutrients for a wholesome choice.
Minimize Environmental Impact: Use eco-conscious methods to produce a sustainable product.
Taste Explorer
+10 points
13 friends achieved this
Try 3 different IB dishes in a month!
9:41
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Hi, Skye!
Try This to Level Up!
Skye’s Achievements
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120 🐜
Points
History
Lv. 1
Lv. 2
Lv. 3
Lv. 4
Lv. 5
Cricket pasta
Nov 12
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 07
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 01
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 19
Cricket pasta
Nov 02
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 08
Eat IB food for 30 days
+10 points
13 friends achieved this
13 friends achieved this
9:41
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Exploring Edible Insects
Exploring Edible Insects
Exploring Edible Insects
HCDE 518: USER CENTERED DESIGN @ UW
HCDE 518: USER CENTERED DESIGN @ UW
HCDE 518: USER CENTERED DESIGN @ UW
DESCRIPTION: A holistic, community centered offering that transforms the perception of insect-based (IB) foods through an engaging, multi-touchpoint experience.
DESCRIPTION: A holistic, community centered offering that transforms the perception of insect-based (IB) foods through an engaging, multi-touchpoint experience.
DESCRIPTION: A holistic, community centered offering that transforms the perception of insect-based (IB) foods through an engaging, multi-touchpoint experience.
TEAM : Sahini, Sweta, Ruthvik, Gahui
TEAM : Sahini, Sweta, Ruthvik, Gahui
TEAM : Sahini, Sweta, Ruthvik, Gahui
TOOLS : Figma, Figjam, Pen & Paper
TOOLS : Figma, Figjam, Pen & Paper
TOOLS : Figma, Figjam, Pen & Paper
DURATION : 10 weeks
DURATION : 10 weeks
DURATION : 10 weeks
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
TIMELINE
Sep – Dec 2024
Sep – Dec 2024
Sep – Dec 2024
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
Current protein production methods are responsible for an unhealthy production of Co2, putting the future of the environment at risk.
The global food system is facing a critical challenge: by 2050, the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion, putting unprecedented strain on current protein production methods (Castro-Alija et al., 2024). Traditional livestock farming is environmentally unsustainable, necessitating innovative and eco-friendly protein alternatives.
Current protein production methods are responsible for an unhealthy production of Co2, putting the future of the environment at risk.
The global food system is facing a critical challenge: by 2050, the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion, putting unprecedented strain on current protein production methods (Castro-Alija et al., 2024). Traditional livestock farming is environmentally unsustainable, necessitating innovative and eco-friendly protein alternatives.
The global food system is facing a critical challenge: by 2050, the world population is expected to reach 9.7 billion, putting unprecedented strain on current protein production methods (Castro-Alija et al., 2024). Traditional livestock farming is environmentally unsustainable, necessitating innovative and eco-friendly protein alternatives.
USER RESEARCH
Our main user painpoints were...
Aversion to insect taste, texture, and visuals
Concerns about sourcing and safety of insect ingredients
Limited accessibility and availability of insect based food
First, we conducted 4 interviews and 4 collage activities with a total of 8 participants, and gathered insights through affinity mapping.
We then utilized our main user painpoints to create two different personas which would help us understand our research findings better.
USER RESEARCH
Our main user painpoints were...
Aversion to insect taste, texture, and visuals
Concerns about sourcing and safety of insect ingredients
Limited accessibility and availability of insect based food
First, we conducted 4 interviews and 4 collage activities with a total of 8 participants, and gathered insights through affinity mapping.
We then utilized our main user painpoints to create two different personas which would help us understand our research findings better.
USER RESEARCH
Our main user painpoints were...
Aversion to insect taste, texture, and visuals
Concerns about sourcing and safety of insect ingredients
Limited accessibility and availability of insect based food
First, we conducted 4 interviews and 4 collage activities with a total of 8 participants, and gathered insights through affinity mapping.
We then utilized our main user painpoints to create two different personas which would help us understand our research findings better.
Design Question
How might we normalize insect-based foods to overcome initial hesitation, encourage broader societal adoption and promote their adoption as a sustainable alternative in the face of climate crisis?
DESIGN PROCESS
Through our user research we defined our design question:
Design Goals
Increase Familiarity
Build Trust & Transparency
Enhance Curiousity
Improve
Social Adoption
Highlight Sustainability
To address our design challenges, we created a series of design goals.
Design Question
How might we normalize insect-based foods to overcome initial hesitation, encourage broader societal adoption and promote their adoption as a sustainable alternative in the face of climate crisis?
