ACCA5033 Creativity and Value Creation
ACCA5033 Creativity and Value Creation
Introduction & Ideation
Introduction
Food banks are essential in combating food insecurity and providing help to needy communities in the United Kingdom. Those philanthropic institutions have grown to be essential parts of the country’s social welfare infrastructure. Food distribution centres are nonprofit organizations that gather, preserve, and provide donated food to needy people and families. Several food banks were in operation around the United Kingdom as of January 2022, when I last updated my information. These food banks catered to particular regions and worked in conjunction with local communities.
Various reasons, such as economic issues, policy changes by government agencies, and unanticipated catastrophes, have impacted the need for food bank services. For basic nutrition, food banks serve as a lifeline for people and their households who are facing poverty, unemployment, as well as other monetary problems. The efficacy of these programs is largely due to the contributions of volunteers and donors, highlighting the teamwork needed to address food inflation. In addition to being essential for delivering immediate assistance, food banks also influence larger discussions about social fairness, reducing poverty, and the demand for structural change. Food banks exist in the UK because of the persistent difficulties that communities confront, which emphasizes the need for continual assistance and lobbying for all-encompassing solutions that address the underlying causes of food scarcity.
Ideation & illustration
The project’s main goal is to increase food banks’ reach throughout the UK by using a cutting-edge platform that makes resource management, community participation, and smooth communication possible. Ideation entails developing an intuitive mobile application that makes details about food banks, their days and times of operation, and their resources easily accessible to those in need. In addition, the app enables timely and customized donations by giving donors access to real-time details on current needs [1]. This allows donors to give effectively. One such example will be an interactive map included in the user interface that shows the locations of all food banks that have registered, together with information about how much they have and urgent needs. Friendly menus allow users to contribute or communicate their wants, making the network lively and adaptable. In order to increase awareness of food insecurity and promote a feeling of community participation, the app also includes instructional components. The initiative intends to address hunger in the United Kingdom in a more efficient and inclusive manner by streamlining the food bank environment through the use of this digital platform.
Planning & Design
Planning
Project Overview:
Developing and deploying a user-focused mobile application is the main goal of this project, which aims to improve the efficacy and efficiency of food shelters in the UK. By streamlining contact between food banks, those in need, and possible contributors, the app hopes to reduce food insecurity by establishing a more proactive and interconnected network [2]. In order to empower both donors and receivers and promote a feeling of community involvement in the battle against hunger, the initiative aims to provide real-time information about food bank places, hours of operation, and resource requirements.
Scope:
The project’s purview includes creating and releasing an intuitive mobile application that works with both iOS as well as Android. Important features include an ever-changing inventory system for monitoring supplies, an interactive map showing registered shelters, and an easy-to-use user interface for those looking for help or desiring to donate. In order to promote a thorough knowledge of the problem of food insecurity, the initiative also includes educational elements in the app.
Limitations:
Notwithstanding the project’s several objectives, there are certain constraints. The platform is reliant on food banks voluntarily registering and updating their personal details on a regular basis. App adoption along with engagement are essential to its success and can be impacted by a variety of variables, including access to and knowledge of technology [3]. Furthermore, the initiative focuses on enhancing the current support system rather than directly addressing larger structural problems that contribute to food insecurity. Given that technology and the problems related to food insecurity are dynamic, constant observation and adjustment will be necessary to maintain the project’s applicability and efficacy throughout time.
Design
Design Overview:
User-centric design prioritizes simplicity, availability, and participation in the mobile application designed to improve food bank distribution. Users will be able to quickly find food banks close by and learn about their operating conditions thanks to the interface’s user-friendly map design [4]. To enable donors to make knowledgeable donations, a dynamic system of inventories will be put in place that will provide current information on resource requirements. With an emphasis on inclusion, the design will serve people with diverse degrees of technology knowledge.
User Experience (UX):
The goal of UX design is to provide a smooth and simple experience for potential contributors as well as people in need of help. To improve accessibility and boost user engagement, features like interactive maps, intuitive user interfaces, along clear and simple menus for navigation are going to be included. Reactivity will be given top priority in the app, guaranteeing prompt updates and effective user-to-food bank communication.
