DESIGNING AND VALIDATING AN INTERACTIVE USER-CENTERED DIGITAL PLATFORM FOR SEGMENTED SURPLUS FOOD MANAGEMENT AND DISTRIBUTION COORDINATION TO COMBAT HUNGER AND FOOD INSECURITY IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The study will use user-centered design (UCD) method to design a digital platform, Dast-e-Barkat, an interactive food redistribution platform to solve the twin problems of high edible food waste and food insecurity in Pakistan. A mixed-methods study which involved in-depth interviews and quantitative donor surveys (N=50) empirically confirmed systemic operational problems, such as fragmented logistical coordination, low donor- NGO engagement (Median= 2.00) and critical lack of dedicated digital management tools (Median =1.00). The statistical analysis proved that there are significant distinctions in operations between donor groups, and it is important to apply a segmented approach to solve the problem effectively. Based on these insights and UX/UI principles, the suggested solution focuses more on creating a user-friendly interface, a clear tracking system, and the necessary features that build trust and responsibility during the donation cycle. The final design offers an effective and non-hurdle system of linking donors to NGOs. The research conducted in general provides evidence that Dast-e-Barkat has a great potential to make a major decrease in the edible food waste and reinforce the efficiency of the hunger relief efforts in Pakistan with an efficient and easily accessible and highly usable system which can help in making the process of giving a lot easier and more coordinated.