DESIGN PROCESS
Through our user research we defined our design question:
Design Goals
Increase Familiarity
Build Trust & Transparency
Enhance Curiousity
Improve
Social Adoption
Highlight Sustainability
To address our design challenges, we created a series of design goals.
Design Question
How might we normalize insect-based foods to overcome initial hesitation, encourage broader societal adoption and promote their adoption as a sustainable alternative in the face of climate crisis?
DESIGN PROCESS
Through our user research we defined our design question:
Design Goals
Increase Familiarity
Build Trust & Transparency
Enhance Curiousity
Improve
Social Adoption
Highlight Sustainability
To address our design challenges, we created a series of design goals.
IDEATION
Sketching
We grounded our brainstorming session in user needs and personas identified during the research phase. We conducted a team session to generate over 100 ideas. We created quick sketches to visualize distinct ideas, focusing on clarity of thought rather than perfection.
We grounded our brainstorming session in user needs and personas identified during the research phase. We conducted a team session to generate over 100 ideas. We created quick sketches to visualize distinct ideas, focusing on clarity of thought rather than perfection.
We evaluated all sketches as a team, discussing strengths, weaknesses, feasibility, and originality to identify the most promising concepts. Then we grouped similar ideas to uncover patterns and ranked them to prioritize key directions. Afterwards, we re-sketched the top three ideas with added details.
We evaluated all sketches as a team, discussing strengths, weaknesses, feasibility, and originality to identify the most promising concepts. Then we grouped similar ideas to uncover patterns and ranked them to prioritize key directions. Afterwards, we re-sketched the top three ideas with added details.
Top 3 Ideas
Conceptual Exploration
Conceptual Exploration
DESIGN PROPOSAL
DESIGN PROPOSAL
Card Game
Subscription Kit
We further refined our three chosen ideas by breaking them down to their essence, focusing on the core need each concept aimed to address
To bring our design to life, we developed scenario storyboards that depicted key use cases. Each storyboard illustrated specific situations in which users might interact with the product, showing how their needs were addressed through the solution.
To bring our design to life, we developed scenario storyboards that depicted key use cases. Each storyboard illustrated specific situations in which users might interact with the product, showing how their needs were addressed through the solution.
Storyboard 1: For the Curious but Hesitant: A First Encounter with Insect-Based Food at the Farmers Market
Storyboard 2: For Those Looking for a Community Sharing Experience
Storyboard 3: For the Open to Trying Seeking to Build Trust
We explored three variations for each concept: a practical mainstream version, an innovative paradigm-shifting version, and a dystopian scenario showing unintended consequences. This process deepened our understanding of the concepts and their broader implications.
We explored three variations for each concept: a practical mainstream version, an innovative paradigm-shifting version, and a dystopian scenario showing unintended consequences. This process deepened our understanding of the concepts and their broader implications.
Storyboards
Core Concepts Identified
To reduce aversion to IB foods by creating playful, familiar experiences and catering to users’ curiosity
To reduce aversion to IB foods by creating playful, familiar experiences and catering to users’ curiosity
Transform insect-based food into approachable experiences through relatable associations and humor
Transform insect-based food into approachable experiences through relatable associations and humor
Motivate consumers to explore insect based options by building trust in product safety, ensuring ease of access, and offering alternative ways to blend with familiar foods
Motivate consumers to explore insect based options by building trust in product safety, ensuring ease of access, and offering alternative ways to blend with familiar foods
Key Design Components
In-Person Tasting Event at the Farmers Market
The Bug Cube
Food Box
The Bug Cube Collective Mobile App
Pop Reference Packaging
IDEATION
Sketching
We grounded our brainstorming session in user needs and personas identified during the research phase. We conducted a team session to generate over 100 ideas. We created quick sketches to visualize distinct ideas, focusing on clarity of thought rather than perfection.
We evaluated all sketches as a team, discussing strengths, weaknesses, feasibility, and originality to identify the most promising concepts. Then we grouped similar ideas to uncover patterns and ranked them to prioritize key directions. Afterwards, we re-sketched the top three ideas with added details.
Top 3 Ideas
Conceptual Exploration
DESIGN PROPOSAL
Card Game
Pop Reference Packaging
Subscription Kit
We further refined our three chosen ideas by breaking them down to their essence, focusing on the core need each concept aimed to address
To bring our design to life, we developed scenario storyboards that depicted key use cases. Each storyboard illustrated specific situations in which users might interact with the product, showing how their needs were addressed through the solution.
Storyboard 1: For the Curious but Hesitant: A First Encounter with Insect-Based Food at the Farmers Market
Storyboard 2: For Those Looking for a Community Sharing Experience
Storyboard 3: For the Open to Trying Seeking to Build Trust
We explored three variations for each concept: a practical mainstream version, an innovative paradigm-shifting version, and a dystopian scenario showing unintended consequences. This process deepened our understanding of the concepts and their broader implications.
