Klemis commons
Klemis commons
Klemis commons
Centralizing and destigmatizing food insecurity assistance resources at Georgia Tech.
Centralizing and destigmatizing food insecurity assistance resources at Georgia Tech.
Centralizing and destigmatizing food insecurity assistance resources at Georgia Tech.
For
For
For
Klemis Kitchen at Georgia Tech
Klemis Kitchen at Georgia Tech
Klemis Kitchen at Georgia Tech
Timeline
Timeline
Timeline
August - December 2023
August - December 2023
August - December 2023
Role
Role
Role
Product Designer
Product Designer
Product Designer
User Researcher
User Researcher
User Researcher
Team
Team
Team
Gabriela Buraglia
Gabriela Buraglia
Gabriela Buraglia
Ariana Olalde Keller
Ariana Olalde Keller
Ariana Olalde Keller
Rajath Pai
Rajath Pai
Rajath Pai
Aastha Patel
Aastha Patel
Aastha Patel
Tools
Tools
Tools
Figma
Figma
Figma
Miro
Miro
Miro
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Illustrator
Qualtrics
Qualtrics
Qualtrics
Paper Prototyping
Paper Prototyping
Paper Prototyping
WCAG-Compliant Color Palette Generator
WCAG-Compliant Color Palette Generator
WCAG-Compliant Color Palette Generator
problem space
problem space
problem space
Many Georgia Tech students who face food insecurity have limited knowledge about available resources. Information is often shared through word-of-mouth or social media, but students unfamiliar with support systems struggle to know where to start. International students, in particular, face barriers to government assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Many Georgia Tech students who face food insecurity have limited knowledge about available resources. Information is often shared through word-of-mouth or social media, but students unfamiliar with support systems struggle to know where to start. International students, in particular, face barriers to government assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Many Georgia Tech students who face food insecurity have limited knowledge about available resources. Information is often shared through word-of-mouth or social media, but students unfamiliar with support systems struggle to know where to start. International students, in particular, face barriers to government assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Access to emergency food is also a challenge, with few on-campus options outside of Klemis Kitchen, Georgia Tech's on-campus food pantry. However, the availability and quality of food at Klemis Kitchen fluctuate due to inconsistent donations. Additionally, students must plan pantry visits around donation days, adding to their cognitive load as they try to secure better-quality food before it runs out.
Access to emergency food is also a challenge, with few on-campus options outside of Klemis Kitchen, Georgia Tech's on-campus food pantry. However, the availability and quality of food at Klemis Kitchen fluctuate due to inconsistent donations. Additionally, students must plan pantry visits around donation days, adding to their cognitive load as they try to secure better-quality food before it runs out.
Access to emergency food is also a challenge, with few on-campus options outside of Klemis Kitchen, Georgia Tech's on-campus food pantry. However, the availability and quality of food at Klemis Kitchen fluctuate due to inconsistent donations. Additionally, students must plan pantry visits around donation days, adding to their cognitive load as they try to secure better-quality food before it runs out.
Despite these challenges, students appreciate the services provided by Klemis Kitchen, though there are clear gaps in accessibility, awareness, and food quality that need addressing.
Despite these challenges, students appreciate the services provided by Klemis Kitchen, though there are clear gaps in accessibility, awareness, and food quality that need addressing.
Despite these challenges, students appreciate the services provided by Klemis Kitchen, though there are clear gaps in accessibility, awareness, and food quality that need addressing.
How might we create a centralized and communal resource for food-insecure students at Georgia Tech?
How might we create a centralized and communal resource for food-insecure students at Georgia Tech?
How might we create a centralized and communal resource for food-insecure students at Georgia Tech?
Our Solution
Our Solution
Our Solution
We created Klemis Commons, a website where Klemis Kitchen patrons can access food assistance resources, explore on-campus food options, and plan their weekly meals.
We created Klemis Commons, a website where Klemis Kitchen patrons can access food assistance resources, explore on-campus food options, and plan their weekly meals.
We created Klemis Commons, a website where Klemis Kitchen patrons can access food assistance resources, explore on-campus food options, and plan their weekly meals.
We chose a website format based on insights from interviews with food-insecure students, who often plan their meals on weekends. The site is designed to fit seamlessly into their routine, allowing them to access resources while at home on their laptops.
We chose a website format based on insights from interviews with food-insecure students, who often plan their meals on weekends. The site is designed to fit seamlessly into their routine, allowing them to access resources while at home on their laptops.
We chose a website format based on insights from interviews with food-insecure students, who often plan their meals on weekends. The site is designed to fit seamlessly into their routine, allowing them to access resources while at home on their laptops.
