What is Blue Bowl?
Blue Bowl Superfoods is a create-your-own açaí bowl chain located in Southern California. Açaí bowls are essentially a smoothie bowl featuring the superfood berry called açaí from Brazil. It is usually topped with fruit, granola, and nut butters.
Blue Bowl created the first create-your-own açaí model, so that customers can request custom-made bowls to their liking. The mobile app was designed to allow customers order beforehand and pick up at designated locations; customers are able to select whichever bases and toppings they desire.
RESPONSIBILITY
Researcher
Information Architect
UI
Interaction Design
Prototyping
Visual Design
Project Duration
2 weeks
Figma & the Blue Bowl owned products (photography, original app design)
Tools
Why Redesign?
As an açaí bowl enthusiast and a loyal Blue Bowl customer, I regularly order through Blue Bowl’s mobile ordering app for pick up. I found that the overall design was lacking some visual content and aesthetic features. Navigation was thorough and straightforward but the positioning of some elements could be altered for better accessibility.
Iconography
Some of the icons utilized in the original design seemed too basic and slightly difficult to perceive due to its weak contrast in color.
Typography
The typography should convey the brand’s personality and values, and in this case, Blue Bowl seems to give off a fun, vibrant energy to its workers and customers. The original font is fun and unique, but it makes the overall app feel outdated. Therefore, I suggested a font with a more modernistic touch for better attraction and readability.
Customer Retention
The app is designed to improve customer retention by providing a loyalty program and excellent customer service. This can help to build a loyal customer base and encourage repeat purchases to claim awards. The original design implements reward program features but it isn’t prominent enough to catch the customers’ attention.
The primary goal of this food service app is to offer customers a shopping experience that is user-friendly, convenient, and enjoyable, ultimately boosting sales and fostering brand loyalty.
Empathise
Competitive analysis
User research
Design Process
Define
Ideate
Prototype
Test
User analysis
Brain storming
Low fidelity design
Usability testing
User personas
Information architecture
High fidelity design
Feedbacks
Empathy map
Sketch
UI kit
SWOT analysis
Final prototyping
Case study
Wireframe
Competitive analysis
The first step for redesigning was to make an examination and evaluation of the competing apps in the same market. The goal of this analysis is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each competitor, and then utilize those to enhance the original Blue Bowl app. The Brands besides Blue Bowl involved are: Palmetto, Açaí Express, and Açaí Republic.
User research
The second step in the redesign process was to conduct market research and gather data on the audience’s preferences, behaviors, needs, and satisfaction. The research was conducted through remote and in-person interviews with 5 users, varying from active Blue Bowl customers to infrequent açaí bowl consumers.
Key Insights from Interviews
Usage - Majority of customers prefer to order bowls in person, rather than ordering through the mobile app. They are accustomed to ordering what they already tried before, especially when they are in a hurry. Ordering through the app can sometimes be more time-efficient when there are lines at the store, but many people are willing to wait since ordering can be very quick.
Clarity - People want menus to be easy to read. Pictures alongside items can be very useful and convincing to purchase when people aren’t sure of what to order. Through most mobile ordering apps, there are no pictures that go along with the toppings and bases, so people tend to be more indecisive and have a lack of desire to purchase when ordering on the app.
Checkout and Payment - Some people would rather pay in person, instead of having to input all their credit card information onto the app when checking out. That’s why having an easy checkout and an automatic payment process are ideal for customers who are more inclined to order via mobile app.
User personas
Creating a persona is a way to imagine who the users I would be designing for. Listing the goals & needs, motivation, and fear & frustrations, someone with a shared characteristics of my interviewees. Developing this persona also helped in the redesign process.
User Empathy Map
The empathy map was a visualisation tool that helped me gain a better understanding of customers’ needs, behaviours, and motivations.
Information Architecture
The goal is to create a user-friendly and intuitive interface that allows users to order their açaí bowls quickly and easily, while informing them about their uniqueness and quality ingredients. This information architecture illustrates a structural approach to organizing and labeling digital content.
Low fidelity wireframe
I started by creating wireframes to visualise the app's layout and user interface. These wireframes were then used to create high-fidelity prototypes that demonstrated the app's functionality and design.
Onboarding screen
Get Started
Onboarding screens
Splash screen
Home screen
App Icon
The onboarding screens usually appear when a user first launches the app or creates a new account. The purpose is to guide users through the app's essential features and assist them in getting started with using the app.
On the original onboarding screens, the featured photographs with the term “quality at every layer” were displayed on separate screens that automatically transitioned to the next photo. I thought it was confusing for the audience that the words were cut off and they’d have to wait for the next slide to view the entirety of the phrase. Therefore, I combined them to enhance perception and fluidity.
High fidelity design
The following step involved creating high-fidelity designs that reference the wireframes of the app's layout and functionality. These wireframes will detail the user flow, the different screens and features of the app, and how they are interconnected.
