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My Next Big ThingFULL PROJECT PROPOSALGut Check: A Global Solution for Better Gut HealthMillions of people worldwide suffer from gut health issues, often without knowing why.My solution is Gut Check, a digital platform that helps people identify which foods are harming their gut based on where they live.Gut Check will be a visually engaging, interactive website where users can explore gut health through the lens of their region. By hovering over different areas of the world, visitors will discover which gut microbes are common, both good and bad, and how local foods impact their gut bacteria. They’ll also receive science-backed meal recommendations based on regional ingredients and traditions to improve their gut health.As a nutrition master’s candidate, I’ll be conducting research and designing the entire experience to ensure every piece of advice (including the imagery) is accurate and actionable. The platform will feature holistic chefs from each region who will create a five-course menu—breakfast, lunch, snack, dinner, and dessert—that promotes positive gut health. Visitors can even watch these chefs prepare meals (via videos), making it easy to follow along and recreate healthy dishes at home.Gut Check is more than a tool—it’s a way to help people take control of their health, one meal at a time.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------PROJECT DETAILSProject Idea (Summary)I am creating an interactive map and digital gut health website called Gut Check.The Gut Check journey starts with learning about common gut bacteria in your region, followed by discovering foods that support or harm gut health. Finally, users will be guided through an interactive menu crafted by professional chefs, giving them the tools to create gut-friendly meals.Mediums to Be Used<ul><li>Graphic Design: infographics, logos, and visual elements for the website.</li></ul><ul><li>Web Design: Designing and building user-friendly navigation and design that showcases regional gut health information.</li></ul><ul><li>Illustrations: illustrations of good bacteria, bad bacteria, and food items</li></ul><ul><li>Video Production: Filming and editing cooking demonstrations and instructional videos.</li></ul><ul><li>Animation and Motion Graphics: Creating animated elements or instructional videos that explain gut health concepts interactively.</li></ul><ul><li>Content Writing: Creating narratives for the website, including blog posts, recipe descriptions, and educational materials.</li></ul><ul><li>Photography: Capturing high-quality images of meals, ingredients, and cooking processes to enhance the visual appeal of the platform.</li></ul>Impact of Gut Check<ul><li>Educational &amp; Visually Rich: Gut Check will be a visually engaging platform that combines art and science, to educate the audience on important health matters in a fun way. The design will feature vibrant imagery and intuitive navigation to enhance user experience, making gut health information accessible and appealing!</li></ul><ul><li>Communal: Gut Check will build a community around shared experiences and knowledge of gut health. In the future, I will allow users to share their own stories, recipes, and tips, fostering a sense of connection and support. I want this movement to spread like wildfire, and take over the world (in a good way!)</li></ul><ul><li>Environmental: By emphasizing local foods and ingredients, Gut Check will also promote sustainable eating practices that support local agriculture and reduce carbon footprints associated with food transportation.</li></ul><ul><li>Civic / Public Health Impact / Better Health Outcomes/ Food as Medicine Movement: Gut Check aligns with the growing global movement of "Food as Medicine," which emphasizes the role of nutrition in health and disease prevention. This movement advocates for the understanding that what we eat can significantly impact our well-being, influencing everything from gut health to chronic illness management.</li></ul>How Do I Want to Grow as a Maker<ul><li>I want to grow as a designer by expanding my skills in user experience and interactive design, particularly in how to effectively communicate complex health information in a visually appealing way.&nbsp;The Inspiration Fund can support my growth by providing resources for professional development, such as workshops or mentorship opportunities focused on design thinking and health communication. Additionally, funding could facilitate collaborations with experts in nutrition and design, enhancing the quality and credibility of my Gut Check project. This support would ultimately help me create a more impactful and user-centered platform.</li></ul>TimelineWeek 1: Research &amp; Planning<ul><li>Finalize project scope and key objectives.</li><li>Outline platform features (food mapping, bacteria info, meal plans, chef integration).</li><li>Conduct gut health research by region.</li><li>Identify and reach out to holistic chefs for collaboration.</li><li>Develop a content plan for the website.</li><li>Begin wireframing the website’s design and user flow.</li><li>Research and choose an illustrator to work with.</li></ul>Week 2: Website Design &amp; Development<ul><li>Finalize website wireframes and user experience (UX).</li><li>Design visual assets (microbes, food items, regional maps).</li><li>Solidify research findings for each region.</li><li>Start front-end website development (interactive elements).</li><li>Collaborate with chefs to finalize meal plans.</li><li>Create illustrations of gut bacteria and microbes. (hire illustrator)</li></ul>Week 3: Content Creation &amp; Integration<ul><li>Write content for each region (bacteria, food tips, etc.).</li><li>Integrate chef-created meal plans into the website.</li><li>Develop videos or interactive elements for meal preparation.</li><li>Test interactive features and user experience.</li><li>Conduct usability testing for feedback.</li></ul>Week 4: Testing, Feedback, and Launch<ul><li>Review the website for bugs and design issues.</li><li>Gather feedback from a test group.</li><li>Make necessary adjustments and fixes.</li><li>Finalize and integrate chef videos.</li><li>Launch the website!</li></ul>Proposed Budget<ul><li>Research and Content Creation: $2,000<ul><li>Conducting surveys and interviews</li><li>Gathering data on regional foods and gut health</li><li>Creating science-backed meal recommendations</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Website Design and Development: $1,500<ul><li>Tools and software for design (e.g., web design software, UX tools)</li><li>Domain registration and hosting services</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Video Production: $3,500<ul><li>Filming and editing cooking demonstrations with holistic chefs</li><li>Higher-quality video equipment or hiring freelance videographers if needed</li><li>Creating engaging video content for the platform</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Software and Tools: $1,500<ul><li>Subscription to design and editing tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite)</li><li>Project management tools for organization and collaboration</li></ul></li></ul><ul><li>Contingency Fund: $1,000<ul><li>Reserve for unexpected expenses or additional resources needed during the development</li></ul></li></ul>TOTAL: $10,000MOOD BOARD

Step 2: My Project Proposal

My Path So FarI am a digital creative who focuses on food education. I use digital tools like Canva to help me organize my thoughts and educational food topics.So far, I've designed educational content for nutritional education conferences, university culinary medicine courses, and a nonprofit that highlights food insecurity.See my previous work below:

Step 1: My Past Work

Project Idea (Summary): I am creating an interactive map and educational gut health website called Gut Check. The Gut Check journey starts with learning about common gut bacteria in your region, followed by discovering foods that support or harm gut health. Finally, users will be guided through an interactive menu crafted by professional chefs, giving them the tools to create gut-friendly meals.

Tea- Imagination Fund Proposal

Tea- Imagination Fund Proposal

Tea- Imagination Fund Proposal