Self-initiated project encompassing user-centred design and branding.
SOLUTION
Sizzle dynamically propels accessibility in the kitchen, accommodating the ever-changing needs of young 18-25 neurodivergent individuals with ADHD at mealtimes. Sizzle harnesses the potential of pre-packaged meals, optimising convenience, personalised specifically to cater to user preference and need for accessibility. Through step-by-step guides, personalised experience, and a friendly sense of community, Sizzle has potential to accommodate the current gap for neurodivergent representation and accessibility in the meal-kit market.
Padding the gap between traditional recipe kits and ready meals, Sizzle is a catalyst for self-accomplishment, catering for those who require additional support, dopamine and nutrition. Sizzle accommodates the wavering sensory experience of neurodivergent minds. With interactive tools such as the Accessibility Toggle, users can alter website graphics to help regulate cognitive stimulation.
Sizzle UI High Stimulation Visual - Home Page
Sizzle UI High Stimulation Visual - How It Works
Sizzle UI High Stimulation Visual - Why Sizzle?
Sizzle UI High Stimulation Visual - Our Menu
Sizzle UI High Stimulation Visual - Our Menu
Sizzle UI Low Stimulation Visual - Home Page
PROBLEM
Mealtimes can be a challenging part to anyone’s day, especially when you are exhausted, unprepared, and unsure what to cook. For many neurodivergent individuals these challenges are exasperated and making time in the kitchen can be a dread. For some, finding nutritionally balanced, fulfilling, and sensory accessibly foods can be very difficult.
Grocery shopping tasks even without everything else in life is hard and can be an over stimulating experience, resulting in demand avoidance and ultimately an unstocked fridge. Recipe boxes lack the accommodations and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs; difficulties with executive functioning and object permanence leaves little option for people in need of sustained convenience and ease in the kitchen. Ready meals can be off putting due to their unappealing presentation style and the feeling of lack of self-accomplishment after cooking.
Many neurodivergent people need structure and the fulfilment of control to motivate, inspire and propel themselves forwards in their everyday life. The need for convenience and accessibility is not a one off, it is a lifestyle which needs to be sustainable and supportive.
INSIGHT
For many neurodivergent people, tasks such as grocery shopping, meal planning and cooking can be highly exhausting and over stimulating to the nervous system, becoming considerably challenging on top of other priorities which many neurotypicals experience with greater ease. Some neurotypicals describe these as auto pilot activities; tasks which can be done without conscious thought. However, for many with ADHD, every task takes substantial thinking and motivation alongside the over stimulation of external factors. As a result of these, some people who struggle with executive functioning find they miss meals, stick to safe foods, or consume an unbalanced diet due to over or under eating.
Evidence suggests that the likelihood of developing disordered eating habits is substantially greater for someone with a neurodivergent condition, with 70% of autistic people having issues with eating (Eating Disorders Victoria, 2023). Disorders such as Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is highly associated with Autism and neurodivergent conditions. Additionally, research shows “people with ADHD are three to six times more likely to develop an eating disorder than the general population.” (Crane. M, 2023).
This research supports the severity of the relationship between neurodivergence and disordered eating; justifying a need for a proactive solution to alter social thinking and accessibility towards neurodivergent needs in the kitchen.
Sizzle Exterior Packaging
Sizzle Packaging Interior Net
Sizzle Personalised Portioned Meal Packaging