Home
Rewards
Reviews
Shop
Profile
Good morning,
your name
The app's Home Screen plays a crucial role in its user interface, offering users a welcoming and visually appealing interface to navigate the app and discover the array of options to build your own açaí bowls.
Home Screen
Select a location
Nearby
Favorites
417 S Main St.
Orange, CA 92868
Today: 07:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Long Beach
Orange Main St.
4150 McGowen St Unit #6,
Long Beach, CA 90808
Today: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Stores
Title: A prominent search bar at the top of the Home Screen to allow users to search for specific products or brands.
Banner: This icon represents the location of every Blue Bowl store in the current area.
Pick Up / Delivery: This toggle switch enables users to choose whether they want to pick up their order or have it delivered (via third party services like DoorDash).
Product: This section allows users to choose which product they wish to order.
Favorite Location: Activating this star enables users to favorite this specific store and have it featured first before choosing another location.
Navigation menu: A menu that allows users to access the app's different features. It is easy to use and intuitive.
Selecting a specific store is an essential part of ordering online. Displaying a map helps users to gauge how long it will take for them to drive there and also assists them on choosing which store to go to, whether they’ll be in a certain area or in close proximity.
Location Screen
A product detail screen informs users about the different types of products being offered with detailed information such as the combination of ingredients and its pricings.
Product detail screen
Long Beach
Pickup
Delivery
Bowls
Drinks
Grab N’ Go
The Custom Bowl
Starting at $10.80
The customizable superfood bowl you know and love. Make it how YOU want it.
Our signature bowl, the Lazy Blue, features Acai, Pitaya, and Blue Chia Pudding, topped with Pumpkin Flax...
The Lazy Blue
Starting at $10.80
$8.30
Our customizable oat bowl in a 16 oz bowl! Made with steel cut oats and oat milk. AVAIL...
The Early Birds Oats Bowl
Home
Rewards
Reviews
Shop
Profile
Order
Here, the total number of stars are displayed.
Star: The star represents the incentive or currency that can be earned by purchasing products. Each purchased products have different values of stars. Adding a 3D image of a star may be aesthetically appealing to the audience.
Price: The total price is set to change if user has selected to redeem a reward that requires a price change.
Rewards: Users can select which reward they may wish to redeem with the number of stars they have accumulated so far. The rewards that require more stars cannot be selected, as shown by the opacity change.
Loyalty screen
$10.80
Total
Apply any of the available rewards
You have a redemption balance of
Continue
Loyalty Program
Back
70 stars
Select rewards
Add
Blue Bar Reward
Chia Pudding Party!
Add
Blue Baller Reward
Get a free 12oz bowl! Or upgrade your size and pay the difference!
Get a free Chia Pudding Parfait! Our famous Blue Chia with hemp granola, almond butter, and...
Get a free Blue Bar! Our fresh, made-in-house protein bar.
25
50
100
Recommended items: Preview of different products are listed here to entice customers in case they wish to purchase more. For each product, it displays the name, price, and quantity.
Recommended Items screen
Blue Bar
Add to cart
1
$3.00
Chia Pudding Parfait
$5.75
Add to cart
1
Continue
Recommended Items
Back
The rewards program, or loyalty program, aims to increase customer engagement and helps encourage them to continue making purchases in exchange for benefits, which in this case are free products like a protein bar, a chia pudding parfait, and even a free bowl.
Similar to the original design, the recommended items screen is shown during checkout to attract consumer’s attention and possibly encourage them to add more items to their cart.
Cart: This screen shows what users have in their cart so they can view the total price and review their products and its ingredients. Users may change quantity, as well as deleting a product.
Proceed to Checkout: Button placement is clear and easily accessible for users to continue to checkout.
Product Name: A clear, pre-made açaí bowl is displayed under the product name, as well as a description about the chosen product.
Customizable Features: The options are listed here, providing features that users can add or remove. The names are clear and font is legible. Checking the boxes also changes its color for a nice, fun touch.
Rewards Program: Total points earned is shown here. Under it, users can enter discount/promo code. This is a critical placement, as users can view directly how much they could save before payment.
Product Price: The price of the bowl is bolded and centered for easy visibility and focus; price is is subject to change when a different size is chosen.
Product Size and Colour: Displaying the available sizes for the product and provide a size chart with the recommended measurements for each size. Also, providing a guide on how the shoe fits and whether it's true to size or runs large or small.
Customization screen
Order
The Custom Bowl
The customizable superfood bowl you know and love. Make it how YOU want it.
Matcha
Huckleberry
$10.80
Qty
1
Sizes
Small (12oz.)
Acai
Gold
Pitaya
Blue Coconut
Medium (16oz.)
Large (24oz.)
Choose at least 1
Bases
Add to Cart
+10.80
Cart screen
My Cart
$10.80
My Cart
Custom Bowl - 12oz.
Edit item
1
Bases
Acai
$10.80
Loyalty
Total
Total earned
+4 stars
Apply
Enter promo code
Proceed to Checkout
This screen is most critical, as users have the most control and are able to choose from an array of options to customize their own bowl to their liking. The order of ingredients listed is similar as to how the bowls are made: first the base, then toppings like fruits, nuts, seeds, etc., and then nut butter and finally any sweeteners.
