[**alexchea.uno (Personal Portfolio)**](https://stump-gym-923.notion.site/alexchea-uno-Personal-Portfolio-18dc29c3998380b2b557eeb9d9b0d503)

This project focused on redesigning my personal portfolio website to improve its usability, accessibility, and visual appeal. The website showcases my technical projects, research studies, and professional background. I identified key pain points through heuristic evaluation, competitive analysis, and self-testing, such as unclear navigation, inconsistent typography, and accessibility gaps.

The redesign introduced simplified navigation, action-oriented CTAs, enhanced readability, accessibility features like alt text, and improved keyboard navigation. The result was a user-friendly, inclusive, and visually cohesive platform that effectively communicates my skills and experiences while engaging diverse audiences.

COVID-19 Contact Tracer Application

The project focuses on developing a user-friendly COVID-19 contact tracing application for Northeastern University students to centralize COVID-related tasks and information. The goal was to address usability issues in existing systems by designing an intuitive application that streamlines key functionalities, such as scheduling and canceling appointments, completing wellness checks, and managing test results.

The team conducted extensive user research, including student interviews, to identify pain points. A Work Activity Affinity Diagram (WAAD) was created to organize user insights and develop personas, use cases, and user requirements. The iterative design process involved creating low-, medium-, and high-fidelity prototypes using tools like Balsamiq and Axure RP.

Key improvements included:

• Simplifying navigation and task flows.
• Reducing cognitive load by minimizing unnecessary options.
• Enhancing accessibility features, such as intuitive icons and clear feedback.

User testing showed 100% task completion rates and high satisfaction scores, confirming the application's usability and effectiveness in improving the student experience during the pandemic.

ZERO WASTE FOOD TRACKING APPLICATION

This project explores the role of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and persuasive design in reducing food waste by encouraging consumer behavioral changes. Inspired by applications like “Too Good to Go,” the study investigates how interactive mobile technology can drive sustainable food consumption habits.

The study tested two wireframe designs—one incorporating persuasive and manipulative design elements (e.g., emotional storytelling and progress tracking) and another focusing solely on functionality. User evaluations revealed mixed reactions: while practical features like meal planning were widely appreciated, some found persuasive elements intrusive.

The research identifies key environmental and behavioral factors contributing to food waste, including consumer misconceptions about food spoilage and inefficient meal planning. To address this, a mobile application prototype was developed, featuring:

• Community Fridge Locator: Helps users donate surplus food instead of discarding it.
• Curated Recipe Suggestions: Recommends meals based on a user’s grocery list to minimize food waste.

The findings highlight the potential of technology-driven interventions to reduce food waste and emphasize the need for user-centered design to ensure long-term engagement. Future work will explore high-fidelity prototypes and broader user testing to refine the application’s impact.