A device agnostic digital menu for an amusement park snack shop
Duration: August - September 2023
Platform: Mobile
Design tool: Figma
Institution: Coursera - Grow with Google
Role: UX Designer, overseeing the project from conception to delivery
Challenge
Amusement park visitors seek quick, convenient, and enjoyable food options that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. The fast-paced environment necessitates a menu design that facilitates swift browsing and ordering, aligning with the energetic flow of park activities.
Vision
Develop an interactive, user-friendly menu system adaptable to various screen sizes, ensuring accessibility on any device. This digital menu aims to simplify the process of finding and ordering snacks, thereby enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Understanding the User
User Groups
Group A:
Demographics: Travelers aged 15-25, typically in groups of 2-5 people.
Preferences: Seek tasty and convenient food options.
Group B:
Demographics: Visitors aged 40 and up, usually in larger groups of 5 or more.
Preferences: Prioritize quick service to accommodate their group's needs.
Identified Pain Points
Time Efficiency: Desire for quick, streamlined service to minimize wait times.
Cost Transparency: Need for clear information on food costs and availability.
Menu Variety: Limited food options based on shop location, restricting choices.
Research Objectives
Feasibility and Effectiveness: Assess the practicality of implementing a digital menu in the amusement park setting.
Enhanced User Experience: Create an interactive menu that enriches the snacking experience by addressing needs for quick service, clear pricing, and convenience.
Provisional Personas
Problem statement:
A high school student seeking tasty, satisfying snacks that fit his budget, valuing convenience and affordability.
Problem statement:
A social worker and mother of two, looking for convenient food options that satisfy her family's diverse dietary preferences.
Competitive analysis
Direct Competitors
Successes:
Efficient Food Delivery Dispatching
Activity and Inventory Tracking
Inventory Management
Customizable Reporting
Seamless Online Ordering
Mobile Accessibility
Drawbacks:
Limited Discount Management
Lack of Real-Time Monitoring
Indirect Competitors
Successes:
Visually Appealing Interface
Engaging user experiences
Drawbacks:
Limited customization options
Potential navigation challenges
Design Process
User Journey Mapping: Illustrated experiences of personas like Maya to identify key moments and design an app that meets the needs of busy families and groups.
Sitemap Development: Created a strategic layout to present information efficiently, improving the ordering experience through personal devices.
Wireframing and Prototyping: Developed low-fidelity wireframes and interactive prototypes to visualize the user interface and flow.
Navigation from the menu tab would have a drop down to not let the user feel as if they were being redirected to another page.
In the initial stages of the app design it was evident that accessibility was the main priority. Having too many options to read was seeming to be a drawback, especially when someone is hungry.
Usability Testing: Conducted unmoderated studies to ensure the digital menu adapts to different screen sizes and devices, confirming accessibility and convenience for all users.
Takeaway
Two rounds of unmoderated usability studies were performed, and the collective findings from both rounds assisted in refining the mockups.
Round 1 findings:
Participants had trouble finding the buttons from the prompt provided.
Participants had a difficult time with item selection.
Participants had other concerns.
Round 2 findings:
The flow felt incomplete without being able to see the results of the search.
Needed back buttons.
After testing the low-fidelity prototype, it became evident that users desired a more extensive app exploration experience.
It was found that earlier iterations of the Web responsive site, confused the user. Therefore, Items were placed in the menu bar to give more white space on the pages, reducing clutter and for quick access from any page. Snack options were reduced to a smaller scale so the user could view without scrolling keeping the items in view above the fold.
Refining the design
Multiple screen size considerations were kept at the forefront since users would be utilizing mobile or handheld devices depending on their locations in a theme park. Components were built around responsive attributes.
Accessibility considerations
Provided access to language and currency change in the settings. And a notification alert for users on the main home page.
Used “landmarks” to help the user navigate the site.
Takeaway
Positive
Accessibility: Users can access the menu from any device, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Convenience: Visitors can check the menu and place orders without having to wait in line, reducing wait times.
Ease of Updates: Menu items can be updated in real-time to reflect current inventory, special offers, and seasonal items.
Streamlined Ordering: Orders can be directly sent to the kitchen, reducing the risk of miscommunication and errors.
Reduced Staffing Needs: Self-service digital menus can reduce the need for staff to take orders, allowing them to focus on other tasks.
Paperless: Reduces the need for paper menus and promotional materials, contributing to sustainability efforts.
Negative
Technical Issues involved Device compatibility: Ensuring the app works seamlessly across all devices and operating systems can be challenging and resource-intensive.
Internet connectivity: The app’s effectiveness depends on reliable internet connectivity, which may or may not always be available in all area’s of the park.
Battery Life: Constant use of the app could drain visitors' device batteries, leading to dissatisfaction if they can't use their devices for other purposes.
Inclusive Design: Ensuring the app is accessible to users with disabilities, such as visual impairments or limited mobility, requires careful design and testing.
The "Snak Shak Central" project demonstrates a comprehensive approach to enhancing the amusement park snacking experience through thoughtful UX design. By focusing on user needs and leveraging responsive web application technology, the project offers a scalable solution adaptable to various amusement park environments.