Authentica

What is the problem your solution addresses?

In a world where people are looking for authentic dining experiences, it can be difficult for local businesses to stand out and for consumers to find and trust them. Many online review platforms have unreliable ratings and reviews, making it challenging for users to make informed decisions about where to eat. There is a need for a platform that provides a trustworthy and transparent way for local businesses to showcase their authenticity and for users to discover and share their experiences.

Why did you pick this solution, and how does it address the problem?

Authentica is a community-driven platform that encourages food exploration and celebrates authentic cuisine. Our app promotes local restaurants and small businesses that offer unique and authentic flavors. We strive to increase the visibility of these establishments, making it easier for food lovers to discover new and exciting dishes. Our program allows users who have been "authenticated" to provide feedback on their dining experiences, helping to shape a positive community of food enthusiasts who appreciate and celebrate diverse culinary traditions. With a focus on encouragement, promotion, visibility, and feedback, Authentica is the go-to app for anyone looking to support local businesses and discover the authentic flavors of their community.

How did we build it?

We first sketched it and created a low-fidelity wireframe based on research and various inspirations like Yelp, Beli, and Bumble. Then, we mocked up mid-fidelity wireframes that evolved into high-fidelity wireframes; all on Figma.

Challenges we ran into

As this was all of our first designathon, figuring out the technological hurdles was challenging. Time management was also a huge challenge- for it took us long hours to resolve minor/major issues.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

The fact that it was our first designathon! Seeing our basic concepts come to life, and knowing that we were able to deliver them from conception to completion was a great feeling. We figured out how to solve the technical difficulties through trial&error and more research, and we came out of it as better designers.

What we learned

Figma, user research, wireframing, prototyping.. the list goes on and on.

What's next for Authentica

We wanted to incorporate coupon deals, and possible partnerships with these local restaurants to reward our users that contribute strongly to our app.