Summary of Prototype Results

Prototype 1

While the overall design of the application was well-received, it was pointed out that a globe system wouldn't be ideal. If a large number of recipes would be posted as map markers, this would result in problems being created when a large amount of recipes were produced from a small country. However, the filters were praised and the menu design was also well-received. For the main recipe page, it was pointed out that while there was a 'Variation' Section, there was no section for simple comments regarding the actual recipe - which, considering that the application was centered around the stories behind the recipes and not the recipes themselves, was a considerable flaw.

Prototype 2

Received a much more positive response compared to the first prototype. Interactions showed that the UI was fairly easy to navigate overall once the improvements had been made, and displaying the recipes upfront left no room for confusion. Furthermore, implementing a segment for comments alongside the variations and details of the recipe itself was positively received. Issue was pointed out by tutors regarding the recipes however - what would the system choose regarding multiple recipes that were essentially the same but had a different cultural history. By discussing this issue with the team and the tutors, it was decided that these recipes would be included; despite their similarity, they each had significant unique histories, which was what the app was primarily about. It was also noted that the two segments on the main page were 'Traditional' and 'Creations' - as the overall goal of the application is preservation of history and culture, wouldn't the 'Creations' segment be a little out-of-place? Through discussion, it was decided that a fix for this would be to scrap the whole idea of 'Creations' and replace them with 'All' and 'Favourites'.

Prototype 3 (Showcase)

While the third prototype (displayed at the showcase) was fairly similar to the second, it came with a number of additional features such as being able to submit a recipe and being able to leave a comment. The reception to the app was positive but it came with a number of suggestions for improvement such being able to filter the recipes via time period. Another change suggested was adding an individual map of where the recipe came from to show its origin point (rather than them all being placed on single globe which was the initial idea). It was also pointed out the the social capabilities of such an app were immense, but the app didn't make use of them enough. These suggestion were useful and would be considered for future implementations of Food for Thought if it ever went further.