Klemis Commons consists of these core pages:
Klemis Commons consists of these core pages:
Klemis Commons consists of these core pages:
Onboarding Email
Onboarding Email
Onboarding Email
The onboarding email notifies students of their eligibility, directs them to the Klemis Commons homepage and FAQs, and invites them to claim "Klemis Cash" (Klemis Kitchen-sponsored dining dollars) by clicking a green ticket—an homage to the food coupons once given by Tommy Klemis, the philanthropic namesake of Klemis Kitchen at Georgia Tech.
The onboarding email notifies students of their eligibility, directs them to the Klemis Commons homepage and FAQs, and invites them to claim "Klemis Cash" (Klemis Kitchen-sponsored dining dollars) by clicking a green ticket—an homage to the food coupons once given by Tommy Klemis, the philanthropic namesake of Klemis Kitchen at Georgia Tech.
The onboarding email notifies students of their eligibility, directs them to the Klemis Commons homepage and FAQs, and invites them to claim "Klemis Cash" (Klemis Kitchen-sponsored dining dollars) by clicking a green ticket—an homage to the food coupons once given by Tommy Klemis, the philanthropic namesake of Klemis Kitchen at Georgia Tech.
Homepage
Homepage
Homepage
The Homepage clearly presents eligibility requirements, details all food opportunities under Klemis Kitchen with social media sharing options, and highlights the legacy of Tommy Klemis.
The Homepage clearly presents eligibility requirements, details all food opportunities under Klemis Kitchen with social media sharing options, and highlights the legacy of Tommy Klemis.
The Homepage clearly presents eligibility requirements, details all food opportunities under Klemis Kitchen with social media sharing options, and highlights the legacy of Tommy Klemis.
Food Trucks Page
Food Trucks Page
Food Trucks Page
The Food Trucks Page lets students filter options by dietary preferences and provides details on hours, menu highlights, and campus locations.
The Food Trucks Page lets students filter options by dietary preferences and provides details on hours, menu highlights, and campus locations.
The Food Trucks Page lets students filter options by dietary preferences and provides details on hours, menu highlights, and campus locations.
Klemis Commons Schedule
Klemis Commons Schedule
Klemis Commons Schedule
The Klemis Commons Schedule lets students customize their food opportunities, view donation dates and details, and export the schedule to their personal calendars.
The Klemis Commons Schedule lets students customize their food opportunities, view donation dates and details, and export the schedule to their personal calendars.
The Klemis Commons Schedule lets students customize their food opportunities, view donation dates and details, and export the schedule to their personal calendars.
FAQs Page
FAQs Page
FAQs Page
The FAQs page clarifies potentially confusing terms and directs domestic students (in-state and out-of-state) to additional government-sponsored food resources.
The FAQs page clarifies potentially confusing terms and directs domestic students (in-state and out-of-state) to additional government-sponsored food resources.
The FAQs page clarifies potentially confusing terms and directs domestic students (in-state and out-of-state) to additional government-sponsored food resources.
research methods
research methods
research methods
Through a variety of user-centered research techniques, including site observations, a structured email campaign, surveys, and semi-structured interviews, we discovered the following insights:
Through a variety of user-centered research techniques, including site observations, a structured email campaign, surveys, and semi-structured interviews, we discovered the following insights:
Through a variety of user-centered research techniques, including site observations, a structured email campaign, surveys, and semi-structured interviews, we discovered the following insights:
On-Campus Resource Reliance
On-Campus Resource Reliance
On-Campus Resource Reliance
Food-insecure students depend more on on-campus resources for convenience and accessibility, but these resources often suffer from inconsistent food supply and quality.
Food-insecure students depend more on on-campus resources for convenience and accessibility, but these resources often suffer from inconsistent food supply and quality.
Food-insecure students depend more on on-campus resources for convenience and accessibility, but these resources often suffer from inconsistent food supply and quality.
Cultural and Organizational Support
Cultural and Organizational Support
Cultural and Organizational Support
Different student groups offer support in varied ways—cultural organizations emphasize community and bonding, religious groups share food before prayer, and sports groups focus on enjoyment and physical activity.
Different student groups offer support in varied ways—cultural organizations emphasize community and bonding, religious groups share food before prayer, and sports groups focus on enjoyment and physical activity.
Different student groups offer support in varied ways—cultural organizations emphasize community and bonding, religious groups share food before prayer, and sports groups focus on enjoyment and physical activity.
Low Awareness of Resources
Low Awareness of Resources
Low Awareness of Resources
Food and housing insecurities are prevalent, yet 40% of students surveyed were unaware of campus resources. Students who were aware learned of them mostly through friends and social networks.
