University Case Study

Finding Food Overseas

Turning a real access problem into a working app — research, persona, prototype, test.

3project stages

5why's explored in research

1core persona developed

"If I can't show client work, I'll demonstrate value by solving a real problem."

Overview

A real problem,
a working solution

This project was completed during a recent university trimester. We began by identifying a real-world problem we were experiencing and designed an app as the solution.

The work ran across three stages: Stage One explored the problem space and possible solutions; Stage Two developed the chosen approach into a working prototype; Stage Three tested the prototype and iterated based on feedback.

UX ResearchFive Why'sPersona developmentUser flowsInformation architectureWireframingTesting

Research

The Five
Why's

To understand the problem space, I ran a Five Why's exploration focused on why people seek products they first experienced overseas.

The themes pointed to nostalgia, uniqueness, access barriers, and the limits of local and online options.

Why would someone seek out products they've had overseas?

Travellers often look for products they discovered overseas due to nostalgia and sentimental value, unique flavour, or perceived quality. These items can revive meaningful memories and tastes not found locally.

Why would someone have to seek them out?

They're not widely available. The specialised or regional nature of these goods means they're usually limited to specific shops, ethnic grocers, or niche online marketplaces.

Why can't you get these products at common supermarkets?

Major supermarkets prioritise broad-appeal inventory. Niche items have lower overall demand, and some require special storage or import arrangements — raising costs and reducing shelf viability.

Why wouldn't someone just order it online?

High shipping costs, long delivery times, and patchy availability make it inconvenient. Quality concerns, import rules, and customs fees can complicate things further.

Why wouldn't you use an alternative that's "similar"?

Originals often have specific flavours, ingredients, or preparation methods that substitutes can't replicate. Emotional connection and cultural meaning make the real thing irreplaceable.

Ideate

Persona +
user flow

Guided by early research insights, I explored solution directions through a focused persona and mapped the core user goal into flows, then shaped the information architecture.

Nathan

High School Student · 17 · Sydney

Wants & Needs

Play video games online with friends. Get good grades. Figure out a career path. Meet more like-minded people.

Frustrations

Managing a balanced diet. Dealing with parental expectations. Balancing schoolwork with job and social life.

Goal: try a new snack recommended by his American friend while playing video games.

Testing + Reflection

"Designing for a real user with a real goal clarified every decision."

Testing revealed how users actually navigated the app versus how I assumed they would. Interview results highlighted both what was working and where friction crept in.