UrbnHomestead
Mobile E-Commerce App
Role
UX Designer
Timeline
April 2024
2 Week Design Sprint
Industry
E-Commerce, Delivery Mobile App
Area of Focus
User Interface Design
& Interactivity, User Research, Accessibility, Prototyping, Copy Writing
I.
Define
During a two-week UX design sprint, I created a comprehensive end-to-end user experience for an e-commerce mobile app specializing in boutique farm boxes featuring local food and artisanal goods. The project began with intensive user and concept research to understand the needs and preferences of potential customers. This research informed the development of personas and user journeys, which guided the creation of wireframes and prototypes.
The design process included iterative testing and feedback sessions to refine usability and visual appeal. The final product is UrbanHomestead, a user-friendly, visually engaging mobile app that seamlessly connects users with high-quality, locally sourced products, enhancing their shopping experience while supporting local producers.
II.
Ideate
During the ideation phase of the project, I delved deeper into the concept, aiming to create an experience that would evoke the charm and authenticity of a market in Provence, France, delivered right to the user's doorstep. I researched extensively to understand the aesthetics, ambiance, and sensory elements that define a Provençal market.
This research inspired me to create a moodboard that captured the essence of this experience, including images of rustic market stalls, vibrant produce, artisanal goods, and the warm, inviting colors of the French countryside. The moodboard helped to refine my design constraints and provided a clear visual direction for the app, ensuring that every element of the user interface would contribute to the overall feeling of bringing a slice of Provence into the user's home.
III.
Research
During the research phase, I conducted a competitive audit to identify existing farm box companies and assess their strengths and weaknesses. This audit revealed various companies offering either gift boxes or farm boxes but none that combined these experiences to create a luxurious, local farm-to-table offering. Notably, there was a lack of options that supported local artisans while delivering a curated, high-end experience.
Recognizing this gap, I saw an opportunity for UrbanHomestead to fill a unique niche by providing customers with premium farm boxes that not only include fresh, local produce but also feature artisanal products. This combination would cater to a market seeking both quality and a connection to local craftsmanship, thereby differentiating UrbanHomestead from other companies in the market.
IV.
Design
During the design phase, I participated in a Crazy 8's exercise to stimulate creative thinking and generate diverse ideas for the User Interface (UI) of the app. This brainstorming technique involved sketching eight different UI concepts in eight minutes, allowing me to explore various design possibilities quickly. After refining the best ideas from this exercise, I proceeded to create low-fidelity (lo-fi) wireframes.
These wireframes served as a visual blueprint, outlining the app's basic structure and layout without focusing on detailed design elements. The lo-fi wireframes provided a solid foundation for the app's UI, ensuring a user-friendly and intuitive interface that would later be developed into a fully functional prototype.
V
Evaluate
To evaluate my designs, I conducted user research to identify blind spots and areas for improvement. By gathering feedback from potential users through usability testing sessions, I gained valuable insights into their experiences and pain points with the app. This research highlighted several aspects where the design could be enhanced to be more intuitive and enjoyable.
For instance, they expressed a desire for more personalized recommendations and clearer product descriptions. Incorporating this feedback, I made adjustments to the design, ensuring that the app maintained its functionality while offering a more pleasurable and seamless user experience. This iterative process of testing and refining helped create a user-centric app that truly meets the needs and expectations of its audience.
Ta-Da!
The Finished Product
Et voila: The finished product, UrbanHomestead, accomplished everything I envisioned. It delivered a unique, bespoke experience that elevated the concept of the farm box while supporting and uplifting local artisans. The app was designed to be elegant and visually appealing, capturing the essence of a market in Provence and bringing it to the user’s doorstep.
The user interface was intuitive and enjoyable, making the shopping experience both exciting and delightful. Through thoughtful design and meticulous attention to user feedback, UrbanHomestead successfully created a luxurious farm-to-table experience that is as functional as it is pleasurable to use.
