Coffee Bloq
Coffee Bloq is a conceptual mobile app project I developed while participating in a UX design course. This innovative app simplifies the search for coffee shops tailored to individual preferences, offering features like customizable filters and loyalty rewards through QR code scanning. Please note that Coffee Bloq is a conceptual project and does not exist in real life.
Client
This is a personal project and a part of the UX Design course
Year
2023
My Role
UX/UI Designer and Researcher
Introducing Coffee Bloq, a new mobile app project I created for fun (with potential for future development!)
As someone who just loves hanging out in coffee shops, whether it's for work, meetings, or just chilling with a good book or people-watching, I've got my favorite spots. But I'm always up for discovering new ones! And you know what? The coffee's got to be top-notch, the service stellar, and the vibe just right. That's why I had this idea for a cool new app.
This app makes finding the perfect coffee spot easy. Whether you're looking for a cozy hideaway or a quick grab-and-go option, Coffee Bloq has you covered with simple filters. Plus, you can earn rewards like free drinks or discounts by scanning QR codes at participating cafes. It's a win-win for coffee lovers and shops alike, bringing convenience and perks to your daily brew hunt. Join the coffee revolution with Coffee Bloq.
Research and Ideation
Through interviews with potential users, I discovered a significant gap between their needs and my original design concept. It became clear that the problem I intended to solve wasn't as valuable as I initially thought. Initially, I planned to create an app focused on detailed coffee shop searches, including filters for location, ratings, food accommodations, and ambiance. Additionally, the app would allow coffee shops to offer "coffee happy hour" deals.
After further research, I decided to keep most of the filters but simplify the user experience by removing detailed directions within the app. Instead, users would be directed to their preferred map app. However, the most significant change was the introduction of the "Perks" feature. This allows users to earn rewards, such as free items or discounts, based on their spending at participating coffee shops. To make this feature possible, I realized I needed to develop a separate app for coffee shops to manage perks and provide the necessary technology, such as iPads or iPhones, for QR code scanning.
This decision reflects my commitment to adapting to user feedback and ensuring that the final product meets their needs effectively.
User Stories
The idea of Coffee Bloq is shaped around the following user needs:
As a busy professional, I want to be able to quickly find nearby coffee shops with a quiet ambiance, so I can focus on work or have meetings in a conducive environment.
As a coffee enthusiast with dietary restrictions, I need the app to filter coffee shops based on their food accommodations, ensuring I can find options that cater to my specific needs.
As a social coffee drinker, I want to discover coffee shops with a vibrant atmosphere where I can meet friends and enjoy a leisurely afternoon without feeling rushed.
As a budget-conscious individual, I'm excited about the Perks feature, which allows me to earn rewards like free drinks or discounts based on my spending at participating coffee shops, helping me save money while enjoying my favorite beverages.
As a coffee shop owner, I'm eager to utilize the app's perks program to attract and retain customers. I appreciate the ability to offer complimentary items or discounts to loyal patrons, enhancing their experience and fostering repeat business.
User Flow and Design
What’s Next?
Looking ahead, the future of this app looks promising. With the potential to expand its reach beyond just coffee enthusiasts, it could become a go-to platform for anyone seeking cozy spots to work, socialize, or simply unwind. By incorporating features like user reviews, event listings, or even exclusive deals, the app could evolve into a comprehensive guide for urban exploration and leisure.
Where?
Introducing Coffee Bloq in Chicago offers a strategic starting point for several reasons. First, Chicago has a vibrant coffee culture, with a diverse array of coffee shops for various tastes and preferences. The city's bustling atmosphere and diverse neighborhoods provide opportunities for the app to grow. Moreover, Chicago's status as a major metropolitan hub attracts a large and diverse population, offering a sizable user base to kickstart the app's growth.
By launching the app in Chicago, you can tap into the city's dynamic coffee scene while laying the groundwork for future expansion and innovation. With its blend of culture, community, and commerce, Chicago sets the stage for the app to make a meaningful impact on the way people discover and enjoy their favorite coffee spots.
