Northwestern University UX Design + Institute for Sustainability & Energy Courses | Independent Study

Shop to Table

Problem Statement

Design a mobile solution that helps users make smarter grocery and meal-planning decisions—supporting sustainability, health, and cost savings—especially in response to shifting household behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Accomplishments

Identified opportunity space through qualitative interviews, secondary research, and problem definition tied to food waste and pandemic-related behavior shifts
Developed a user-centered solution combining grocery planning and meal recommendations to reduce food waste and promote sustainable shopping habits
Designed an experience that dynamically adapts to pantry inventory, recipe preferences, health goals, and shopper behaviors (e.g. organic vs. conventional food)
Created app wireframes and high-fidelity mockups with intuitive flows across two modes: ‘Shop’ (store-specific planning and discounts) and ‘Table’ (inventory-based cooking and health insights)
Anchored solution in service design thinking, promoting long-term sustainability through behavior change around consumption and overbuying

The Result

An end-to-end product concept for a sustainable lifestyle app that blends affordability, health, and environmental values into everyday food decisions—designed for relevance during and after the pandemic.