Food and housing insecurities are prevalent, yet 40% of students surveyed were unaware of campus resources. Students who were aware learned of them mostly through friends and social networks.
Food and housing insecurities are prevalent, yet 40% of students surveyed were unaware of campus resources. Students who were aware learned of them mostly through friends and social networks.
Challenges for International and Domestic Students
Challenges for International and Domestic Students
Challenges for International and Domestic Students
International students face barriers accessing SNAP, while domestic students may be disqualified when reporting financial aid. Food planning is time-consuming and can negatively affect academic success.
International students face barriers accessing SNAP, while domestic students may be disqualified when reporting financial aid. Food planning is time-consuming and can negatively affect academic success.
International students face barriers accessing SNAP, while domestic students may be disqualified when reporting financial aid. Food planning is time-consuming and can negatively affect academic success.
design requirements
design requirements
design requirements
From our research and analysis, we identified the following design requirements that our system must meet:
From our research and analysis, we identified the following design requirements that our system must meet:
From our research and analysis, we identified the following design requirements that our system must meet:
Dietary Autonomy
Dietary Autonomy
Dietary Autonomy
Provide students with food options that help them meet their dietary needs by giving them more control over their choices.
Provide students with food options that help them meet their dietary needs by giving them more control over their choices.
Provide students with food options that help them meet their dietary needs by giving them more control over their choices.
Convenient Access
Convenient Access
Convenient Access
Provide food avenues that students can seamlessly incorporate into their existing schedules.
Provide food avenues that students can seamlessly incorporate into their existing schedules.
Provide food avenues that students can seamlessly incorporate into their existing schedules.
Protect Users’ Information
Protect Users’ Information
Protect Users’ Information
Assure students that their information will remain private, securely stored, and guarded from unauthorized access.
Assure students that their information will remain private, securely stored, and guarded from unauthorized access.
Assure students that their information will remain private, securely stored, and guarded from unauthorized access.
Provide Cognitive Support
Provide Cognitive Support
Provide Cognitive Support
Provide centralized, complete information about food resources available at Georgia Tech to reduce cognitive load for students in the meal planning stage.
Provide centralized, complete information about food resources available at Georgia Tech to reduce cognitive load for students in the meal planning stage.
Provide centralized, complete information about food resources available at Georgia Tech to reduce cognitive load for students in the meal planning stage.
Protect Dignity & Independence
Protect Dignity & Independence
Protect Dignity & Independence
Create a non-judgmental, independent, and comfortable experience for students accessing food that avoids drawing attention to their circumstances.
Create a non-judgmental, independent, and comfortable experience for students accessing food that avoids drawing attention to their circumstances.
Create a non-judgmental, independent, and comfortable experience for students accessing food that avoids drawing attention to their circumstances.
Cross-Culturally Understandable
Cross-Culturally Understandable
Cross-Culturally Understandable
Convey information about Klemis Commons and Klemis Kitchen in a clear and digestible manner so that it is comprehensible to the diverse student body at Georgia Tech.
Convey information about Klemis Commons and Klemis Kitchen in a clear and digestible manner so that it is comprehensible to the diverse student body at Georgia Tech.
Convey information about Klemis Commons and Klemis Kitchen in a clear and digestible manner so that it is comprehensible to the diverse student body at Georgia Tech.
Reflect Purpose of Klemis Kitchen
Reflect Purpose of Klemis Kitchen
Reflect Purpose of Klemis Kitchen
Propagate the ethos of Klemis Kitchen by reflecting its diverse user base and and creating a warm and inviting environment for students.
Propagate the ethos of Klemis Kitchen by reflecting its diverse user base and and creating a warm and inviting environment for students.
Propagate the ethos of Klemis Kitchen by reflecting its diverse user base and and creating a warm and inviting environment for students.
