In this case study, we will explore a modified GV design sprint conducted to address the challenges faced by Savr Recipes, a startup focused on simplifying the recipe-following process for home cooks. The design sprint aimed to identify and validate potential solutions to enhance the user experience of Savr Recipes cooking app.
“How might I make it easier for people to follow new recipes, and cook great meals at home”
timeline :
Role :
As a sole designer in a design sprint, my role is pivotal in shaping the project goals through ideation, prototyping, testing, and iterating. I approach the problem with a user-centric mindset and analyze user pain points, challenges, and needs that the product can address effectively. Throughout the sprint process, I take up the challenge of transforming complex information into a clear, feasible, and practical solution that resonates with the target audience. From wireframes to high-fidelity mockups, my focus lies in creating designs that are intuitive, aesthetically pleasing and align with the client's vision. Being the only member of the design team, I thrive in a fast-paced environment and make decisions with agility, ensuring an efficient and timely delivery of the final product.
understanding the problem :
To begin the design sprint, I thoroughly studied the challenge brief provided by Savr Recipes. The brief highlighted the need for improving the recipe-following experience, making it more accessible and user-friendly. Through my analysis, I gained a deeper understanding of the problem and identified pain points faced by users.
map the user experience :
Using insights gathered from the challenge brief, I created a comprehensive map of the possible end-to-end user experience. The map visualized the user journey, highlighting key touchpoints, pain points, and opportunities for improvement.
map :
sketching the solution :
On the second day of the design sprint, I conducted modified lightning demos to gather inspiration from existing products. I documented my findings through screenshots and reflections on each product's unique features.
After sourcing outside inspiration I engaged in the Crazy 8s exercise, generating multiple quick sketches to explore different design concepts in just 8 minutes. The sketching process involved putting my thoughts down on paper, no matter how crazy or abstract they seemed. This helped me generate a wide range of ideas that we could then refine and combine to develop a strong solution.
Following the exercise, I carefully selected the most critical screen and provided a write-up explaining the rationale behind the selection.
decide & storyboard:
I then created a three-panel storyboard, illustrating the screen before, the critical screen itself, and the screen that follows, capturing the flow and interactions.
Leaving myself a few extra panels for screen additions I sketched out what the entire user flow and recipe process would look like. With the pain points at top of mind I ensured that each screen had the elements and features needed for a smooth and structured process. These elements included a timer, tips, a progress bar, icons and other visuals.
prototyping the solution :
Using the insights gained from the sketching phase, I proceeded to prototype the solution. I developed an interactive prototype using InVision, enabling users to navigate through key screens and experience the enhanced recipe-following process. The prototype was accompanied by a written description, detailing the design decisions and thought process behind the prototype. Additionally, I reflected on the prototyping process and the challenges encountered.
testing & validation :
To validate the solution, I conducted user interviews and testing sessions with five participants. The interviews provided valuable insights into user preferences, pain points, and overall satisfaction with the prototype. I documented the details of the interviews, describing the participants, their experiences during the testing process, and a summary of the findings. With the participants' permission, I included relevant pictures and brief video clips to enhance the storytelling aspect of the interviews and testing sessions.
“OH , look at that, a timer built in….that is huge and brilliant, have never seen that!”
“This makes it nice and easy”
“This is awesome, you read my mind”
“I see anyone being able to navigate this with ease”
“Recipes always call for misanplas, to have everything cut up and ready, but I never do that, I just start doing it and start cooking and I realize I'm behind”
“Well this is nice that it’s telling me I need to gather all of these before getting to the next page”
“ I would say my biggest struggle when cooking at home is having all the right cookware and the timing of everything”
“Whoa”
(reaction to the Hands Free Mode feature)
“ I’m biggest thing with cooking is time and how long it’ll take”
“ I’m not a hardcore checklist guy, but I appreciate the checklist option”
Reflection and Learnings:
Throughout the design sprint, I continuously reflected on the process, challenges, and learnings. The sprint allowed me to apply various design methodologies and collaborate effectively with the team. I discovered the importance of user feedback and iterative design in creating a compelling user experience. Based on the findings and insights gained from the sprint, I identified potential next steps for future iterations, including refining the prototype based on user feedback and conducting further usability testing.
to conclude:
In conclusion, the design sprint conducted for Savr Recipes successfully addressed the challenge of enhancing the recipe-following experience. By following the GV design sprint process, I gained valuable insights, collaborated with the team, and developed an interactive prototype that was validated through user interviews. The sprint not only provided actionable solutions but also fostered a user-centered design approach. Through this process, I demonstrated the ability to apply design methodologies effectively and create innovative solutions that align with user needs and expectations. The modified GV design sprint proved to be a powerful tool in delivering impactful design solutions for Savr Recipes.