Problem

Eating out with food allergies is stressful. Allergen information is inconsistent, hard to find, and doesn't inspire confidence. How might we design an experience that makes dining out feel safe rather than scary?

Role

Product Designer & Researcher (Academic Project) User Research, Brand Design, Visual Design, User Testing, and Research

Tools

Figma, Maze, UserTesting.com 

Outcome 

Designed an allergen detection app with reassuring visual language, achieving 87% completion in preference testing and improving safety comprehension from 62% to 94% through iteration

Understanding Anxiety at the Table 

Interviewed 6 people with food allergies to understand their dining experiences: 

"I always worry the server didn't actually check. There's no way to be sure." 

"Restaurant websites never have full allergen info. I end up calling and feeling like I'm bothering them." 

"Even with allergen menus, I can't tell if something is 'safe' or just 'safer." 

Insight

The problem isn't just information—it's trust.

Designing for Trust, Not Medical Anxiety 

Principle 1: Reassuring, Not Clinical 

Use rounded forms and warm colors rather than medical aesthetics to reduce anxiety.

Principle 2: Transparent, Not Simplistic 

Showed confidence levels and reasoning so users could make informed decisions.

Principle 3: Quick, Not Overwhelming 

Prioritized glance-able information with progressive disclosure for those wanting details.

Testing with Real Users' Preferences

Testing (n=8) validated brand approach: - 85% perceived app as "friendly" vs. "clinical" 

Average trust rating: 7.8/10 - 87% would use for dining decisions 

"It feels like a helpful friend, not a medical device."