Preliminary concepts
Preliminary concepts
Preliminary concepts
In our brainstorming session, we conducted a timed brainwriting exercise and generated "I Want" and "How To" statements, then grouped related ideas and dot-voted to select the following three design concepts:
In our brainstorming session, we conducted a timed brainwriting exercise and generated "I Want" and "How To" statements, then grouped related ideas and dot-voted to select the following three design concepts:
In our brainstorming session, we conducted a timed brainwriting exercise and generated "I Want" and "How To" statements, then grouped related ideas and dot-voted to select the following three design concepts:
SecondServing
SecondServing
SecondServing
Social media platform for Georgia Tech students to share their leftovers
Social media platform for Georgia Tech students to share their leftovers
Social media platform for Georgia Tech students to share their leftovers
Donation Wish Lists
Donation Wish Lists
Donation Wish Lists
System for students to request specific food from Klemis Kitchen donors
System for students to request specific food from Klemis Kitchen donors
System for students to request specific food from Klemis Kitchen donors
Food Truck Experience
Food Truck Experience
Food Truck Experience
Providing Klemis Kitchen patrons with a monthly allowance of Buzzfunds (dining dollars) to use at the on-campus food trucks
Providing Klemis Kitchen patrons with a monthly allowance of Buzzfunds (dining dollars) to use at the on-campus food trucks
Providing Klemis Kitchen patrons with a monthly allowance of Buzzfunds (dining dollars) to use at the on-campus food trucks
To evaluate our three concepts, we consulted one of our target users and several stakeholders, who were emailed summaries and asked to choose their preferred option. Due to concerns about food safety in SecondServing and potential challenges with fulfilling requests in the Donation Wish Lists, we moved forward with the Food Truck Experience, which later became Klemis Commons.
To evaluate our three concepts, we consulted one of our target users and several stakeholders, who were emailed summaries and asked to choose their preferred option. Due to concerns about food safety in SecondServing and potential challenges with fulfilling requests in the Donation Wish Lists, we moved forward with the Food Truck Experience, which later became Klemis Commons.
To evaluate our three concepts, we consulted one of our target users and several stakeholders, who were emailed summaries and asked to choose their preferred option. Due to concerns about food safety in SecondServing and potential challenges with fulfilling requests in the Donation Wish Lists, we moved forward with the Food Truck Experience, which later became Klemis Commons.
Paper Prototypes
Paper Prototypes
Paper Prototypes
We developed a paper prototype of the email used to access our website, originally called Klemis Corner, along with all of the website's features, as a quick way to present our ideas and gather feedback from target users.
We developed a paper prototype of the email used to access our website, originally called Klemis Corner, along with all of the website's features, as a quick way to present our ideas and gather feedback from target users.
We developed a paper prototype of the email used to access our website, originally called Klemis Corner, along with all of the website's features, as a quick way to present our ideas and gather feedback from target users.
mid-fidelity wireframes
mid-fidelity wireframes
mid-fidelity wireframes
Before creating our mid-fidelity wireframes, we conducted feedback sessions with our target users and the Director of Student Life and incorporated that feedback into our refined screens.
Before creating our mid-fidelity wireframes, we conducted feedback sessions with our target users and the Director of Student Life and incorporated that feedback into our refined screens.
Before creating our mid-fidelity wireframes, we conducted feedback sessions with our target users and the Director of Student Life and incorporated that feedback into our refined screens.
Feedback Received
Feedback Received
Feedback Received
Students were confused by some of the terminology, with one thinking Klemis Kitchen was being removed.
Students were confused by some of the terminology, with one thinking Klemis Kitchen was being removed.
Students were confused by some of the terminology, with one thinking Klemis Kitchen was being removed.
They noted they might miss the onboarding email unless the subject and sender were clearly associated with Klemis Kitchen.
They noted they might miss the onboarding email unless the subject and sender were clearly associated with Klemis Kitchen.
They noted they might miss the onboarding email unless the subject and sender were clearly associated with Klemis Kitchen.
Students also expressed frustration with the extra effort required to access food, including traveling across campus and keeping track of donation days.
Students also expressed frustration with the extra effort required to access food, including traveling across campus and keeping track of donation days.
Students also expressed frustration with the extra effort required to access food, including traveling across campus and keeping track of donation days.
How We Addressed It
How We Addressed It
How We Addressed It
We made the onboarding email more clear, defining Klemis Commons and including a direct link to the FAQs.
We made the onboarding email more clear, defining Klemis Commons and including a direct link to the FAQs.
We made the onboarding email more clear, defining Klemis Commons and including a direct link to the FAQs.
We updated the email subject line to include “Klemis” and listed the sender as the Director of Student Life to ensure recognition.
We updated the email subject line to include “Klemis” and listed the sender as the Director of Student Life to ensure recognition.
We updated the email subject line to include “Klemis” and listed the sender as the Director of Student Life to ensure recognition.
To reduce cognitive strain, we provided detailed information for each food opportunity, including location, dates, and hours.
To reduce cognitive strain, we provided detailed information for each food opportunity, including location, dates, and hours.
To reduce cognitive strain, we provided detailed information for each food opportunity, including location, dates, and hours.
design system
design system
design system
We drew inspiration from outdoor markets found across various regions to reflect Klemis Kitchen’s diverse user base, and we chose the dyslexia-friendly Helvetica font to enhance accessibility. Our goal was to create a warm, culturally rich, and inviting user experience.
