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1Introduction
2Solution
3Conclusion
Introduction
Available for work
Avishkar Shinde
UX Designer
TOYOTA MOBILITY FOUNDATION
TOYOTA MOBILITY FOUNDATION
Enhancing Logistics for Food Banks and Pantries
Enhancing Logistics for Food Banks and Pantries
2 mins read + 5 mins watch
Timeline
Timeline
August 2024 - May 2025
August 2024 - May 2025
Team
Team
2 UX Designers, 2 UX Researchers
2 UX Designers, 2 UX Researchers
My Role
My Role
UX Researcher, UI Design, Motion Design, User Testing
UX Researcher, UI Design, Motion Design, User Testing
Tools
Tools
Figma, FigJam, Miro, Google Forms, After Effects, Illustrator, Notion
Figma, FigJam, Miro, Google Forms, After Effects, Illustrator, Notion
Overview
Overview
For our final capstone project at IU we partnered with Toyota Mobility Foundation, where my team was tasked to tackle the logistics and mobility challenges faced by food banks and pantries across Indiana.
Through research and surveys, we found out that outdated systems, lack of communication, and no real-time inventory visibility led to a lot food wastage and missed opportunities for redistribution.
To tackle this, we designed FoodLink. It is a web-based platform where food banks, pantries as well as food donors can come and list available surplus food available. Other organizations can then easily request this food and coordinate pickups which makes food distribution more timely, transparent, and efficient.
For our final capstone project at IU we partnered with Toyota Mobility Foundation, where my team was tasked to tackle the logistics and mobility challenges faced by food banks and pantries across Indiana.
Through research and surveys, we found out that outdated systems, lack of communication, and no real-time inventory visibility led to a lot food wastage and missed opportunities for redistribution.
To tackle this, we designed FoodLink. It is a web-based platform where food banks, pantries as well as food donors can come and list available surplus food available. Other organizations can then easily request this food and coordinate pickups which makes food distribution more timely, transparent, and efficient.
THE PROBLEM
THE PROBLEM
Hunger in Marion County and fragmented logistics across Indiana’s food network
Hunger in Marion County and fragmented logistics across Indiana’s food network
Many communities across Indiana still struggle to access food, even with the support of more than 210+ food banks and pantries. The current food distribution system is heavily dependent on manual coordination like back-and-forth emails, phone calls and spreadsheets. This leads to gaps in service and inefficiencies in delivery.
Many communities across Indiana still struggle to access food, even with the support of more than 210+ food banks and pantries. The current food distribution system is heavily dependent on manual coordination like back-and-forth emails, phone calls and spreadsheets. This leads to gaps in service and inefficiencies in delivery.
25% of Indianapolis
1 in 7 people
200,000 residents
9 in 10 households
25% of Indianapolis
25% of Indianapolis
25% of Indianapolis
1 in 7 people
1 in 7 people
1 in 7 people
200,000 residents
200,000 residents
200,000 residents
9 in 10 households
9 in 10 households
9 in 10 households
THE SOLUTION
THE SOLUTION
A smarter, connected system
A smarter, connected system
We designed a centralized platform that connects food banks, pantries, and food donors on one seamless system.
Our platform makes it easy for organizations to share extra food, request what’s needed, coordinate pickups and deliveries, and keep track of everything in real-time, all in one place.
By simplifying communication and reducing manual effort, our system helps organizations distribute food faster, minimize waste, and stay focused on serving their communities.
We designed a centralized platform that connects food banks, pantries, and food donors on one seamless system.
Our platform makes it easy for organizations to share extra food, request what’s needed, coordinate pickups and deliveries, and keep track of everything in real-time, all in one place.
By simplifying communication and reducing manual effort, our system helps organizations distribute food faster, minimize waste, and stay focused on serving their communities.
A 5 mins video summarizing our work so far
A 5 mins video summarizing our work so far
impact
impact
Here’s what it makes easier
Here’s what it makes easier
Instead of spending time tracking things manually or waiting on phone calls, food banks and pantries can quickly see what's available, request what they need, and keep things moving.
Instead of spending time tracking things manually or waiting on phone calls, food banks and pantries can quickly see what's available, request what they need, and keep things moving.
Saves time by cutting down back-and-forth communication.
Saves time by cutting down back-and-forth communication.
Gets surplus food out faster, so less of it goes to waste.
Gets surplus food out faster, so less of it goes to waste.
Makes it easier for pantries to see what's available and for food banks to respond.
Makes it easier for pantries to see what's available and for food banks to respond.
Helps volunteers find and sign up for deliveries without needing to be called or texted.
Helps volunteers find and sign up for deliveries without needing to be called or texted.
Gives food banks a better view of what's working and where help is needed.
Gives food banks a better view of what's working and where help is needed.
Reflection
Reflection
Looking Back
Looking Back
This project started as a way to tackle food distribution logistics, but it quickly became clear that solving it meant building a connected network. Food banks, pantries, and volunteers were all working hard. But often separately.
It gave me a chance to think through how different parts of a process come together and how design can make that coordination clearer and more manageable. It was a good exercise in designing for real operational needs, not just individual screens.
This project started as a motion graphics assignment, but as I explored ideas, it made sense to also rethink parts of the product itself. That’s where the idea of the Social Hub came in.
I ended up working across motion design , UX, and brand design to make Spotify feel more connected and personal. I learned how to keep motion purposeful and how small interaction details can change how a product feels by a huge margin.
It also gave me more practice designing around real user needs, not just visuals. Overall, it taught me how to build more connected, intentional experiences.
Conclusion
Conclusion
What's Next?
What's Next?
Before we move forward, here’s what’s currently happening and what’s coming next:
Before we move forward, here’s what’s currently happening and what’s coming next:
Currently conducting user evaluation sessions to gather feedback on the prototype.
Currently conducting user evaluation sessions to gather feedback on the prototype.
Capture a baseline snapshot of existing workflows for comparison.
Capture a baseline snapshot of existing workflows for comparison.
Talk with third-party logistics (3PL) providers to explore integration opportunities
Talk with third-party logistics (3PL) providers to explore integration opportunities
Plan for handoff and presentation to Toyota Mobility Foundation
Plan for handoff and presentation to Toyota Mobility Foundation
Pssst, you've reached the end… but how about one more read?
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