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Jack Gifford
Budget Bites
MY ROLE
User Research
Journey Mapping
Wireframing
Visual Design
TOOLS
FIGMA
EXCELL
TIMELINE
JAN- FEB 2024
In today's fast-paced world, where the cost of living is constantly rising, finding affordable groceries has become a significant challenge for low-income families. Our innovative app, "Budget Bites," is designed to address this pressing issue by connecting users with the most affordable grocery shopping options in their area.
MY ROLE
User Research
Journey Mapping
TOOLS
FIGMA
EXCELL
TIMELINE
JAN- FEB 2024
Wireframing
Visual Design
PROBLEM
Low-income families face the constant challenge of balancing a tight budget while trying to meet their basic needs, including nutritious food. As living costs rise, grocery prices climb, making it harder for these families to afford healthy meals. This issue is accentuated by the large number of shopping options and promotions, which, rather than simplifying the shopping experience, often add complexity and confusion.
KEY DRIVERS
Our aim is to simplify the grocery shopping experience for all users. These concepts ensure the app is accessible, effective, and easy to use, making the search for affordable groceries straightforward and stress-free. Let's dive into the core ideas that drive the functionality and design of our app.
OFFLINE ACCESS
This feature enables users to access key functionalities of the app without an internet connection, allowing them to view previously saved grocery lists, deals, and store locations. It ensures that essential shopping information is always accessable, even in areas with limited or no connectivity.
UNIVERSAL PRICE MATCHING
A system that consolidates grocery prices from various retailers (Walmart, Target, local supermarkets, etc.), offering a singular platform to identify the lowest prices available. This ensures that users can make informed decisions, save money, and manage their grocery budgets more effectively.
LOCATION BASED DISCOVERY
Utilizes the user's current location to highlight nearby grocery stores and markets, presenting the best local deals and promotions directly on their device. This not simplifies the shopping experience by saving time and reducing effort in finding the best prices close to home.
Meet the users
Primary
Name: Maria
Age: 32
Occupation: Fast food employee
Secondary
Name: Gus
Age: 72
Occupation: Retired
Tertiary
Name: Alex
Age: 23
Occupation: Entry level office work
Background
A single mother of three, working multiple jobs with a limited data plan, seeking time-saving solutions for affordable resources.
Background
A retired army veteran with a disability, living on a limited income, and seeking accessible services with home delivery or mobility assistance.
Background
A recent college grad with an entry-level income, looking for affordable living options while balancing social and professional life in a new city.
Needs and Goals
Maria needs a one-stop solution that consolidates information about affordable resources, valuing local community support.
Needs and Goals
Gus requires easy access to services, especially healthcare and groceries, and information on veteran-specific resources.
Needs and Goals
Alex seeks affordable groceries, clothing, and entertainment, along with networking opportunities.
Pain Points
Limited time for research and struggles to find reliable local information.
Pain Points
Balancing budget with lifestyle and finding local resources.
Pain Points
Balancing budget with lifestyle and finding local resources.
Competitive Analysis
FEATURE NAME
Community-
Driven
Updates
Affordable Resource Locator
Inclusivity
Features
Localized Services
Strengths
Improvement
Opportunities
Weakness
Platform
Community Engagement
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Broad category range
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Local focus
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Large user base
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Large Inventory
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Nationwide reach
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Quality focus
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Local trading
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Waste reduction
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Community engagement
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Price comparison
-
Savings coupons
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Wide network
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User interference overhaul
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Enhanced safety features
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Improved customer support
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Community engagement features
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Modernizing user interface
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Mobile app development
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Expanding outside medication
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Community driven deals
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Outdated interface
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Saftey Concerns
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Customer service issues
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Limited community features
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Outdated interface
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No mobile app
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Narrow focus
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Website
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App and website
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Website
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App and website
User needs
After conduction user research and analyzing similar products, we were able to understand what our target audience would really need. From here we determined our primary goals and what we wanted to achieve with the app.
Accessibility and Usability:
Recognizing that our users may have limited tech experience or access to high-speed internet, we prioritized a simple, intuitive interface that facilitates ease of use. Offline access and streamlined navigation were implemented to ensure that the app remains functional and accessible, even in low-connectivity environments.
Affordable Nutritional Options:
Central to our users' needs is the ability to find nutritious food options that fit their tight budgets. "Budget Bites" addresses this by integrating a comprehensive database of local grocery deals, discounts, and coupons, curated to prioritize healthy, affordable food choices.
Time Efficiency:
With many users juggling multiple responsibilities, finding time to search for deals can be a significant hurdle. To this end, "Budget Bites" incorporates features like quick search, personalized alerts, and location-based discovery to minimize the time and effort required to plan and execute grocery shopping.
Trust and Reliability:
Building trust with our users means providing accurate, up-to-date information on deals and promotions. We established rigorous vetting processes and real-time updates to ensure the reliability of the information presented, fostering confidence in the app's recommendations.
Community Support:
Recognizing the strength and resourcefulness of community networks, "Budget Bites" encourages user contributions and sharing of deals. This feature not only enriches the database of available resources but also fosters a sense of community and mutual support among users.
JOURNEY MAPPING
We charted the users path through the app, from initial search and discovery to managing shopping lists and notifications. This process highlighted key touchpoints and opportunities to enhance user satisfaction and retention.
