Innovative language solution to enhance food pantry efficiency by breaking the language barrier.

Client

Toyota Mobility Foundation

Role

Product Designer

Project Partner

Westminster Neighborhood Services Inc.
(WNS Food Pantry)

Project details

Timeline: July 2023 - July 2024

Team (hover for details):

Problem

The partnering pantry struggled with lengthy client check-in processes, particularly for non-English speakers, whose check-ins took twice as long as those of English-speaking clients.

Underlying Issue: Language barriers

It created delays due to staff reliance on translation apps for repetitive client intake questions, impacting client experience and pantry efficiency.

Solution

Translator Playlist. It enables staff to customize and pre-load common check-in conversations and questions, translating them into any language with one click.

Scalable, and any existing translator applications can integrate this feature.

Project Overview

(3 mins) Everything you need to know about this project.

Impact

Project / Individual Impact:

+ 39.44 %

Accelerated new client registration process, cutting average time from 9 minutes to 5.45 minutes

+ 40 %

Accelerated returning client check-in process, cutting average time from 3.5 minutes to 2.1 minutes

+ 26.24 %

Improved Overall Check-In Process Efficiency

'Zero dollars' spent.

Designed and built a scalable translation web application that is currently being used at the pantry, without spending a dollar.

Shipped Product

I developed and deployed the Translator Playlist web application as a temporary solution and proof of concept, conducting live product testing during pantry day. The application is now actively used at two pantries.

Why It Matters?

Validates the solution. Pilot testing and user adoption confirm that it effectively addresses communication challenges for both staff and clients, thereby validating the concept for future development.

High Implementation Costs. Full-scale integration into an existing translator app or developing a standalone version requires a substantial investment of time and resources; till then, this gives the staff a functional workaround.

Challenges? and how did I overcome them

No time. Project deadline was in 2 weeks. Requirements were already met (product idea + prototype). But an idea without execution? Feels incomplete. So, I had to create something tangible—usable.

No developer on the team. Didn’t have time to onboard/collaborate with someone, so I learned and used a low-code platform (FlutterFlow) and built the tool myself in a week.

No time for user testing. One week left—I took a risk and reached out to the pantry for live pilot testing on their next pantry day. They agreed, and I successfully ran the test. (below: clip from the pilot testing session)

Future Exploration

I developed high-fidelity prototypes for concept integration within the most widely used translator application (Google Translate).

Why? 85% of interviewed pantry personnel reported reliance on Google Translate as their primary translator application, followed by Apple Translate. This could be used as a reference when presenting or pitching to stakeholders or companies (Google, Apple, Microsoft, etc.).

Implemented the Material Design system

Added required components to the existing UI library

The playlist feature as a chrome extension

Translate to any language in a single click

Auto translate client response in real time

The playlist feature in the google translate mobile app

Curious about the journey? Let’s dive deeper

This showcase is merely a glimpse; the true essence lies in the journey itself. If you're intrigued, let's chat—I’ll happily share insights, challenges, and even some juicy gossip from behind the scenes.

Let’s talk