Overview

FreshShelf is a voice-enabled iOS application that helps users track food expiration dates and reduce waste. Built entirely from scratch, it offers a hands-free way to log groceries and receive timely reminders before items spoil. The app is designed for busy individuals who want a simple, intuitive solution to stay on top of their food inventory.

Research & Development

The idea came from observing how difficult it is to keep track of perishable items once they’re stored away. I noticed that even after carefully planning grocery trips, it was easy to forget what was purchased or when it needed to be used. I started exploring how voice recognition could simplify the process of logging groceries without requiring manual input. This led to the development of a custom voice parser that extracts both item names and expiration periods from a single spoken sentence.

I also spent time designing a clean and intuitive interface to allow both voice and manual edits. The notification system was carefully thought out to avoid overwhelming the user while still being useful and timely.

Core Features

• 1. Voice parsing engine that intelligently extracts item names and expiration periods from natural speech.

• 2. Smart expiration alerts, dynamically adjusted to user preferences.

• 3. Quick entry mode for adding multiple items in one go.

• 4. Offline-friendly storage using Core Data.

Technical Stack

• Programming Language: Swift
• Storage: Core Data
• UI Design: Custom layout using UIKit, designed in Figma

Reflection

FreshShelf was built to be minimal and efficient while solving a common real-world problem. Every part of the app was designed and implemented by me, from the voice logic to the local storage and UI. It was a great opportunity to explore voice interaction on iOS while staying focused on user experience. The app is ready for deployment and is intended to serve individuals and families who want to better manage their groceries with less effort.