Loaves & Fishes Process
Case Study
Loaves & Fishes Responsive Site Design
Lindsey Gatlin 2021
Loaves & Fishes Process Initial Research
Loaves & Fishes "Loaves & Fishes provides a week’s worth of nutritionally balanced groceries to both individuals and families experiencing a short-term crisis through a network of 41 emergency food pantries located throughout Mecklenburg County." In the state of North Carolina, 1 in 7 individuals struggle with hunger and 1 in 5 children struggle. It’s also been found that people facing hunger in North Carolina are estimated to report needing $719,879,000 more per year to meet their food needs (Feeding America). In 2020, Loaves and Fishes provided food to over 120,200 people in Mecklenburg County (a county of around 1 million). They partner with the Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, a large and successful food bank in the area.
Loaves & Fishes Process Current Digital Presence
Website & Social Currently, their site is a bit inconsistent with the typefaces and iconography. It is also challenging and time-consuming to navigate. The inconsistencies magnify the navigational difficulties. The buttons on the site also vary greatly which makes navigation even greater of a challenge. Their social media platforms are not consistently active and also lack consistency.
Loaves & Fishes Process Research & Interviews
Interviews The main interview I based my design decisions on was my interview with Sue Bruce, the marketing and events director for Loaves & Fishes. She provided me with insight on why the work of the organization mattered and what their main goals are. It was interesting to hear from her how much the organization seems to prioritize their content over the design function. I also interviewed two students, one designer and one scientist, each of them mentioned that a website’s ease of navigation mattered a lot.
Loaves & Fishes Process Secondary Research
Research Feeding America, a large national organization, found that America has more than enough food to feed everyone but, much of it is wasted. They estimate that “...25–40% of food grown, processed and transported in the U.S. will never be consumed...”. They also stated that food is the most wasted thing in the country. End Hunger in America, another large organization, opens their site by saying: “Hunger is a foundational problem – without addressing it, many of the other challenges faced by our society, from education to employment to poverty, are simply insoluble.” Hunger is a major issue but, the issue of quality food matters as well. Feeding America also explains that “...healthy variety of foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lowfat dairy and lean protein...” is needed to truly make a difference.
Loaves & Fishes Process Problem Solving
What’s the problem? How do I create a place for the hungry to find food and the fed to share what they have through a straightforward digital platform? In order to eradicate hunger in the CharlotteMecklenburg area, quality food needs to become readily available to people of all backgrounds. Educational resources on the impact of hunger are also needed to encourage volunteers and donors.
Loaves & Fishes Process Audience
Determining Audience Using post-it notes, I was able to visualize the target audiences of Loaves and Fishes. Recognizing these audiences allowed me to find where there could be overlap between them. This step also was influential in guiding my steps when beginning the prototyping process. This step is also what presented my two main audiences as the fed and the hungry.
Loaves & Fishes Process Overarching Goals
Client - Raise awareness on the issue of food-poverty. - Find those in need and provide them with what they need. - Attract volunteers to partner with them. - Connect with larger corporations to gain sponsors. - Promote events.
Audience - Find a way to provide for their family. - Connect with local needs and give of their time or money. - Gain information on why food-poverty is an issue worth their time. - Share the mission of Loaves and Fishes. - Have reliable information to share.
Website - Provide users with straightforward access to resources needed. - Find new donors or volunteers. - Share the work that has already been completed. - Connect with previous partners. - Have a simple and private way to declare a need.
Loaves & Fishes Process Specific Goals
User
Goal
Content/Action
Unemployed
To provide a place for those who cannot support themselves or their families on their own the means to do so.
Become a regular visitor and get connected with those serving, while getting food at no cost.
Homeless
Giving nourishment and the potential for greater purpose to those who need it.
Schedule and visit and receive food at no cost.
Parentless Minors
Welcoming children and teens to have a place to find food without shame or confusion.
Having a straightforward and accessible site for them to get the information they need.
Students
Educating them on the world around them and those less fortunate.
Infographics on how to volunteer and why it matters.
Retired
Getting them involved in work that can provide meaning.
Having roles that elders can participate in.
Employers
Advocate for change and allow employees time off to volunteer.
Become a partner and serve consistently.
Loaves & Fishes Process Style Tile & CTAs
Creating a style tile allowed me to begin to use my research in order to form an identity for Loaves and Fishes. It is also where I defined my main CTAs or call to action buttons.
Loaves & Fishes Process Site Map
Loaves & Fishes Process Wireframing & User Testing
Creating wireframes, or sketches, of my mobile screens allowed for me to present them to potential users and receive feedback before creating more high fidelity designs.
Loaves & Fishes Process Results
Loaves & Fishes Process Results
Loaves & Fishes Process Results
Loaves & Fishes Process Results
Loaves & Fishes Process Results