Storyboards
Core Concepts Identified
To reduce aversion to IB foods by creating playful, familiar experiences and catering to users’ curiosity
Transform insect-based food into approachable experiences through relatable associations and humor
Motivate consumers to explore insect based options by building trust in product safety, ensuring ease of access, and offering alternative ways to blend with familiar foods
Key Design Components
In-Person Tasting Event at the Farmers Market
The Bug Cube
Food Box
The Bug Cube Collective Mobile App
Gamified experience
Customisable preferences
Exposure building
Social/ public setting
fun plinko board to randomize the food tasting option
interactive comfort level choice meter to set preferred level
food options set by comfort levels
We used a "Who Am I" scenario and gave specific tasks to guide participants through the experiences
User interacted with the low fidelity prototype of the interactive boards and tasted their food choice
User Testing
Users appreciated the personalized food recommendations, stating it made them feel more in control
Users felt the fun, engaging game made them eager to try the insect-based foods and curious to explore further
Insights
We conducted informal, unstructured user testing session with a target user
User interacted with the low fidelity prototype of a bug cube and answered questions
User Testing
Personalized food recommendations based on user preferences helped lower the barrier to trying insect-based foods.
Gamified, interactive experiences made the tasting event more enjoyable and engaging, preparing users to be more open to trying the foods
Insights
Exploring the Bug Cube Products
Companion App - The Bug Cube Collective
Unique design fun collectibles
Clear and concise information
Visually appealing product
Sustainable footprint
Product type, level and visual of what’s inside through a transparent skin
sparks curiosity and enhances interest in insect-based food
users can scan the QR code to add the digital collectible
environmental stats for people who care about the sustainability of their food.
In-Person Tasting Events
PROTOTYPING & TESTING
Discover
Define
Ideate
Design
App Screens
User can check personal statistics, including contribution to the environment and participation
User can add the cube to their collection
User can scan QR code which redirects them to download the app and earn a badge.
User can explore products to buy, based on their bug, comfort level and culinary preferences
Leaderboard consists of fun weekly culinary challenges that user can take up
User can access badges in achievement tab and can swipe left to see their ranking position
We conducted informal, unstructured user testing session with a target user
User interacted with the low fidelity prototype of a bug cube and answered questions
User Testing
Earning rewards and engaging with the community (e.g., participating in challenges) were seen as appealing features
Participants expressed interest in more prominent and informational content about the benefits of insect-based foods
Insights
In-Person Tasting Events
Exploring the Bug Cube Products
Provide accessible, low-barrier entry points for curious individuals
Create initial social validation and personal experience with insect-based foods
FINAL DESIGN SOLUTION
Discovering new foods can be an exciting adventure. The Bug Cube tasting events invite attendees to try insect-based foods through a fun interactive game that allows them to understand their insect based food preferences.
Mobile App: The Bug Cube Collective
Community platform for Insect based food enthusiasts that features :
Product showcase and scanning
Monthly challenges
Social validation mechanisms
E-commerce functionality
Host of product/food offerings
After purchasing the Bug Cube products, people can use the Bug Cube Collective app to further explore insect-based foods.
Innovative packaging design that emphasizes nutritional and sustainability values
QR code integration for digital engagement
Approachable and visually appealing product presentation
The Bug Cube food products allow people to continue exploring insect-based snacks and meals after the tasting event. This Bug Cube provides a variety of insect-based foods catering to wider preferences.
Home Screen
History Button
Latest Updates
Glimpse of Collections
QR Code Scanner
Navigation bar
Store Screen
Shopping Cart
Product Filters
Product Listings
Navigation bar
Menu
Meal Box Details
Culinary Information
Back to Product Listing
Taste Meter
Save to favorites
Achievements Screen
Badges acheived
Personal Collection
Information Architecture of the App
Major Screens on the Bug Cube Collective App
Introduces insect-based foods to mainstream consumers, addressing psychological barriers.
Transforms perceptions of insect-based nutrition through interactive tasting events, transparent packaging, and a gamified mobile app.
Promotes sustainability and community engagement in exploring alternative food sources.
Makes the experience of trying new, sustainable foods accessible, enjoyable, and empowering.
NEXT STEPS
Organized community tasting events
A community interaction forum on the app
Integrated recipe, rating and recommendation features on the app
DESIGN IMPACT
9:41
Achievements
Challenge badges
Bug Cube Collection
Badges
Leaderboard
Summary
Eco Warrior I
Nov 24
Human Warrior I
Nov 20
Animal Warrior I
Nov 16
Add +
Cricket pasta
Nov 12
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 19
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 08
Home
Store
Achievement
Community
Profile
9:41
Back
Meal Box 1
$15.99
Add to cart +
What’s included?
