Future Dining at Chestnut

Design Research Report
‍- Visual Design & Design Research
- Summer 2022
- University of Toronto Innovation Hub
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Approach
‍‍For this project, we strived to understand student experiences, as told to us through their stories, and allow that understanding to inspire design. To achieve this, we used interviews, discussion groups, and interactive exercises to encourage students to describe their experiences to us in their own words.

About‍
Food Services at Chestnut Residence experienced challenges over the past few years related to changes necessitated by the global pandemic. Food Services approached the Innovation Hub in the Fall of 2021 seeking support to design impactful student consultation and co-design for the future of dining operations at Chestnut.
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Duration
8 weeks (from beginning research to presentation)

Initial Research
We first interviewed eight Food Services staff about their experience with students and their perspectives on the new changes. We then arranged feedback sessions with the students at Chestnut where students were asked about their dining experiences and their communication with the Food Services, and further probed about any challenges they faced and their interactions with the staff members.

Our research allowed us to develop student personas with data and popular talking points drawn from our interview transcripts and feedback sessions.

Results
Our work concluded with a final report outlining our research findings meant to be presented to the directors and administrative staff at the University of Toronto. 

We developed design principles that guide how to foster a mutually beneficial relationship between students and staff members at Chestnut. This report was presented to Food Services staff where they were invited to hear student voices and share their thoughts on our findings. The full report can be read here.