Recipe app for Grupo Tres Estrellas to make their vast catalog of recipes accessible to consumers using their products.
Client
Grupo Tres Estrellas
Year
2019, 2023
My Role
UI/UX Designer
Tools
Adobe PS, AI, XD
Miro, Monday
Initial Problem Discovery
Grupo Tres Estrellas is a traditional Mexican company that produces flour and cookies. it was founded in 1920 and has more than 1500 employees.
They have a large catalog of recipes using their products, but because these are contained in traditional media like printed books, there is no easy way for consumers to find these recipes.
Considerations
- The company has a specific recipe categorization system that they are not willing to change.
- They have a large number of recipes in books, some dating back decades. They need to transcribe these recipes and take photographs. This is a time-consuming process, so they need a CMS that allows them to update their recipes easily.
Project Goal
To create a recipe app that contains all the Tres Estrellas Recipes and that makes it easy for consumers to find and use by making it available in both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store.
App Requirements
- Cross-platform app
- Tres Estrellas Categorization
- Timer
- Ingredient Shopping List
- Favorite Recipes
- Videos and images
Target Audience
Busy working mothers
Busy working mothers between 25 and 45 years old are often short on time and need quick and easy recipes that are healthy and nutritious.
Traditional housewives
Homemakers between 35 and 55 years old with children are likely to be interested in authentic Mexican recipes that reflect their cultural heritage.
Young professionals
Young professionals between 22 and 35 years old, single or married, are likely to be interested in easy-to-follow recipes that can be made with limited ingredients.
Convenience-seeking consumers
Convenience-seeking consumers of all ages are likely to be interested in quick and easy recipes that use pre-made ingredients.
Key Challenges or constraints
User Experience
The target audience for the recipe app is diverse, with different needs and expectations. The company is traditional, but they are allowing themselves to create a digital product. This means that there needs to be a balance between the company’s branding and the user’s needs.
The recipes are inconsistent because they are gathered from different sources. It is necessary to standardize the structure of the recipes to improve the user experience. This will make the app more user-friendly and appealing to a wider range of users.
Technical
The app must be compatible with various devices, cross-platform, and have a content management system. It must also meet the time and budget constraints.
There is also a requirement to add an animated timer, but the budget does not allow for it. However, we can find a solution to make it look dynamic and attractive without the need for an animation. We can focus on functionality instead.
Research Study Details
Competitor Analysis
Even though there are no other recipe apps from competitor companies, there are still many recipe apps that are important to review. By analyzing their features, we can identify essential features and differentiators.
Stakeholder interview
By talking to stakeholders, we could get insights into the needs, preferences, and expectations of different groups of people who would be using the app. This information could then be used to improve the app’s design, features, and content.
Personas creation
I created these fictional representations based on the information I was given and by doing research.
Design
During this stage, I developed wireframes, mockups, and high-fidelity prototypes.
Testing
In 2019, the app was created without user testing. The design balanced the stakeholders’ expectations for branding, structure, and design with my experience of best practices.
In 2023, the client asked us to improve the app. This time, the stakeholders were not involved in the design, which allowed me to test the app with 3 persons, and analyze heuristics to improve the interface.
Insights gained from the project
- During the initial stage of the project in 2019, there was extensive stakeholder involvement. Given the size and significance of the company, it was difficult to decline their opinions and directions. However, over the years, I have learned to effectively manage this challenge by consistently justifying my decisions to show that they are in the best interests of the project, regardless of the titles or positions of the individuals involved. So when I was asked to make adjustments in 2023, the work was more focused and quick.
- Creating a user interface that is consistent and adapts to the design guidelines of both Mac and Android is not easy, as each platform has its own unique design guidelines. However, I tried to simplify the app as much as possible to achieve a smooth user experience.
- Consistency in content is essential, as it helps to establish a coherent structure that users can easily recognize. Achieving this consistency may require requesting adjustments from our clients, which can involve additional effort on their part. However, in the end, it greatly enhances the user experience and facilitates the app’s design process.