Flavor profile
Environmental impact
Related challenge
How it was prepared
Cricket Carbonara Pasta: A creamy, protein-packed twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring sustainable cricket flour pasta and a rich, flavorful carbonara sauce.
Source Sustainably: Insects are raised in certified facilities with a focus on sustainability and food safety.
Ensure Premium Quality: Each batch adheres to strict standards to maintain high quality.
Partner Locally: Collaborate with local farmers to ensure fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Prioritize Nutrition: The product is packed with essential nutrients for a wholesome choice.
Minimize Environmental Impact: Use eco-conscious methods to produce a sustainable product.
Taste Explorer
+10 points
13 friends achieved this
Try 3 different IB dishes in a month!
Home
Store
Achievement
Community
Profile
9:41
Hi, Skye!
Try This to Level Up!
Skye’s Achievements
Add +
120 🐜
Points
History
Lv. 1
Lv. 2
Lv. 3
Lv. 4
Lv. 5
Cricket pasta
Nov 12
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 07
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 01
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 19
Cricket pasta
Nov 02
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 08
Eat IB food for 30 days
+10 points
13 friends achieved this
13 friends achieved this
Home
Store
Achievement
Community
Profile
Gamified experience
Customisable preferences
Exposure building
Social/ public setting
Customisable preferences
Exposure building
Social/ public setting
fun plinko board to randomize the food tasting option
fun plinko board to randomize the food tasting option
interactive comfort level choice meter to set preferred level
interactive comfort level choice meter to set preferred level
food options set by comfort levels
food options set by comfort levels
We used a "Who Am I" scenario and gave specific tasks to guide participants through the experiences
User interacted with the low fidelity prototype of the interactive boards and tasted their food choice
User Testing
Users appreciated the personalized food recommendations, stating it made them feel more in control
Users felt the fun, engaging game made them eager to try the insect-based foods and curious to explore further
Insights
We conducted informal, unstructured user testing session with a target user
User interacted with the low fidelity prototype of a bug cube and answered questions
User Testing
Personalized food recommendations based on user preferences helped lower the barrier to trying insect-based foods.
Gamified, interactive experiences made the tasting event more enjoyable and engaging, preparing users to be more open to trying the foods
Insights
We conducted informal, unstructured user testing session with a target user
User interacted with the low fidelity prototype of a bug cube and answered questions
User Testing
Earning rewards and engaging with the community (e.g., participating in challenges) were seen as appealing features
Participants expressed interest in more prominent and informational content about the benefits of insect-based foods
Insights
Insights
Exploring the Bug Cube Products
Companion App - The Bug Cube Collective
Unique design fun collectibles
Clear and concise information
Visually appealing product
Sustainable footprint
Unique design fun collectibles
Clear and concise information
Visually appealing product
Sustainable footprint
Product type, level and visual of what’s inside through a transparent skin
Product type, level and visual of what’s inside through a transparent skin
sparks curiosity and enhances interest in insect-based food
sparks curiosity and enhances interest in insect-based food
users can scan the QR code to add the digital collectible
users can scan the QR code to add the digital collectible
environmental stats for people who care about the sustainability of their food.
environmental stats for people who care about the sustainability of their food.
In-Person Tasting Events
PROTOTYPING & TESTING
PROTOTYPING & TESTING
Discover
Define
Ideate
Design
Discover
Define
Ideate
Design
App Screens
App Screens
User can check personal statistics, including contribution to the environment and participation
User can add the cube to their collection
User can scan QR code which redirects them to download the app and earn a badge.
User can explore products to buy, based on their bug, comfort level and culinary preferences
Leaderboard consists of fun weekly culinary challenges that user can take up
User can access badges in achievement tab and can swipe left to see their ranking position
Discover
Define
User can check personal statistics, including contribution to the environment and participation
User can add the cube to their collection
User can scan QR code which redirects them to download the app and earn a badge.
User can explore products to buy, based on their bug, comfort level and culinary preferences
Leaderboard consists of fun weekly culinary challenges that user can take up
User can access badges in achievement tab and can swipe left to see their ranking position
We conducted informal, unstructured user testing session with a target user
User interacted with the low fidelity prototype of a bug cube and answered questions
Earning rewards and engaging with the community (e.g., participating in challenges) were seen as appealing features
Participants expressed interest in more prominent and informational content about the benefits of insect-based foods
In-Person Tasting Events
Exploring the Bug Cube Products
Provide accessible, low-barrier entry points for curious individuals
Provide accessible, low-barrier entry points for curious individuals
Create initial social validation and personal experience with insect-based foods
Create initial social validation and personal experience with insect-based foods
FINAL DESIGN SOLUTION
FINAL DESIGN SOLUTION
Discovering new foods can be an exciting adventure. The Bug Cube tasting events invite attendees to try insect-based foods through a fun interactive game that allows them to understand their insect based food preferences.
