BBQ Art Co. Case Study
BBQ Art Co. is a small family restaurant located in Leigh High Acres Florida that strives to deliver quality meals to customers that lack the time to prepare their own food.
The Problem
Busy workers don't have the time to wait around for food with their packed schedules.
The Goal
Design an app that allows users to order and pick up food easily and efficiently.
My Role
UX designer responsible for end-to-end product design using the design thinking process - Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, and Test.
Responsibilites
Conducting user research, paper and digital wireframes, low and high-fidelity prototyping, conducting usability studies, designing for accessibility, iterating on design and everything in between.
Understanding the User
In an effort to understand what creates a good user experience when ordering food, I set out to interview a handful of diverse users that order take out at least once a week. I also conducted guerrilla research, and surveys.
Pain Points
After conducting my initial research I discovered the following paint points.
1. Time: Understanding the users need to have their order ready by a certain time will guide the design by creating an order scheduling system.
2. Information Architecture: Most users aren't happy with text heavy designs, and complicated navigation. This will guide the design by creating a simple site where you see the menu and order from the front page.
3. Payment: Payment takes too long, and too complicated with 3rd party Pop-ups. This app will have an in-house payment method with an option to pay via Credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or Point System.
Personas
Story Boards
I then created big picture and closeup story boards to demonstrate the user pain points, and how the product will address them.
User Journey map
In order to meet the users needs, I had to make sure I understand the user every step of the way. I created a user journey map to make sure I cover all the bases.
Competitive Audit
I also conducted a thorough competitive audit with similar restaurants to see what I can learn from their user experience.
Digital Wireframes
I used user research findings to inform my page
designs.
Low-fidelity Prototype
The low fidelity prototype mapped the user journey through the app.
Link to prototype:
User Flow
Before creating a prototype I wanted to make sure that the user flow will make sense by mapping it out.
Starting the Design Process:
Paper Wireframes
I created quick sketches and drafts of what I thought an easy ordering process would look like. Drafting iterations ensured that the elements on each screen address the pain points.
Usability Study
Below is an example of one of my usability study processes.
Planning
Note-taking
Compiling and Synthesizing Data
I used affinity diagrams to find themes and patterns and gain insights from the users.
Usability Study Findings
I conducted 2 unmoderated usability studies. In round one I tested the low-fidelity prototype, and round two I tested the high-fidelity prototype. Findings from the first study guided the transition from wireframes to mockups, and findings from the 2nd round revealed areas that need refining.
Round 1 findings:
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Navigation and scrolling was difficult
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Users wanted the favorites tab on the front page
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Customizing feature was hard to find
Round 2 findings:
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Users wanted cart feedback when selecting items.
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Some navigation inconsistencies.
Using research findings to iterate on design
Key Mockups
After rounds of usability studies and countless iterations, I was able to create these key mockups.
High-fidelity Prototype
The high-fidelity prototype demonstrated a cleaner user flow.
Link to High-fidelity prototype:
Accessibility Considerations
1. Provided alt text to account for screen readers for the visually impaired.
2. Added universal icons and clear images for people who have a hard time reading.
3. Made the CTA buttons stand out with contrast.
4. Optimized the app for different language options.
Takeaways and Next Steps
Impact: This app makes users feel like their needs are being met. One user said "I would definitely rather order through this app than calling in like I always do!"
What I learned: I learned that my first ideas are never my best, and user feedback influences every iteration of the design creating a great product.
Next Steps: Conduct more studies with a wider range of users, and keep soliciting feedback to keep updating the design.