The Healthy Kai Checker is an innovative platform developed to support New Zealand’s National Healthy Food and Drink Policy and the Ka Ora, Ka Ako Healthy School Lunches Programme. This tool was created to help public health officials, food providers, and other stakeholders assess food products’ compliance with national health guidelines, promoting healthier choices in schools and communities. Through a user-friendly interface, Healthy Kai Checker delivers real-time nutritional data and classifications, empowering users to make informed, health-conscious decisions.

The project posed a unique design challenge: to create a tool that is both functional and adaptable to potential policy updates while ensuring an engaging and accessible user experience. The platform was designed with scalability in mind, allowing it to serve a broad audience with diverse needs. Every element, from visual hierarchy to search functionality, was crafted to simplify the user journey and provide a seamless experience across devices.

Key features include an optimized search tool and a mobile-first, fully responsive design, enabling users to access nutritional data on any device. Following the initial project completion, proactive visual and functional enhancements were introduced to improve information architecture, streamline navigation, and reinforce accessibility standards. These improvements reflect an ongoing commitment to user-centered design, ensuring that the Healthy Kai Checker remains a valuable resource in advancing public health goals.

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