Empathize
The following are recommendations for the client TOUCH. These recommendations are supported by evidence gathered from data, observations, and interviews.
An important part of human-centered design thinking is coming up with as many ideas as possible; from this massive pool, we can narrow down which ideas are technically feasible and financially viable.
| Recommendation | Evidence | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| I can improve the website. I am skilled at web development. I will make fixes that TOUCH staff request, and I can suggest and make my own fixes if desired and feasible. | I perused TOUCH's website and noticed many things that could use improvement: pages that could use more information, out-of-date email addresses, and accessibility mistakes. | 2 days to 1 week |
| Move records from physical paper to electronic files, and provide extensive training | My interview with the Interfaith Emergency Food Pantry of Pleasantville revealed that, at this time, they use a physical spreadsheet to sign in their clients. Interfaith stated that they plan on moving to a digital sign-in system provided by Feeding Westchester, but they had some issues with the system due to the fact that training started late. | 4 weeks |
| Run a campaign to get ShopRite and other supermarkets to donate to food pantries | While ShopRite donates money to charity, they don't seem to donate food. There are many supermarkets out there that just trash their food. If all those supermarkets, or even just ShopRite, donated their food instead it could have a big impact on food distribution. | 10 weeks |
| Run a campaign to encourage young people to volunteer. Make it easy to get on board. Help volunteers feel prepared. Maybe say it's an opportunity for social interaction | In my interview with Interfaith Food Pantry, they also mentioned that they're often short-staffed. I've also read that retired seniors are usually the only ones who volunteer at food pantries. Young people should also have the time to volunteer; we need to figure out how to make them excited to volunteer. | 5 weeks |