GlassEx Currently Under Construction
A Campus Meal Preping App
Client
Class Project
My Role
UX Designer
User Researcher
Tools
Figma
Adobe
Timeline
One Month
Overview
In our product design class, we created an application tailored for our campus peers. We faced a tight schedule with only a month from initiating user research to finalizing the design solution. As product designers, we were trying to find a balance between user experience and business goals. GlassEx, a hypothetical Tupperware company, sponsored our project. Our challenges were promoting their products and addressing the inadequate meal prep experience for on-campus students.
Although the team had a clear vision, there were many disagreements among us. For most of us, it was our first time designing such a project. Therefore, I stepped in as a mediator during the discussions to ensure we could move the project forward within the timeline.
We initially went off course in our user research. After I helped realign our direction, we managed to draft several versions in just two weeks. However, as the presentation approached and we were less than a day away, we realized we needed significant revisions. I took the initiative and overhauled the core experience. Ultimately, my efforts paid off, earning us the highest score in the class.
The Challenge
When initially presented with the task, we were overwhelmed due to the vast scope of problems: we needed to promote the products of our sponsor, GlassEx, and students faced numerous pain points. After some discussions, we settled on designing a meal prep app specifically for our campus students. We began brainstorming all the challenges we had experienced during our time at GWU. As we attempted to organize our ideas for the app, disagreements arose. To resolve this, I proposed that we map out our ideas and cross-reference them with insights collected from our generative interviews.
Intitial Research
Currently, the school's facilities are dated, with limited student kitchen access and no on-campus cafeterias. Students are largely responsible for managing their own diets. This can be challenging given the location in DC, where healthy meals come at a premium. Recognizing these issues, we decided to use these pain points as the foundation for our project.
The User
we defined the users as only GWU on-campus students since we are creating an experience for them.
Current Product Snapshots
The User
While the primary target audience for the product is Web3 game startups, the user journey recognizes several distinct user groups within the system. The first group comprises first-time users who do not have an active pool for trading. The second group consists of users with an active trading pool. Given the product's nature as a control console, it can be summarized that first-time users lack a pool, whereas returning users maintain an active trading pool.
Focused Experience Pillar (below)
User Flow (below)
Intital Wireframe View (below)
First Prototype
After analyzing the user flow, I quickly created the first prototype, paving the way for future improvements and redesigns. I was able to come up with preliminary solutions based on the flow within a day. With only two days left, the final prototype was in sight.
In just one day, I identified the style and created the initial prototype. Given the tight schedule, it was not perfect. However, by utilizing the knowledge I had gained from previous research on user flows, I was able to successfully implement two essential functions: creating a pool and monitoring its status. After consulting with the product managers, I discovered several issues with this version of the design.
First Prototype Snapshots
User Flow & Product Research Revisit
With a mere two days left to craft the final design, I had to collaborate closely with engineers to develop a functional prototype. This required me to carefully incorporate all previous design feedback, such as adjustments to UX writing and clarifying ambiguous fields in the design, to enhance and refine the overall user experience with the correct features.
Also, the most common feedback from product managers pertained to incomplete user flows. While these might suffice for the initial prototype, they necessitate an overhaul to align with the business objectives. Consequently, I revisited the experience pillar and the original plan to craft a more comprehensive product flow and an enhanced information architecture diagram.
Updated Experience Pillar (below)
Updated User Flow (below)
Final Wireframe View (below)
Final Prototype
After in-depth discussions with the engineering team, I succeeded in developing a final prototype that garnered the consensus of both product managers and engineers. However, due to the project's inherent time constraints and limited access to market data, there are minor design discrepancies, such as uneven spacing and font inconsistencies, that warrant attention in future iterations. Most critically, I was able to meet both my personal objectives and the team's goals within the stipulated timeframe, laying a solid foundation for further refinement and optimization.
Final Prototype Snapshots
Final Product Demo in Figma (below)
Outcome
Despite the limited time constraint, I collaborated closely with protocol and front-end engineers to submit the prototype within a week. Although we did not secure prizes designated for best functions, my design was honored with the "Community Favorite" award and attracted $200k in future investments from investors.
Reflection
Due to the time constraints on the project, the final design still needs some refinements. Various design-related aspects, such as spacing and fonts, require further optimization. Collaboration is a vital element in this process. Although I had the ambition to produce a more finalized design, the necessity to hand over the work to the engineering teams within a stringent timeframe took precedence.
As I navigated the process of building the final prototype, I was constantly advocating for the user experience and pushing for the integration of essential features for the product demo. These discussions with the product managers and engineers were not only resultful but sparked several inspirations for their existing product lines.
If given another opportunity or additional time to work on this project, I would immerse myself more deeply in product research. Despite the positive reception of the outcome, it became evident that a more nuanced understanding of B2B customers was necessary. The current state of the final prototype closely mirrors their existing B2C product design, indicating a need for further exploration and depth in designing specifically for B2B products.
An Award-Winning Design Amplifying Client's Brand Value and Voice
The client expressed satisfaction with the designs and concepts that emerged from my design process. Furthermore, they were able to incorporate several innovative features inspired by this project into their current B2C product, EZSwap
