Tamil Nadu
Public Distribution System
About the project
A solution for the lack of transparency, systemic inefficiency and corrupt practices in the ration system of Tamil Nadu
Project Brief
Transform the Tamil Nadu Public Distribution System (TNPDS) to ensure corruption free, efficient and secure food distribution for all, by identifying and addressing system inefficiencies and loopholes
Problem Statement
The lack of transparency, systemic inefficiencies and corruption in the Tamil Nadu Public Distribution System hinder fair access to provisions for beneficiaries
User group
The population that uses the ration system on a regular basis
My roles
Secondary Research
User Research
User flow mapping
System mapping
Service mapping
Ideation
UI Design
Prototyping
Type
Graduation Project
Duration
6 weeks
01
Current System
02
Pain Point Mapping | Beneficiaries
I mapped the user flow and marked different points where the user faced(or created) pain points
03
Pain Point Mapping | Shop Owners
I mapped the shop owner flow and marked different points where the shop owner did corrupt practices
04
System Flow Diagram
I realized that combining both the mapping would be a better idea to get a broader picture
05
Idea Buckets
I segregated the problems into different idea buckets, and noted possible solutions. I made sure that all my ideas work together. My approach to tackling problems individually did not work, so I took an holistic approach
06
Blockchain
I understood how blockchain works and the technology can be used to implement transparency and security to the system
These chains are interconnected and form a huge blockchain which is stored on the cloud
07
Proposed System
08
System Flow Diagram | SMS
For users with less digital literacy and no access to smartphones
09
System Flow Diagram | Mobile App
For users with digital literacy, and access to smartphones
10
SMS System
Bills & Info
Send message to toll free number to receive up to date information on stocks availability, ration shop status and bills
11
Mobile App | Nam Ration
Get Started
A comprehensive home screen that contains all the quick links. This app follows the structure of generic government apps
Stock Availability & My Bills
User can view the stock availability of their designated goods and can view bills based on the month, other advanced filters are also available
Reports
The information on different shops throughout the state, the different transactions and stock availability is transparently available through the help of blockchain
INFO, HELP & Card
General info about the TNPDS system and 24*7 help is available to the beneficiaries. Users can also view a digital version of their ration card on the app
Purchase
Users can purchase ration through the app and get a bill number, which they will provide to the shop owner to avail their provision
12
Interactive Prototype
Mobile app prototype below!
Click here to view the prototype
13
Kiosk Interface Design
Getting Started
There are two flows:
User purchases via mobile app and provides bill number
User purchases directly from the shop via the kiosk
Authenticate
Beneficiaries provide the ration card to the shop owner, who either scans the card or enters the number manually. Then the beneficiary enters the biometric
Bill number
Shop owner enters the bill no. provided by mobile app users, and the beneficiary verifies their online purchase
Collect
On confirmation, the shop owner packs the ration and provides to the customer
Shop Purchase
The beneficiaries can purchase from the shop directly as well. Only the designated ration is presented to the respective beneficiaries
14
Interactive Prototype
The kiosk interface has been prototyped as well, do check it out!
Click here to view the prototype
15
What did I learn?
Holistic approach
It is important to look at the bigger picture. I had to make sure my ideas work together to form a cohesive solution
Framework
There is no single framework that works for all design projects. We can take inspiration from a framework and modify to match our needs
16
Constraints & Limitations
Purchase
Since this is not a traditional e-commerce platform, the users have to purchase online and avail the ration on the same day
Huge demographic
There is no one solution fits all. For users with low digital literacy, the shop owner help is required
ONORC
One Nation One Ration Card is not implemented in this design
Quantity
Users can only purchase quantities in multiples of 500 grams
17
Future Scope
Scope
Consider how farmers can be added to the blockchain as well
ONORC
Implement ONORC in the app
Automation
Completely automate the process. Using AI and other advanced technologies, we can remove the shopkeeper from the equation. Voice assistants can help PHH users navigate through the kiosk
Delivery
Home delivery system of the provision
Now that you are here…
I have made a case study of my complete project details and I also have attached a my graduation book copy on Behance!
Go to Project
