Indigo
Indigo is the ultimate app that offers a food delivery service as well as connects local restaurants with community members for exciting food related events.
Role: UX and UI Design Student: Research, interviewing, sketching, wireframing, high fidelity mockups, branding, design and prototyping.
Motivation: COVID-19 impact on local restaurants.
Skills: Ideation, Interviews, User Stories, Journey Maps, Sketching, Information Architecture, Workflows, Wireframing, Visual Design.
Problem:
Local restaurants and shops are closing at an alarming rate due to factors that include but are not limited to the COVID-19 pandemic, online retailers and financial (rent) situations overpowering their presence to maintain and thrive in their communities.
Brief:
Independent restaurants, long-standing pillars of communities worldwide, have faced significant challenges and closures, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis. Shockingly, even traditionally successful establishments have struggled to survive. Around 75% of independent restaurants were forced to shut down within weeks of the COVID-19 closures. Consequently, both industry insiders and external stakeholders have been seeking solutions, be it through government assistance or community support. What outcomes have emerged from these proposed solutions, and which have proven successful for independent restaurants?
Research
Research Plan:
* Secondary Research
* Screener Survey
* Interviews with pre screener survey (independent restaurant owners and employees, solution consultants and community members who invest or have memberships).
* Affinity map
* Empathy map
* Personas
* User stories
How Might We Questions:
1. How might we connect community members and local restaurants in a meaningful and convenient way for both parties?
2. How might we support restaurants and industry folks suffering through these unexpected times?
3. How might we inspire users to take action to support local restaurants and industry members in the future?
Following the completion of the secondary research phase, a set of purposeful "How might we" (HMW) questions were crafted to facilitate deeper exploration into Indigo. These HMW questions serve as a guiding force, ensuring a solution-oriented approach while fostering ideation and design. By maintaining focus and prioritization, they drive the study towards actionable outcomes and innovative solutions for Indigo.
Interviews
For the interviewing process, a carefully selected group of four individuals from various sectors of the restaurant industry was chosen. Despite logistical challenges such as scheduling conflicts, out-of-state candidates, and the impact of COVID-19, valuable insights were obtained from each interview. It is worth noting that all interviews were conducted remotely to accommodate the circumstances.
Affinity Map
Below is the affinity map created post interview process to further identify key points discovered.
Personas
Design
User Flow
The creation of the user flow portrays the user's journey within the Indigo app. It depicts a well-defined sequence of steps and interactions that users will undertake to accomplish various tasks on the app. Through the user flow, the navigation and workflow of the Indigo app are effectively communicated, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the user experience.
Sketching
Prior to delving into wireframe creation using Figma, I embarked on the initial phase of sketching out my ideas and architecting the envisioned layout for the Indigo app. This preliminary step allowed me to conceptualize and refine the visual structure, ensuring a well-thought-out design approach.
Wireframing
The transition from hand-drawn sketches to digitized wireframes marked a significant milestone in the app development process. Even though the wireframes were devoid of design elements and color, their grayscale representation provided a crucial visual perspective on my ideas. This experience served as a motivating force, propelling me forward with renewed determination.
Moodboard
Following the completion of the wireframes and wireflow, the next step involved crafting a moodboard to guide the design interface development for Indigo. This foundational process served as the wellspring of inspiration for the app's user interface (UI). Through the moodboard, I curated elements that encompassed the brand's personality, brand attributes, imagery inspiration, and UI inspiration. This holistic approach ensured a cohesive and visually compelling design direction for Indigo.
Brand Style Guide
Testing
Usability Testing
Round 1: For the initial round of usability testing on the Indigo app prototype, a combination of in-person and remote testing methods was employed. This approach allowed for a diverse pool of participants, both local and out-of-state, to be involved. The testing sessions, conducted via both in-person interactions and Zoom, yielded valuable insights essential for enhancing the app's effectiveness, user-friendliness, and visual appeal. Prior to engaging with participants, a concise script comprising targeted questions and tasks was prepared to gauge their cognitive processes, usability skills, and testing methods while interacting with the prototype.
Round 2: With valuable insights gained from the first round of usability testing, I proceeded to refine the prototype based on the feedback received. It was then time to embark on the second round of testing, for which I carefully selected five new participants as testing subjects. Unlike the previous round, all testing sessions were conducted in person, allowing for a more immersive and immediate interaction with the participants.
Prototyping
Conclusion
Final Thoughts
The conception and development of the Indigo App were deeply rooted in the mission to support local restaurants. The profound impact of COVID-19 on our society was not only observed but also felt by individuals worldwide. Against this backdrop, Indigo was envisioned as a platform that transcends mere food ordering and space management, aiming to foster a sense of community and mutual support. It provides a space where users and restaurateurs can come together, not only fulfilling their immediate needs but also actively contributing to the well-being of the community. Through Indigo, users participate in a dynamic flow that goes beyond transactional interactions, creating a harmonious ecosystem of support and engagement.
What’s Next?
Whilst this is my first case study as a Springboard student, I envision revisiting this in the future as a seasoned designer. It will be a compelling opportunity to reflect upon and reassess the work I have accomplished thus far. I take immense pride in the dedication, effort, and passion I have invested in the development of Indigo. The prospect of exploring the potential possibilities that could arise from an app like Indigo fills me with excitement and anticipation. By revisiting this case study, I hope to gain valuable insights and uncover new perspectives, allowing me to evolve as a designer and unlock fresh ideas for the future.
HonestDog
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