Zest
My role
UX designer producing an app for Zest from conception to delivery. Conducting interviews, paper and digital wireframing, low and high-fidelity prototyping, conducting usability studies, and iterating on designs.
The Goal
Zest is an app that helps users track their spices, herbs, and other seasonings digitally. It also serves as an information hub for spices so that users can use essential spice information, and cook with confidence.
1) Incorporate a way for users to view owned spices digitally.
2) Create an interface capable of exploring spices endlessly.
3) Construct a detailed information page for each spice.
Assumptions
Declaring assumptions was imperative to the process because it would allow me to decipher what was actually accurate and what wasn't. I established a starting point where I had the ability to ask specific questions about my audience, issues that may arise, and how I might go about solving them.
Business Goals: How the business strives to succeed in the market
Users: Who is our audience? (Behavioral Archetypes, personas, etc.)
User Goals: What goals will the users want to accomplish when using the app?
Potential Features: How might we bridge the gap between our users and their goals?
Understanding the User
I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to understand the users I’m designing for and their needs. A primary user group identified through research was working adults who need an easy way to find recipes they can use with spices they already have.
Starting the Design
Wireframes
I started to put my concept into form. It was good doing these on paper so I could quickly start thinking about the pros, cons, and "what-ifs" of each sketch. It was interesting to see the differences between each ideation as this was essentially the first time I got a sense of what the app could look like.
Prototyping
The initial wireflow of the prototype helped direct the flow of the app and the fluidity going from screen to screen.
User Testing & Observation
I interviewed a sample of four participants when conducting research during the first sprint cycle.
Apps as Organizational Tools
Using apps to track statistics and events in your life is common, and 50% of participants I interviewed agreed. They stated that they use at least one app to organize events, metrics, or to-do-lists daily.
"I use a TV and movie tracker app because I like being able to view the films I've seen and plan to see at an easy glance."
A Deeper Understanding
The database of spices is near endless. However, 75% of participants noted they had a decent understanding of a few spices already, but would like to further their knowledge of them.
"I'm familiar with onion/garlic powder, basil, and parsley, but I'm still curious to know what else is out there."
Challenge 1: Digital Spicerack
Creating a platform to view a user's spices digitally was pivotal to the app. It's a stepping stone for users who want to bake Zest into a part of their cooking process, much like my persona, Michael.
Challenge 2: Endless Exploration
With so many spices and herbs on this planet, it would be near impossible for someone to individually search for each one. I attempted to solve this issue by creating a browse feature with numerous filters and categories. With this, I believe users will be able to find exactly what they are looking for.
Challenge 3: Spice Summary
The heart and soul of Zest; displaying each and every spice possible for users, and essential information for users to read. I wanted to create a short and concise area of the screen for users to utilize when learning about the spice, separate from related recipe.
High-fidelity Prototype
The final high-fidelity prototype presented cleaner user flows for searching spices and creating recipes. It also met user user needs for a quick way to view all their spices at a glance.
Takeaways
Zest made me realize just how difficult it can be to produce an application that you know little about. I had a tiny bit of knowledge about spices coming into the project, so that became problematic when designing around a few screens. Luckily, I had my father, who is a great cook, act as somewhat of a SME (Subject Matter Expert) and was able to guide me in the right direction. This made me realize just how important it is to have somebody who knows A LOT about the subject of the app you are developing in order to create a well-rounded experience for both first-timers and veterans.
Thanks for scrolling all the way down! If you’d like to get in touch, my contact info is provided below.