Role: Researcher/Designer
Timeline: 3 weeks
Tools:
Redesigning Michigan's Food Assistance Program
Background
Food insecurity affects over 1.3 million Michiganders who rely on government assistance to afford groceries. The current SNAP/EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) process was analyzed with the goal of addressing user challenges, reducing stigma, and enhancing accessibility through better design.
This project was framed around the wicked problem that is food insecurity and its systemic barriers cannot be completely solved by design. However, thoughtful interventions such as improving the tools people use to access benefits can help ease the burden and give users dignity and confidence in daily interactions.
The Wicked Problem: food assistance is both essential and politicized. Despite the fact that SNAP fraud makes up only 1% of benefits, the program is heavily stigmatized. Marginalized communities are often unfairly targeted by negative stereotypes, and EBT users frequently report embarrassment or discomfort while using their benefits in public spaces. While we cannot solve food insecurity itself, we could help by modernizing outdated systems and card design which would reduce stigma through discreet, dignity-preserving solutionsImproving access for diverse users across abilities and demographics.
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Research
SNAP Participation in Michigan: Key Insights
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Age & Family Structure
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30% of SNAP households include seniors (60+).
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44% of recipients are children; in Michigan, families with children often qualify due to income limits.
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Race Demographics
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42% of participants are white.
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Black individuals make up 14% of Michigan’s population but 26% of participants, reflecting higher need.
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Geography
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SNAP participation is higher in rural areas (16%) vs. urban areas (13%), challenging stereotypes.
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Scale
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Over 1.3M Michigan residents rely on SNAP; 1 in 7 Michiganders use food stamps.
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Application Process
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Eligibility: Gross income ≤ 130% of federal poverty line; assets capped at $3,000 ($4,500 for seniors/disabled households).
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Steps: Apply online via MI Bridges or in-person → interview with MDHHS → receive Bridge Card.
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Work Requirements: Some must meet work/job training conditions.
Usage & Benefits
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13% of Michigan households use SNAP (12% nationally).
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69% are families with children; 31% include seniors or disabled members.
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43% are working households, showing that employment does not eliminate food insecurity.
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In 2024, a family of four could receive up to $975/month.
Challenges and Stigma Barriers
Problems: Confusing applications, outdated tech, public embarrassment with orange Bridge Card.
Stigma: Fear of judgment at checkout; stereotypes linked to fraud despite rarity.
Recommendations: Improve communication, train caseworkers, redesign physical touchpoints, normalize support through schools and pantries.
Landscape Analysis
It is important to understand how these systems are being potrayed and offered to the public through the internet so we we analyzed comparable benefit portals:
State Portal Strengths Challenges
Michigan
Illinois
California
New York
Texas
MiBridges
ABE
BenefitsCal
MyBenefits
YourTexasBenefits
Easy multi-program application,
eligibility calculator, mobile friendly
Simple navigation, paper/online
opinions, real-time status
Mobile-optimized, multiligual,
real-time notitifications
One-stop application, multiligual,
support for senoirs/disabled
Mobile app, document upload, text
alerts
Technical downtime, slow processing
Technical downtime, slow approval
First-time navigation confusing,
documentation burdens
Complex for first-timers, limited support
Outdated UI, slow processing
User Survey Results
We conducted a Google Form survey to gather feedback on the current card and system.
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Our survey results highlighted both the practical challenges and the emotional experiences of food assistance users. Respondents frequently noted difficulties with the application process, confusion around eligibility, and frustration with outdated systems. At the same time, many expressed feelings of stigma and embarrassment tied to the current EBT card design.These insights validated the focus of our project: improving usability, accessibility, and dignity within Michigan’s food assistance program. By incorporating tools such as a redesigned, discreet EBT card and an eligibility quiz, our solutions directly address the pain points raised by users and work toward creating a more inclusive, user-centered experience.
User Personas
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We built personas to represent typical users according to the demographics of the users who filled out our research survey:
Design Solutions​
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One of the most pressing concerns voiced by EBT users was the visibility of the current card design. The bright orange cards often made participants feel singled out, leading to discomfort and embarrassment during checkout.
To address these concerns, our team developed a modern redesign for both physical and digital EBT cards. The updated cards feature a discreet, credit/debit card–like appearance, reducing stigma while prioritizing user privacy.
Additionally, we introduced a digital wallet option that allows users to carry their card on their phones. The digital version conveniently displays the remaining balance, eliminating the need to check paper receipts or log in to an account, making the process faster and more user-friendly.