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Meel

Meal suggestion for busy people

Overview

This case study outlines my journey of bringing Meel to life, from conception to solution. As the sole designer, I was responsible for every aspect of the UX process, from user research to visual design.

Overview

This case study outlines my journey of bringing Meel to life, from conception to solution. As the sole designer, I was responsible for every aspect of the UX process, from user research to visual design.

Overview

This case study outlines my journey of bringing Meel to life, from conception to solution. As the sole designer, I was responsible for every aspect of the UX process, from user research to visual design.

UX research

UI design

Visual design

In this case study, I'll walk you through some steps of the journey, explaining my thought process and the decisions I made along the way. I'll also share the results of my work and some lessons learned.

Highlight

Instantly discover delicious meal recommendations tailored to your specific preferences.

Context

Meet Jonah, a busy software developer. He often finds himself engrossed in work, scrambling to decide what to eat for lunch. He wants something healthy and satisfying, but just doesn't have the time or mental energy to make a thoughtful choice. Jonah’s story is one that many busy professionals can relate to—the struggle of figuring out what to eat when time is short and there are too many/few options.

Context

Meet Jonah, a busy software developer. He often finds himself engrossed in work, scrambling to decide what to eat for lunch. He wants something healthy and satisfying, but just doesn't have the time or mental energy to make a thoughtful choice. Jonah’s story is one that many busy professionals can relate to—the struggle of figuring out what to eat when time is short and there are too many/few options.

Context

Meet Jonah, a busy software developer. He often finds himself engrossed in work, scrambling to decide what to eat for lunch. He wants something healthy and satisfying, but just doesn't have the time or mental energy to make a thoughtful choice. Jonah’s story is one that many busy professionals can relate to—the struggle of figuring out what to eat when time is short and there are too many/few options.

For many busy individuals, the process of deciding what to eat on a daily basis is a time-consuming and frustrating endeavor. From dietary restrictions to personal preferences, and there's often a lack of time and energy to make a thoughtful decision. This leads to rushed, unsatisfying, and unhealthy choices, which can have a negative impact on overall well-being

But, is this really a problem?

I had to validate this problem. The goal was at least a 70% positive response from at least 50 people within the target audience

But, is this really a problem?

I had to validate this problem. The goal was at least a 70% positive response from at least 50 people within the target audience

But, is this really a problem?

I had to validate this problem. The goal was at least a 70% positive response from at least 50 people within the target audience

I ran a survey using Tally. In this survey, I had to know the following…

Do they have this problem?

Do you find it stressful or tiring to choose what to eat at any time of the day?

Do they have this problem?

Do you find it stressful or tiring to choose what to eat at any time of the day?

Do they have this problem?

Do you find it stressful or tiring to choose what to eat at any time of the day?

What is the reason for this?

Why do you find this stressful?

What is the reason for this?

Why do you find this stressful?

What is the reason for this?

Why do you find this stressful?

When do they always have this problem?

What time of the day do you find this most stressful/tiring?

When do they always have this problem?

What time of the day do you find this most stressful/tiring?

When do they always have this problem?

What time of the day do you find this most stressful/tiring?

Are they willing to take your solution?

Are you open to getting suggestions on what is best to eat?

Are they willing to take your solution?

Are you open to getting suggestions on what is best to eat?

Are they willing to take your solution?

Are you open to getting suggestions on what is best to eat?

Age demographic

What is your age range?

Age demographic

What is your age range?

Age demographic

What is your age range?

Insights

I asked— "Why do you find choosing a meal stressful?"

Insights

I asked— "Why do you find choosing a meal stressful?"

Insights

I asked— "Why do you find choosing a meal stressful?"

Response #1

There are different reasons. Some times it is stress from work and one ends up eating what I call a quick meal

Response #1

There are different reasons. Some times it is stress from work and one ends up eating what I call a quick meal

Response #1

There are different reasons. Some times it is stress from work and one ends up eating what I call a quick meal

Response #2

Not always sure of what to it, and I am very hungryyyyyy

Response #2

Not always sure of what to it, and I am very hungryyyyyy

Response #2

Not always sure of what to it, and I am very hungryyyyyy

Response #3

When one has a lot on hand and no time to check what to eat

Response #3

When one has a lot on hand and no time to check what to eat

Response #3

When one has a lot on hand and no time to check what to eat

Response #4

It's stressful because i'm either always craving so many things at once - lots of options, or i don't know what exactly to eat

Response #4

It's stressful because i'm either always craving so many things at once - lots of options, or i don't know what exactly to eat

Response #4

It's stressful because i'm either always craving so many things at once - lots of options, or i don't know what exactly to eat

Response #5

Because its a war. Usually there are limited options.

Response #5

Because its a war. Usually there are limited options.

Response #5

Because its a war. Usually there are limited options.

Response #6

Don't know what to choose

Response #6

Don't know what to choose

Response #6

Don't know what to choose

Response #7

It’s a lot of work trying to think about servings and balanced diet and minimizing carbs and all. Add cravings to it and it’s literally impossible sometimes

Response #7

It’s a lot of work trying to think about servings and balanced diet and minimizing carbs and all. Add cravings to it and it’s literally impossible sometimes

Response #7

It’s a lot of work trying to think about servings and balanced diet and minimizing carbs and all. Add cravings to it and it’s literally impossible sometimes

Response #8

Fussy eater

Response #8

Fussy eater

Response #8

Fussy eater

Who is this for?

Initially, I made assumption as to who the ideal user is. These assumptions were to guide me through the survey

Who is this for?

Initially, I made assumption as to who the ideal user is. These assumptions were to guide me through the survey

Who is this for?

