Food Guardian: A Mobile Application to Combat Food Waste

Reducing Food Waste through Gamification and Technology

Food Guardian, a mobile application designed by Yuyao Fan and Huicong Hu, aims to tackle the issue of food waste by providing real-time tracking and gamification features. This innovative solution encourages users to be mindful of their food consumption habits and make conscious efforts to reduce waste.

One of the unique properties of Food Guardian is its ability to record food waste in real time. Users can easily track the amount of food they consume and identify areas where they can make improvements. Through gamification elements, such as challenges and rewards, the app motivates users to compete with friends and nearby individuals or teams to waste less food. This not only creates a sense of community but also adds an element of fun to the process of reducing food waste.

In addition to tracking food waste, Food Guardian also provides users with practical tools to manage their food consumption. The app includes features such as a food calendar, shopping list, and food storage module. The food calendar allows users to visualize their past food waste and make informed decisions about their future consumption. The shopping list feature helps users plan their purchases and avoid buying more than they need. The food storage module enables users to store their leftovers in shared refrigerators, reducing food waste and promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Food Guardian goes beyond individual efforts by collaborating with food suppliers and relevant organizations to facilitate the recycling of surplus food. This ensures that excess food is not wasted but instead reaches those in need. By creating a network of food storage stations and displaying ongoing donation activities, the app encourages users to contribute to the cause and make a positive impact on their communities.

The realization of Food Guardian involved a combination of design and technology. The designers started with low-fidelity prototypes on paper and then used tools like Figma, Photoshop, and Cinema4D to create high-fidelity prototypes and interactive models. The app's interface features 2.5D building models and vector illustrations, all carefully designed to provide an intuitive and engaging user experience.

Food Guardian is designed specifically for the iOS system, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance for Apple users. Its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with various devices make it accessible to a wide range of users.

The development of Food Guardian was supported by extensive research. The designers conducted desktop research to understand the current state of food waste and its underlying causes. They also conducted in-depth interviews with target users to gather insights and identify user needs and preferences. This research-driven approach ensured that the design of Food Guardian effectively addresses the challenges associated with food waste.

Recognizing its innovative approach and practicality, Food Guardian was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Mobile Technologies, Applications, and Software Design category in 2022. This prestigious accolade acknowledges the app's well-designed interface, its integration of industry best practices, and its contribution to creating a better world.

Food Guardian is a powerful tool in the fight against food waste. By combining technology, gamification, and community engagement, it empowers individuals to make a positive impact on the environment and create a more sustainable future.