Visual Design:
When necessary, the palettes of colour and visual components used in the design of the images will evoke feelings of urgency, belonging, and trust. Overall, the aesthetic will be simple and well-coordinated [5]. To make the design easier for users to comprehend and engage with, it will include instantly identifiable symbols and visuals. To provide an aesthetically appealing and beneficial tool for solving food poverty in the UK, the design ultimately seeks to achieve a balance between usefulness and aesthetics.
Figure 3: Mind map of food bank
Food contributions from people, companies, and organizations start the food centre mind map in the United Kingdom. After that, volunteers classify and arrange these donations. Those in need can visit the food resource bank in person or make requests via an online portal. Based on the stock on hand, volunteers confirm and fulfil these demands. Direct pickups or joint ventures with neighbourhood community centres are examples of distribution channels. In parallel, the food bank works with contributors to restock supplies. While community outreach programs create awareness and encourage involvement in the fight against food insecurity, surveillance and reporting methods guarantee efficient operations.
Development & Testing
Development
The project had a thorough implementation approach during the development phase, utilizing a variety of technologies to realize its vision. Choosing the right language or framework for programming was essential to achieving the project’s goals since it made it easier to realize important features. Despite the advancements made, difficulties arose during this process of growth. These challenges, which included both unanticipated problems and technical complexities, required clever approaches to solving problems [6]. The continual iteration of the building process made it possible to improve the code and include flexible ways to get around obstacles. The addition of code extracts, which offered concrete insights into the project’s fundamental structure, was a crucial component of this phase. These are sample applications that demonstrate how coding principles can be applied to particular capabilities. The development part also includes a story on how the project progressed, along with screenshots and other visual components that highlight its physical forms.
This documentation guarantees that the process of development is fully understood, capturing the essence about the technologies that were put into practice, the problems that were solved, and the concrete results that were generated at this critical stage of the venture’s lifecycle. The project progressed through a methodical and deliberate development approach, utilizing a wide range of technologies to achieve its desired functionalities [7]. The project was in line with its original goals thanks to the effective integration of essential features, which were made possible by careful choice of software languages along with frameworks.
Testing
Strict protocols were systematically implemented during the project’s testing phase to verify and guarantee the functioning and dependability of the created solution. A thorough testing plan was put in place to find possible problems and confirm that the project complied with criteria. Functional, achievement, and user acceptance assessments were all included in the testing procedure. Functional testing was primarily concerned with confirming that each feature as well as component functioned as planned. Performance testing ensured optimal performance in all circumstances by closely examining the system’s stability as well as responsiveness under various settings. End users had to interact with the solution during user acceptance testing to make sure it satisfied their needs and expectations [8]. A comprehensive record of test cases, protocols, and outcomes was upheld during the examination phase. Any irregularities or disparities found during testing were looked into carefully and dealt with right away.
The project was able to be continuously improved and refined because to this iterative process. To give a clear picture of the testing processes and findings, visual aids like snaps and test outcomes were included. This helped the research and development team communicate more effectively and functioned as a useful resource for stakeholders. The testing stage was essential in verifying the generated solution’s resilience and ensuring its compliance not only complied with technical requirements but also offered a dependable and fulfilling user experience [9]. The project was improved, problems were found, and a superior solution was eventually provided thanks to the testing process’s results.
Reflection & Professional development
Professional development
Professionally speaking, working on this project has allowed for a variety of new skill and knowledge gains. In a technical sense, expertise has increased with the use of various programming languages, platforms, and tools. The project necessitated a proficient comprehension of industry-relevant technology, which added to a strong skill set. The cooperative elements of the project enhanced communication and teamwork abilities, which are essential for productive cooperation in work environments. The project’s dynamic character fostered flexibility, a necessary trait in the ever changing world of technology. Critical thinking abilities have also improved as a result of the growing process’s participation in resolving issues settings [10]. The ability to see problems and come up with workable solutions has transferred a useful approach to resolving issues. This skill set is applicable to a wider range of professional settings in addition to the job at hand. Notable is the project’s focus on employability abilities rather than just technical proficiency. A sense of accountability and organizational skill have been instilled through efficient project management, achieving deadlines, and collaborating with team members.