Discovering new foods can be an exciting adventure. The Bug Cube tasting events invite attendees to try insect-based foods through a fun interactive game that allows them to understand their insect based food preferences.
Mobile App: The Bug Cube Collective
Community platform for Insect based food enthusiasts that features :
Product showcase and scanning
Monthly challenges
Social validation mechanisms
E-commerce functionality
Host of product/food offerings
Community platform for Insect based food enthusiasts that features :
Product showcase and scanning
Monthly challenges
Social validation mechanisms
E-commerce functionality
Host of product/food offerings
After purchasing the Bug Cube products, people can use the Bug Cube Collective app to further explore insect-based foods.
After purchasing the Bug Cube products, people can use the Bug Cube Collective app to further explore insect-based foods.
Innovative packaging design that emphasizes nutritional and sustainability values
Innovative packaging design that emphasizes nutritional and sustainability values
QR code integration for digital engagement
QR code integration for digital engagement
Approachable and visually appealing product presentation
Approachable and visually appealing product presentation
The Bug Cube food products allow people to continue exploring insect-based snacks and meals after the tasting event. This Bug Cube provides a variety of insect-based foods catering to wider preferences.
The Bug Cube food products allow people to continue exploring insect-based snacks and meals after the tasting event. This Bug Cube provides a variety of insect-based foods catering to wider preferences.
Home Screen
Home Screen
History Button
Latest Updates
Glimpse of Collections
Glimpse of Collections
QR Code Scanner
QR Code Scanner
QR Code Scanner
Navigation bar
Store Screen
Shopping Cart
Product Filters
Product Listings
Navigation bar
Menu
Meal Box Details
Meal Box Details
Culinary Information
Culinary Information
Back to Product Listing
Back to Product Listing
Taste Meter
Save to favorites
Save to favorites
Save to favorites
Achievements Screen
Achievements Screen
Badges acheived
Personal Collection
Personal Collection
Personal Collection
Information Architecture of the App
Information Architecture of the App
Major Screens on the Bug Cube Collective App
Major Screens on the Bug Cube Collective App
Introduces insect-based foods to mainstream consumers, addressing psychological barriers.
Transforms perceptions of insect-based nutrition through interactive tasting events, transparent packaging, and a gamified mobile app.
Promotes sustainability and community engagement in exploring alternative food sources.
Makes the experience of trying new, sustainable foods accessible, enjoyable, and empowering.
NEXT STEPS
Organized community tasting events
Organized community tasting events
A community interaction forum on the app
A community interaction forum on the app
Integrated recipe, rating and recommendation features on the app
Integrated recipe, rating and recommendation features on the app
DESIGN IMPACT
Achievements
Challenge badges
Bug Cube Collection
Badges
Leaderboard
Summary
Eco Warrior I
Nov 24
Human Warrior I
Nov 20
Animal Warrior I
Nov 16
Add +
Cricket pasta
Nov 12
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 19
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 08
9:41
Meal Box 1
$15.99
Add to cart +
What’s included?
Flavor profile
Environmental impact
Related challenge
How it was prepared
Cricket Carbonara Pasta: A creamy, protein-packed twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring sustainable cricket flour pasta and a rich, flavorful carbonara sauce.
Source Sustainably: Insects are raised in certified facilities with a focus on sustainability and food safety.
Ensure Premium Quality: Each batch adheres to strict standards to maintain high quality.
Partner Locally: Collaborate with local farmers to ensure fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Prioritize Nutrition: The product is packed with essential nutrients for a wholesome choice.
Minimize Environmental Impact: Use eco-conscious methods to produce a sustainable product.
Taste Explorer
+10 points
13 friends achieved this
Try 3 different IB dishes in a month!
9:41
Hi, Skye!
Try This to Level Up!
Skye’s Achievements
Add +
120 🐜
Points
History
Lv. 1
Lv. 2
Lv. 3
Lv. 4
Lv. 5
Cricket pasta
Nov 12
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 07
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 01
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 19
Cricket pasta
Nov 02
Chiangbai ant sal...
Nov 08
Eat IB food for 30 days
+10 points
13 friends achieved this
13 friends achieved this
9:41