Spring 2009 / Team Project / Institute of Design
Entreat is an environmentally and socially responsible food delivery solution that focuses on convenience, increased accountability, and improved customer loyalty.

The problem
GrubHub, an online food ordering service, initiated this project when they recognized a need for ecologically sound and economic packaging for both takeout and delivery meals. GrubHub asked us to explore sustainable packaging solutions.

Research approach
We set out to understand the positioning of the client and the problem within a larger ecosystem, taking into account economic, technological, and social trends. We conducted a series of observations, ethnographic interviews, and a remote photo journal study with take-out customers; as well as observations and ethnographic interviews with delivery men and restaurant owners.

The Entreat concept
Entreat is an independent, subscription-based delivery service that utilizes reusable delivery containers (retrieved from customers on subsequent deliveries).

As an online service, Entreat allows customers to place orders, pay with a credit card on file, and track the location and status of their food in real-time using GPS. It also provides a channel for restaurants to reward loyal customers.

As a fleet of low-emissions delivery trucks, Entreat has the ability to combine deliveries from multiple restaurants, minimizing the number of vehicles driving to the same neighborhoods. Real-time route optimization based on traffic data, weather, and current demand minimizes overlap and wait time.