Furthermore, the experience with client-focused communication has improved interpersonal skills, which are an invaluable advantage in work-related situations. Moreover, the project acted as a channel for all-encompassing education outside of technical fields. It raised awareness of moral issues and emphasized the value of making morally sound decisions in one’s professional activities. During the course of this endeavor, the professional attitude that has been developed has become fundamental in comprehending the wider ramifications of technology solutions. In conclusion, professional development goes beyond acquiring technical abilities, as demonstrated by this project [11]. It includes a comprehensive development that takes into account ethical issues, problem-solving techniques, teamwork, flexibility, and efficient communication. In addition to being essential for success under the project’s parameters, this well-rounded education paves the way for a flexible and resilient career path.
Reflection
When we started this project, we were swept up in a life-changing experience that went beyond the technical. Our attempt to create an iPhone app for food pantries in the United Kingdom brought about a deep contemplation on the wider applications of technology in tackling social issues. We faced and overcome many obstacles while navigating the complex development process, developing not only technical proficiency but also a strong problem-solving mentality. Because development is iterative, we were able to modify and improve our tactics, which encouraged teamwork. We understood the importance of timely delivery, efficient communication, and team-based project management for professional development. Through the event, we improved our capacity to handle client-oriented interaction and sharpen our interpersonal abilities. We were forced to think about the ethical implications of our technology solutions in addition to the initiative’s immediate goals, highlighting the responsibility that comes with making decisions. The project’s influence went beyond its technical aspects and served as a means of promoting comprehensive professional growth. This experience strengthened our technical proficiency while also instilling in us a strong feeling of adaptability, cooperation, moral issues, and effective communication—qualities that are fundamental to a robust and diverse career path. Looking back on this life-changing event, we see how it continues to shape our diverse development and positions us as responsible participants in the rapidly changing fields of technology and society welfare.
Reference
[1] Reeves, A. and Loopstra, R., 2021. The continuing effects of welfare reform on food bank use in the UK: the roll-out of universal credit. Journal of Social Policy, 50(4), pp.788-808.
[2] Loopstra, R., Reeves, A. and Tarasuk, V., 2019. The rise of hunger among low-income households: an analysis of the risks of food insecurity between 2004 and 2016 in a population-based study of UK adults. J Epidemiol Community Health, 73(7), pp.668-673.
[3] Lambie-Mumford, H., 2019. The growth of food banks in Britain and what they mean for social policy. Critical Social Policy, 39(1), pp.3-22.
[4] Bigand, T.L., Dietz, J., Gubitz, H.N. and Wilson, M., 2021. Chronic pain and depressive symptoms are related to food insecurity among urban food bank users. Journal of Public Health, 43(3), pp.573-580.
[5] Puddephatt, J.A., Keenan, G.S., Fielden, A., Reaves, D.L., Halford, J.C. and Hardman, C.A., 2020. ‘Eating to survive’: A qualitative analysis of factors influencing food choice and eating behaviour in a food-insecure population. Appetite, 147, p.104547.
[6] Lambie-Mumford, H., 2019. The growth of food banks in Britain and what they mean for social policy. Critical Social Policy, 39(1), pp.3-22.
[7] Tarasuk, V., Fafard St-Germain, A.A. and Loopstra, R., 2020. The relationship between food banks and food insecurity: insights from Canada. VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations, 31, pp.841-852.
[8] Power, M., Doherty, B., Pybus, K. and Pickett, K., 2020. How COVID-19 has exposed inequalities in the UK food system: The case of UK food and poverty. Emerald Open Research, 2.
[9] Barker, M. and Russell, J., 2020. Feeding the food insecure in Britain: learning from the 2020 COVID-19 crisis. Food security, 12(4), pp.865-870.
[10] Puddephatt, J.A., Keenan, G.S., Fielden, A., Reaves, D.L., Halford, J.C. and Hardman, C.A., 2020. ‘Eating to survive’: A qualitative analysis of factors influencing food choice and eating behaviour in a food-insecure population. Appetite, 147, p.104547.
[11] O’Connell, R., Owen, C., Padley, M., Simon, A. and Brannen, J., 2019. Which types of family are at risk of food poverty in the UK? A relative deprivation approach. Social Policy and Society, 18(1), pp.1-18.
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