Community Fridge Digital Transformation
Year
June 2023
Overview
After painting the community fridge outside my favorite coffee shop, I noticed that despite the popularity and efficacy of community fridges, they were commonly left empty and abused.
Brief
I created a presentation for Giant Machines, a NYC-based digital transformation studio, as a step in their interview process. I decided to research the consumer behavior that influences the usage of community fridges and create a digital solution to address common pain points.
Painting Team
Brad Canning, Daisy Dunlap
-
Community fridges require hundreds of volunteers. The informal network is absolutely crucial for:
Coordinating drivers
Picking up groceries
Monitoring inventory
Stocking the shelves
-
Many individuals are unaware of community fridges or confused on how to participate, even if they have food to give.
This leads to:
Rapid depletion
Food waste (10% of carbon emissions globally are from food waste)
-
Community fridges face a raft of challenges from crime and vandalism. If that weren't enough, some community fridges are also facing the ax from overzealous regulators.
This leads to:
Stolen parts
Fridges tipped over
Fines
Community Fridge Pain Points
nycfridge.com, created by mutual aid org In Our Hearts NYC, is simple and easily navigable, but leaves much to be desired in terms of functionality.
NYC Fridge Current Digital State
Our digital solution will create a fridge network that will enhance end user and volunteer experience while also leveraging sustainable practices.
Strategy Statement
Wireframing a Solution
A demo of the new NYC Fridge digital application, paired with smart fridge technology such as AI-enabled beacons and cameras.
Locate the community fridge nearest you
Automatically keep track of inventory
Track food freshness
Allow end users to request what they need
Alert volunteers if fridge is empty
Enable monetary donations