We drew inspiration from outdoor markets found across various regions to reflect Klemis Kitchen’s diverse user base, and we chose the dyslexia-friendly Helvetica font to enhance accessibility. Our goal was to create a warm, culturally rich, and inviting user experience.
We drew inspiration from outdoor markets found across various regions to reflect Klemis Kitchen’s diverse user base, and we chose the dyslexia-friendly Helvetica font to enhance accessibility. Our goal was to create a warm, culturally rich, and inviting user experience.
evaluation
evaluation
evaluation
We evaluated our prototype through moderated discount evaluations with program classmates and user testing sessions with food-insecure Georgia Tech students. Afterward, participants completed a System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire and a self-report survey to assess how well the prototype met key design requirements.
We evaluated our prototype through moderated discount evaluations with program classmates and user testing sessions with food-insecure Georgia Tech students. Afterward, participants completed a System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire and a self-report survey to assess how well the prototype met key design requirements.
We evaluated our prototype through moderated discount evaluations with program classmates and user testing sessions with food-insecure Georgia Tech students. Afterward, participants completed a System Usability Scale (SUS) questionnaire and a self-report survey to assess how well the prototype met key design requirements.
Testing Process
Testing Process
Testing Process
We introduced the concept to participants and had them perform tasks based on specific design requirements. Peers tested Dietary Autonomy and Convenient Access, while target users evaluated Protect Dignity & Independence and Cross-Cultural Understanding.
We introduced the concept to participants and had them perform tasks based on specific design requirements. Peers tested Dietary Autonomy and Convenient Access, while target users evaluated Protect Dignity & Independence and Cross-Cultural Understanding.
We introduced the concept to participants and had them perform tasks based on specific design requirements. Peers tested Dietary Autonomy and Convenient Access, while target users evaluated Protect Dignity & Independence and Cross-Cultural Understanding.
Results
Results
Results
Three out of four peers agreed that the solution would expand their dietary options, while all three target users strongly agreed there was no stigma associated with using Klemis Cash. Additionally, all users felt satisfied with the resource information provided by Klemis Commons.
Three out of four peers agreed that the solution would expand their dietary options, while all three target users strongly agreed there was no stigma associated with using Klemis Cash. Additionally, all users felt satisfied with the resource information provided by Klemis Commons.
Three out of four peers agreed that the solution would expand their dietary options, while all three target users strongly agreed there was no stigma associated with using Klemis Cash. Additionally, all users felt satisfied with the resource information provided by Klemis Commons.
RefLEctions
RefLEctions
RefLEctions
This was one of my first projects in the MS-HCI program at Georgia Tech, and it provided valuable lessons in collaborating with a diverse team. It was also a rewarding experience to engage in an iterative design process with input from our primary users.
This was one of my first projects in the MS-HCI program at Georgia Tech, and it provided valuable lessons in collaborating with a diverse team. It was also a rewarding experience to engage in an iterative design process with input from our primary users.
This was one of my first projects in the MS-HCI program at Georgia Tech, and it provided valuable lessons in collaborating with a diverse team. It was also a rewarding experience to engage in an iterative design process with input from our primary users.
Wishes
Wishes
Wishes
Toward the end of the semester, our professor introduced us to participatory design. If we could redo the project, we would have embraced co-designing with food-insecure students, which might have led to a completely different and potentially more impactful solution.
Toward the end of the semester, our professor introduced us to participatory design. If we could redo the project, we would have embraced co-designing with food-insecure students, which might have led to a completely different and potentially more impactful solution.
Toward the end of the semester, our professor introduced us to participatory design. If we could redo the project, we would have embraced co-designing with food-insecure students, which might have led to a completely different and potentially more impactful solution.
Learnings
Learnings
Learnings
Over the semester, we developed a strong relationship with the Director of Student Life, who helped us connect with our target users. This allowed us to gain firsthand insights into their experiences and gather valuable feedback throughout the design process.
Over the semester, we developed a strong relationship with the Director of Student Life, who helped us connect with our target users. This allowed us to gain firsthand insights into their experiences and gather valuable feedback throughout the design process.
Over the semester, we developed a strong relationship with the Director of Student Life, who helped us connect with our target users. This allowed us to gain firsthand insights into their experiences and gather valuable feedback throughout the design process.
Next Steps
Next Steps
Next Steps
Given more time, we would have developed a mobile prototype of the website to better serve students accessing it on the go.
Given more time, we would have developed a mobile prototype of the website to better serve students accessing it on the go.
Given more time, we would have developed a mobile prototype of the website to better serve students accessing it on the go.