O-Gallery
Product & UI Design
A social network
for healthy eating
This design proposal introduces an online gallery focused on promoting healthy eating. It aims to create a social networking platform tailored for students, where they can share concerns about their diets, exchange valuable tips on nutrition, and support each other in adopting healthier eating habits through peer guidance. In addition to encouraging better dietary behaviours, the platform also provides recreational opportunities to help students relieve stress, fostering a positive and supportive environment for overall well-being.
Primary Users:
UNSW Students
Category
Product & UI Design
Tools:
Illustrator
Photoshop
Adobe XD
After Effects
Media Encoder
Problem
The university food environment has significantly contributed to unhealthy eating behaviours among UNSW students.
Solution
Recognising the strong impact of social surroundings on behaviour, promoting healthy dietary habits can be effectively achieved through social networks. This design proposal envisions an online platform that enables users to improve their eating habits through mutual support and positive peer influence. By harnessing the power of social connections, individuals can collaboratively work towards healthier and more sustainable dietary behaviours.
Process
Analysis
User Persona
Feature
Prioritization
User Flows
Sketches
Prototype
Mind Map
Campus Map
Virtual Map
Additionally, all interactive buttons feature a green colour palette, symbolising health, freshness, and nutrition. By incorporating green into the interactive elements, the design reinforces the association between healthy dietary choices and user engagement with the gallery, enhancing the overall experience.
ENTRANCE
Users can conveniently access the gallery’s home page by scanning a QR code. These QR codes will be strategically placed on desk surfaces and other prominent locations in campus public areas, particularly near restaurants. By integrating QR codes in these accessible spots, users can easily connect to the online gallery using their smartphones or other scanning devices. This approach provides a seamless entry point, encouraging engagement with the gallery’s content and promoting healthier dietary habits within the campus community.
In the online simulation, users are first welcomed in a reception area where they can access key information about the gallery. This includes details such as opening hours, special events, and exhibitions. A gallery map is also available, helping users navigate the space and offering an overview of the sections and exhibits. Serving as a central hub, the reception area provides a convenient starting point for users to gather essential information before exploring the virtual gallery.
PART 1
EXHIBITION SPACE
PERMANENT COLLECTION
The art gallery is divided into two distinct sections. The first, situated near the entrance, serves as an inviting introduction, featuring five carefully chosen artworks from the permanent collection. This section captivates visitors, offering a glimpse into the gallery’s artistic offerings and setting the tone for the overall experience. It sparks curiosity and encourages deeper exploration of the exhibition.
Artwork - 1
Individual taste preferences are shaped by various factors, including social influences and advertising. Although it is commonly believed that taste is fixed, research has demonstrated that food habits can be modified through the process of relearning.
Artwork - 2
The second artwork takes a metaphorical approach, incorporating partially hidden and partially visible elements to depict the shapes of vegetables and fruits. This design serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked importance of these essential food groups.
Artwork - 3
The third drawing draws attention to the prevalence of diets high in saturated fats and sugars. It highlights the tendency of many students to rely on familiar, comfort foods, often prioritising what they know and enjoy over healthier options.
Artwork - 4
In the drawing, the yellow dot represents dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for conveying the sensation of satiety to the brain after a meal. Dopamine plays a vital role in shaping flavour preferences and influencing eating habits.
Artwork - 5
The final image encapsulates the overarching concept of this social media platform. Social media, deeply embedded in the daily lives of college students, serves as a dominant space for interaction, dialogue, and the development of peer relationships. This integration underscores its potential as a powerful tool for fostering behavioural change.
The online gallery within the platform is designed to demonstrate how individual taste preferences can be influenced by the habits and choices of others. It encourages users to actively share their food experiences and work collaboratively towards building healthier, more balanced eating patterns. By leveraging the interactive and communal nature of social media, this student-oriented platform not only fosters a sense of connection and belonging but also promotes the adoption of healthier dietary habits in a supportive and engaging environment.
PART 2
SHAREDSPACE
Share Your Artworks
Upon entering the next exhibition space, an interactive venue, users are invited to showcase their own creations and share insights into their healthy diets.
To encourage repeat visits and optimise the user experience, the gallery limits the number of temporary works that can be uploaded. All submissions are refreshed weekly to make room for new contributions, with the exception of the top three most popular works, which remain on display. Additionally, the most-liked artworks will be selected for a physical exhibition hosted at the UNSW galleries, bridging the virtual and real-world gallery experience.
The process begins with uploading a photo of food, which acts as the initial step. The system then calculates the average calorie content and assesses whether it meets healthy standards. Once users proceed to the editing interface, they can choose from three creative approaches based on the original colours of the food:
1. Automated Photo Generation: The system automatically generates enhanced photos using the food’s original colours.
2. Photo Drawing: Users can personalise their photos by drawing directly on them with a selected colour palette.
3. Colour Block Manipulation: The system provides a limited set of colour blocks, enabling users to rearrange and manipulate them to create unique and artistic designs.
EXIT
Towards the end of the gallery, users are guided to two recommended spaces connected to my teammates’ projects. These spaces offer direct guidance and additional resources for those interested in exploring nutritional information further. They serve as valuable hubs of knowledge, providing deeper insights and supporting users in their journey toward healthier eating habits.
© ERICA YIN 2024
