Overview: BugBox is a service design concept aimed at normalizing entomophagy—the practice of eating insects—by creating a meal delivery service that positions edible insects as a sustainable protein source. This project was part of a Service Design course focused on addressing the climate crisis through innovative solutions in food systems.

Problem & Solution

Problem: The global demand for animal protein contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, driving environmental degradation.

Traditional livestock farming is resource-intensive, requiring vast amounts of water and feed, which exacerbates the climate crisis. There is a pressing need for sustainable alternatives that can meet the growing demand for protein while reducing environmental impact.

Solution: Trustworthy, consistent, user-friendly reviews website.

BugBox aims to introduce entomophagy as a mainstream dietary option by offering meal kits that feature insect-based ingredients. By leveraging innovative marketing, community engagement, and user-centered design, BugBox seeks to make edible insects a staple in daily meals, thus reducing the carbon footprint of protein consumption.

User & Target Audience

Early Adopters & Climate-Conscious Consumers

• Needs: Access to sustainable protein sources, trustworthy information, and community support.

• Demographics: Primarily environmentally conscious individuals, early adopters of sustainable products, and adventurous foodies who are open to trying new things.

Skeptical Consumers

• Needs: Education on the benefits of entomophagy, transparency regarding food safety, and gradual introduction to novel protein sources.

Team & Role

UX Designer & Visual Designer

In this project, I contributed to the design and development of BugBox by leading research activities, conducting co-design workshops, and creating the service blueprint and user experience designs. My role also involved developing brand values and ensuring the service aligned with our goals of sustainability, resilience, and community building.

Service Design Process

Mission Statement & Values

Our team established a mission to promote sustainable eating by introducing edible insects as a viable and environmentally friendly protein source. We focused on values such as resilience, sustainability, community, and trust to guide our design decisions.

Ecosystem Mapping & Research

We began by mapping the service ecosystem to understand the interdependencies involved in connecting insect producers with consumers. Through interviews, surveys, and co-design sessions, we gathered insights that informed our design process.

Sketching & Prototyping:

We sketched service blueprints and narrative prototypes to visualize how users would interact with BugBox at various touchpoints, from discovery to becoming advocates for entomophagy. We developed a mobile-first app UI to guide users through selecting meal kits, learning recipes, and engaging with the BugBox community.

High-Fidelity Design Solutions

User Experience & Branding

We designed a user-friendly app that allows users to customize their meal kits, learn about insect-based ingredients, and connect with local events promoting sustainable eating. The branding reflects our values of abundance and growth, encouraging users to explore this new food adventure.

Sketching & Prototyping

We sketched service blueprints and narrative prototypes to visualize how users would interact with BugBox at various touchpoints, from discovery to becoming advocates for entomophagy. We developed a mobile-first app UI to guide users through selecting meal kits, learning recipes, and engaging with the BugBox community.

Outcome & Next Steps

Success Metrics & User Feedback

To evaluate our design, we focused on user engagement with the app, acceptance of insect-based meals, and community participation in BugBox events. Initial feedback indicated a growing interest in sustainable eating and a willingness to explore insect-based proteins.

Awards & Recognition

BugBox earned significant recognition, winning the HCDE Graduate Award of Excellence for Innovation and the Core 77 Student Service Design Award. 

Next Steps

Further development includes refining the meal kit offerings, conducting additional co-design sessions with target demographics, and exploring partnerships with local producers and international regulators to expand BugBox’s reach.

Reflection

Learning & Impact

BugBox challenged us to rethink our assumptions about food and sustainability. This project highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity, transparency, and community in introducing new dietary practices. As we continue to refine BugBox, we aim to inspire others to consider the broader impact of their food choices on the environment.

If you would like to learn more about this project or have any additional questions, feel free to contact me. 

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