Initially, I made assumption as to who the ideal user is. These assumptions were to guide me through the survey

Assumptions—

  • This person should have a considerable amount of income

  • This person has an active job or something that constantly brings cash into his pocket!

  • This person doesn't want to go through the stress of always choosing what to eat let alone preparing it.

  • This person prefers to order meals than cook them

  • This person does not have any critical health concerns regarding food

  • This person barely knows health-related information (like height, weight, diet types…), and neither is this person really concerned about it.

After validating these assumptions through the survey I ran above, I was able to get a reasonable view of who the ideal persona is.

User persona

Jonah is an unmarried 24-year-old software engineer.

  • He spends most of his time working from home.

  • He orders food most of the time as he doesn't have the skill or time to cook.

  • He is not much interested in cooking in the first place.

  • Since he spends most of his time working, he has little time to spend thinking of what best to take.

  • He would just love a suggestion.

  • He has no critical health concern so he is open to most suggestions

So?…

After doing all these, I ideated an app which I named "Meel".

So?…

After doing all these, I ideated an app which I named "Meel".

So?…

After doing all these, I ideated an app which I named "Meel".

With Meel, you can instantly discover meal recommendations tailored to your specific preferences

The food discovery process should be simple and efficient, without any of the hassle or time commitment of traditional meal planning.

The goal is to make finding the next meal as effortless as possible. Simply provide a few key pieces of information and Meel should handle the rest, providing personalized recommendations in seconds. It's the solution for busy people who want to enjoy a good meal without all the hassle.

But…some things had to be considered

3 major challenges came up when ideating solutions and talking with the target audience.

But…some things had to be considered

3 major challenges came up when ideating solutions and talking with the target audience.

But…some things had to be considered

3 major challenges came up when ideating solutions and talking with the target audience.

User’s preferences

The app must be able to cater for the preferences of the diverse needs of Jonah. Users must be presented with a chance to customize their results.

Budget cost

Budget was a recurring factor. Users love their suggestions to be within their means. They should be given a chance to allow only suggestions within a price range.

Simplicity

Since they are mostly busy professionals, they’d love to get their suggestions, order, and get back to their work as soon as possible. Every other thing should be de-emphasized.

Are there similar solutions out there?

Some competitor research

Are there similar solutions out there?

Some competitor research

Are there similar solutions out there?

Some competitor research

What are the goals of this research?

  1. Outline at least 2 direct competitors so you know who should be considered

  2. Understand their product offering so you get a full understanding of the market you're entering and where the opportunities lie

  3. Understand their customer’s feedback to see pain points you can exploit, and where they are getting it right

  4. Understand how they built their product so you know the complexities that go into it.

Visual Competitor research on Whimsical

Visual Competitor research on Whimsical

Insights from competitors

Here are the insights from the competitor research

Insights from competitors

Here are the insights from the competitor research

Insights from competitors

Here are the insights from the competitor research

Insight #1

These apps were built for a general demography. Meel is tailored to just one demography

Insight #1

These apps were built for a general demography. Meel is tailored to just one demography

Insight #1

These apps were built for a general demography. Meel is tailored to just one demography

Insight #2

The onboarding process involves asking some questions that might not be easily accessed by the average person. I can simplify the whole onboarding process so users get to choose the meals faster.

Insight #2

The onboarding process involves asking some questions that might not be easily accessed by the average person. I can simplify the whole onboarding process so users get to choose the meals faster.

Insight #2

The onboarding process involves asking some questions that might not be easily accessed by the average person. I can simplify the whole onboarding process so users get to choose the meals faster.

Insight #3

These apps don't give users a way to order the meals. I can add that feature to Meel.

Insight #3

These apps don't give users a way to order the meals. I can add that feature to Meel.

Insight #3

These apps don't give users a way to order the meals. I can add that feature to Meel.

Insight #4

These apps can be hard to use for the average person due to how complex they can get. I can reduce the app to the barest minimum so users know what they are doing at all times.

Insight #4

These apps can be hard to use for the average person due to how complex they can get. I can reduce the app to the barest minimum so users know what they are doing at all times.

Insight #4

These apps can be hard to use for the average person due to how complex they can get. I can reduce the app to the barest minimum so users know what they are doing at all times.

Putting it all together

Final designs

Putting it all together

Final designs

Putting it all together

Final designs

Orange and Yellow Saffron in relation to food can be described as comforting, cheerful, satisfying, energizing, and creative. These colors can evoke a sense of contentment and coziness, while also stirring up feelings of nourishment, warmth, and energy.

DM Sans is often described as friendly, approachable, and highly legible. It's a typeface that's easy to read and has a warm, humanistic feel. It's clean and clear, but also has some personality and character. It's often seen as trustworthy and honest, and can create a sense of familiarity

Onboarding explain the main points as simple as possible

Authenticate with your email and password

Waiting for Jonah to request a suggestion. Users are expected to set their preferences when they use Meel for the first time. They also set their budget here

When Jonah asks for a suggestion for the first time, he has to answer a few questions. This is so meals according to his preferences are suggested

Suggesting a meal animation. I went for a satisfying animation while Jonah waits for his suggestion

2 meals are suggested for Jonah

Jonah's profile

In development…

This product is currently being developed

In development…

This product is currently being developed

Retrospective and lessons learned

After concluding this project

Retrospective and lessons learned

After concluding this project

  • More qualitative research could’ve been done to learn more about users.

  • Proper research leads to a well-informed design. The deeper the research, the better the insights, the better the design.

  • A lot of insights can be gotten from looking at the competitor.

  • Investing in animated interactions can be incredibly satisfying.

Next project

Next project

Bland—Creating an open-source UI Kit

Bland—Creating an open-source UI Kit