Stages
Awareness
Discovery
Experience
Personalization
Activities
Search
In need of cheap, healthy grocery options
On a limited budget
Search using keywords on App Store search engines
Read customer reviews and ratings on App Store
Install
Registation
Discover
Search using keywords
Filter & Sort
Filter discounts by store
Bookmark discounts for later use
Create Shopping list
Set location and price ranges
Get alerts for upcoming discounts
Update or delete my playlist
Feelings
UNCERTAIN, BORED
UNCERTAIN, CONFUSED
CURIOUS, EXCITED
EAGER
SATISFIED, LOYAL
Are there any new deals I don't know about?
Is my device supported?
How can I keep track of these deals?
Is it paid/ free?
Questions
Is it trustworthy?
NERVOUS
How often does it update?
Is it easy to use? (Design)
Why do I need to sign up to use the app?
How are alerts set?
Can I view past/ upcoming discounts?
How do I keep track of my deals?
How do I share info with friends and family?
Is a subscription required?
Is it available in my country/ reigon?
How will I be notified when items are available?
How will I be notified when items are available?
Review recommendations
Choose favorites from recs
ADDRESSING USER NEEDS
In this phase, I tried to match the user journey to possible designs that would best suit out users. I brainstormed and iterated on paper wireframes. I organized my vision for the apps overall structure into main app pages and possible features for each. This approach allowed us to envision and refine a user interface that aligns with our target audience.
BRAINSTORM & PROTOTYPE
ORGANIZE
SETTING UP THE STRUCTURE
In developing our app, I focused on aligning the design with our business goals, based on user needs from research findings. Through multiple rounds of paper wireframing, I simplified the app's information architecture. This revision improves navigation, making it easier for users to find products, view grocery listings by location, and manage their shopping lists. The aim was to make the app more user-friendly and efficient for grocery shopping tasks.
Home
USER REGISTRATION
SEARCH
SETTINGS
Sign in
Verify
New Releases
Coming Soon
Stores
Notifications
Password
Register
Category select
Favorites
Price range
Support
Enter
Location
DEAL DETAILS
SHOPPING LIST
OFFLINE MODE
Coupon
View deal
View items
Amount
Sync
Access
Password
Pavings
Savings
Username
Locations
Directions
Promos
Locations
Alerts?
Turning Concepts into Prototypes
In developing our app, I focused on aligning the design with our business goals, based on research findings. Through multiple rounds of paper wireframing, I simplified the app's information architecture. This revision improves navigation, making it easier for users to find products, view grocery listings by location, and manage their shopping lists. The aim was to make the app more user-friendly and efficient for grocery shopping tasks.
USER REGISTRATION
1. Landing
Users are greeted with a clean and intuitive interface, prompting them to sign up sign in. Prioritizes ease of navigation, with clear calls-to-action and a straightforward layout.
2. Login
Presents a simple and secure entry point for returning users. It features a minimalist design with an option for email.
3. Create an Account
Designed for ease, guiding new users through a streamlined signup process. It offers clear fields for essential information and the option to register
PROFILE
4. View your profile
Lets users update their info, set preferences, and adjust security settings. It also shows deals based on their likes and gives quick access to shopping lists.
NOTIFICATIONS
SEARCH
5. Landing
6. Landing
7. Discover
8. Browse
Alerts users to sales on items they've saved and highlights their own sales, ensuring they never miss out on great deals. It keeps track of savings and opportunities in one place.
Provides all the key information about the deal, including the product description, sale duration, and pricing, making it easy to decide on your next purchase.
Designed to inspire your next purchase with a selection of trending items, new arrivals, and personalized recommendations.
lets users easily explore our wide product range by category and filters, making it simple to find everything from essentials to specialty items.
DEAL DETAILS
9. Browse Categories
Offers a comprehensive look at specific promotions, including product information, discount rates, and validity.
10. Browse Categories
howcases the product's discounted price, description, expiration date of the deal, and any applicable conditions.
SHOPPING LIST
11. Browse Categories
This page organizes stores with your active deals, making it easy to plan shopping trips and save by grouping deals by store.
12. Browse Categories
After choosing a store, you see a page listing all its deals. This simplifies planning your purchases by showing all savings at a glance.
USER ONBOARDING
DESIGN SYSTEM
8pt Archivo
80pt
Deals in
your area
Items you've saved are now on sale!
80pt
80pt
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Rewards
Iteration
The go button was removed in favor of a simpler, more intuitive click and go design.
Saved items are now able to be previewed and selected individually.
The header was removed to reduce unnecessary information and reduce clutter.
DISCOVERY
Iteration
Individual markets are now better separated to reduce possible confusion.
A "filter" feature has been added.
The header was removed to reduce unnecessary information and reduce clutter.
Personalization
Iteration
"Profile" header has been removed.
Profile icon was shrunken
Upcoming deals are better compartmentalized.
CONCLUSION
Budget Bites represents a significant step forward in making affordable nutrition accessible to all, especially those on tight budgets. By leveraging intuitive design and user-centric features, it bridges the gap between cost and quality, ensuring that healthy eating is not a privilege but a possibility for everyone. This initiative not only addresses the practical concern of budget-friendly meal planning but also contributes to a broader conversation about food equity and wellness in our communities.
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