The main goal is to provide a clear and intuitive way for users to manage their orders and complete their purchases.
The main goal is to provide a direct and simple way for users to complete their purchases with an input of their payment information.
Adding payment option: The user has the option of adding a new payment option in this section. They are given several options as shown, and once they have selected one, they are directed to a new page specifically for inputting information.
Other payment method: If the user does not want to select any of the recommended options provided above, they may search for one they may prefer here. However, their desired option may not be guaranteed.
Credit Card: If users have already saved their credit card information, they can choose their card/method(s) here. This ensures a quick checkout.
Adding new card: This screen is for users who wish to add a new card for payment. All required information is to be inputted here in order to successfully add.
Payment screens
Add a new payment option
Back
Continue
Payment Options
Jane Doe
Jane Doe
Apple Pay
Credit/Debit Card
PayPal
Other payment method
Name on Card
Card Number
ZIP/Postal Code
Expiry Date
Security Code
?
Back
Add Card
Add New Card
This screen enables users to confirm their pickup at the right location, and they are allowed to make any changes if necessary. The estimated pickup time is also provided in the center of the screen in bold for emphasis. Before users proceed to the next screen for payment, they decide whether or not to leave a tip. This then may change the total price which users can view at the bottom.
Review Order screen
Confirmation of order is lastly shown after user reviewed their order and entered payment information. This is to ensure acknowledgement of purchase and guarantee customers that their order is to be picked up at the scheduled time. In addition, they will be notified via text message in case their order is completed early or is to be delayed.
Confirmation screen
Thank you. A tip is much appreciated.
No
$12.42
Total
Subtotal
$10.80
$0.00
$1.62
Tax
Tip
Cart Total
Tip
Change
Back
Continue
Review Order
You are about to order from Blue Bowl (LBX)
Please confirm Pickup address:
4150 McGowen St Unit #6, Long Beach, CA 90808, USA
Your order will be ready on April 22 at approx. 11:31 AM
No Tip
15%
20%
25%
Custom
Price: Subtotal is shown clearly for users to analyze how much they are going to spend. Total price is emphasized in bold for clarity.
Pickup confirmation: The selected location for pickup is displayed for the user to confirm prior to paying. Here they may change the location if needed.
Reminder: Estimated pickup time is displayed after confirmation of order. Text messages will also be sent to update user on pickup status.
Tip: User is given the option to provide tip prior to entering payment information. The options are laid out in a row for fluidity, which may encourage users to tip.
Return to Home
Approximate pickup time is:
11:31 AM on April 22
Your order has been placed successfully.
You will receive text messages regarding the status of your order.
Order Confirmed!
Order Confirmation
Home
Rewards
Rewards
Catering
Allergies
Reviews
Order
Shop
Profile
Jane Doe
JD
Edit
App version: 3.5.5
Write a Review
Post Review
Hello, here are my thoughts.
0/500
What is your rating?
Share your thoughts here
January 22, 2024
NM
Home
Rewards
Reviews
Shop
Profile
Reviews
Sort by
NM
JK
TT
I ordered the blue coconut and acai base with blueberries, strawberries, goji berries, cacao nibs, and almond butter. It was so delicious! I would def...
I’m not a huge fan of acai bowls but I really liked the variety of toppings being provided. The bases taste pretty good too.
Best acai bowls ever! Next time I order I wanna try the new base and experiment with different kinds of toppings.
Such a nice treat to have no matter what season it is! Acai bowls have always been such a refreshing snack but Blue Bowl makes it taste the best.
April 24, 2024
April 24, 2024
March 2, 2024
January 22, 2024
AL
Write a Review
The profile screen is where users can find their account information and other features that were offered in the original Blue Bowl mobile app. The personal information users are required to input are as shown- their first and last name, email, phone number, and birthday.
Profile screen
More Screens
Save Changes
First Name
Last Name
abcdefg@gmail.com
Phone
(123) 456-7890
Birthday
1.02.1999
+1
Jane
Doe
Personal Info
The reviews screen is a page I added that the original app did not incorporate into their design and prototype. Reviews are crucial, especially in the food industry, and this provides reliability and quality feedback, which can potentially support the overall beloved Blue Bowl community and market.
Reviews screen
Prototype
Conclusion
The Blue Bowl Superfoods mobile app provides a convenient and straightforward ordering and pickup experience for açaí bowl lovers. I voluntarily challenged myself to redesign this app and managed to provide new and different features, allowing users to easily browse and purchase their own customizable bowls. The app's user-friendly and clean interface ensures a satisfying ordering experience and a quick, efficient pickup process for customers. Additionally, the app's unique feature of leaving and reading reviews make it easier for customers to order bowls with recommended toppings or bases. Overall, this mobile app is a great convenience for people who crave a refreshing açaí bowl no matter what season. The redesign simply acts as a creative suggestion, as there is always room for improvement.
