The challenge

Our focus on

Why SNAP

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. There is a gap between those in need and those who receive assistance.

Problem Space

Barriers to SNAP

We discovered that factors, including stigma around receiving SNAP and uncertainty of eligibility, deter potential applicants.

Research Methods

Screening for SNAP

To help potential applicants, we designed a voice-first screening tool. This offers an encouraging screening process for quick, prelimiary eligibility.

Prototyping Solutions
design and validation

An ecosystem of assistance

Our design goals are to inform, encourage, and reach potential benefits applicants. To do this, we designed and iterated on a voice-enabled SNAP screening tool.

We also designed a low-tech SMS assistant to supplement our voice experience and deliver immediate value.

Supporting SMS as an alternative channel gives users agency as voice recognition continues to improve and become more natural.






Lasting IMPACT

Providing a gateway to government services

Understanding eligibility for government services is an ongoing battle that assistive screening can help tackle. And our tool isn’t the only thing we’re developing for long-term success, we’ve defined a future state to improve access based on the following considerations:






The journey

Blogging on Medium



Our Last Hurrah: Introducing VESPA!

Read More


Back to {Basics|the Future}: Deploying High-Tech Solutions over Low-Tech Channels for Design Research

Read More


Iterative Prototyping: Scoping, Prioritizing, and Validating to meet Human Needs

Read More