Reimagining the To-Go Box. Nikhitha Reddy Kalakota

The Problem

Six ways the to-go box fails its users

No handle to carry · liquid items require separate containers · cutlery must be carried separately · non-microwaveable materials · non-eco-friendly construction · chronic food spillage

15

participants surveyed on takeout habits

4

in-depth user interviews conducted

8

distinct user personas developed

Key Persona

Designing for Manjari Yengde

After thorough surveys and interviews, one persona emerged as our design anchor, capturing the core frustrations shared by the majority of our users.

MY

Manjari Yengde

26 · Project Coordinator · Construction Company

"I just want a box that's easy to carry and won't spill my food everywhere. Is that too much to ask?"

Eco-consciousAlways on the goMicrowave userPractical buyer

User Journey Map

5 touchpoints, one clear story

We traced Manjari's complete journey: Search online → Visit store → See product details → Select & pay → Share experience. Click each touchpoint below to reveal emotional highs and lows.

🔍

Search Online

Discover & Research

Curious

🏪

Visit Store

In-Store Browse

Skeptical

👁️

Examine Product

Inspect Details

Cautious

💳

Purchase

Checkout & Payment

Hopeful

⭐

Share Experience

Recommendation & Review

Delighted

Search Online

Users search for sustainable takeout options and eco-friendly food containers online.

Google Search

Social Media

Key Insight: Manjari spends 15+ minutes comparing options before making a decision. She values sustainability claims and user reviews.

Interactive journey map — Click each touchpoint to explore Manjari's emotional journey and key insights at every stage.

The Process

From observation to prototype

Discover

Surveys, interviews, and observational research

Surveyed 15 participants, interviewed 4 users. Top priorities: food containment, carrying comfort, sustainability impact.

Define

8 user personas. Manjari became the design anchor

Each team member built 2 personas. Manjari needed a box that carried easily, kept food fresh, and aligned with her eco-values.

Design

3D digital model in SketchUp

Designed a 3-compartment eco-box. Three sections keep food separate and prevent taste transfer. Integrated handle improves carry comfort.

Build

Physical prototype, cardboard, bagasse, silicone

Recyclable cardboard shell · bagasse leak-proof liquid compartment · silicone grip handle · microwave-safe materials throughout.

Digital Design — SketchUp 3D Model

To-Go Box 3D model — closed lid with cutlery icon

Closed lid, integrated cutlery icon

To-Go Box 3D model — open, compartments visible

Open view — 3 compartments + liquid cup

Angled view of the open compartment layout

Physical Prototype

Closed prototype, front view

To-Go Box physical prototype — open, top view

Open prototype, top view

To-Go Box physical prototype — open, angled view

Open prototype, angled view

Outcome

"A sustainable, user-tested redesign that addressed all 6 pain points, from chronic leakage to eco-impact, through rigorous research and iterative physical prototyping."

HSE521. Methods & Tools of Human System Engineering · Dr. Jaimie McNabb, ASU

A+ 97.25%

Reimaginingthe To-Go Box

Six ways the to-go box fails its users

Designing for Manjari Yengde

5 touchpoints, one clear story

From observation to prototype

Reimagining
the To-Go Box