Created a concept mobile app for a coffeeshop from 0 to 1
Overview
After returning to my hometown, I discovered an impressive coffee shop and decided to create an app to boost their sales and improve their online presence.
Team
Just me and lots of coffee
Brewed to Entice. Crafted to Delight.
Concept
Real app made by designer?
“What if I can order coffee while commuting?”
Thought process
- I’m busy and want my coffee ASAP — ideally, I could ping the shop so it’s ready when I walk in.
- I’d love if they knew my drink preferences and could recommend something cool (that I’d actually enjoy) so I might spend a little more.
- Quickly giving feedback to the manager about my experience would be awesome.
Solution
Create mobile app that allows you to pre-order coffee, tea or snacks
Research
Doing market, competitors and users research
Information Architecture, User Flows
Main user flows and core architecture
Prototyping and Testing
Sitting with customers and watching how they accomplish tasks
Design
Just plain design:)
“In bakeries, where mobile order is available to guests, sales increased by 22%”
Review of the Russian coffee and coffeshop market in 2019“The concept of ‘takeaway’ continues to maintain a leading position in sales.”
10 Coffee Market Trends 2020“The future of the coffee market is connected with …, personalisation of proposals and new approaches...”
10 Coffee Market Trends 2020“Customers don't have time to wait for order.”
Review of the Russian coffee and coffeshop market in 2019All
interviewees want to see the menu as soon as they launch the application
Insight #1
7/9
customers will visit another coffeeshop when they see queue
Insight #2
6/9
users shared that it’s useful to know who’s working on shift
Insight #3
7/9
users almost immediately recall their experiences on some unique loyalty programs
Insight #4
9/9
customers recall receiving different variations of the drink due to human factor
Insight #5
insight #1 – sign up
Users want to see the menu as soon as they launch the app
- Option to see the menu immediately
- Sign up in seconds
insight #2 – order coffee
‘Customers don't have time to wait for order’
- Users order coffee in a few clicks
- Users track its brewing
- They come to pick their order and avoid the queue
insight #2 – order coffee
Customers receive different drinks due to human factor
- Users customize coffee from the app
- Users can leave comments for the barista to make their coffee different
insight #4 – loyalty program
Customers use the app to participate in loyalty programs
- Engage users by collecting “cupcakes”
- Motivate them with options to get free goods
insight #3 – favourite barista
See the barista customer likes to chat with
- On the main screen there are baristas working on today’s shift
Inspired by this project, I decided to go the extra mile and attempt to turn the designs into reality.
Posted an offer on the tender for IT platforms
Discovered a web service where you can create tasks, and studios will respond with approximate budgets.
Consulted with employee from the billing system
Since the coffee shop operates with a specific billing system and orders are processed through it, I prioritized understanding how everything is interconnected.
Talked with coffee shop administrators
Engaged with baristas to learn about their workflow, including the invisible technical aspects of handling orders.
Conclusion
Realized that for starters it’s easier to use template apps or Telegram bots
Over several months at the coffee shop, I built strong connections with the baristas and administrators. They shared a wealth of knowledge about coffee culture and even invited me to help them at a coffee festival!
This has been a truly rewarding project. I’ve realized that while design is important, what matters even more is finding ways to bring it to life.