The Blendtec App is a new interactive recipe app that integrates a smart scale integrated into the base of the blender. We provided a streamlined experience to from finding a recipe to blending.
We worked with the Blendtec team from the ground up on every aspect of the mobile app. The brief for the app was to create an easy to navigate categorized recipe library, which would lead to simple interactive walk through recipes. I was the lead designer, responsible for research, analysis, framework, and UI design.
Defining Requirements
To understand what information was necessary to locate a recipe and guide users through recipe steps effectively, we conducted focus group interviews with existing Blendtec consumers. Combining this information with Market Research obtained during new product registration, we were able to define the target audience. 3 different personas were created to outline the users objectives and common pain points.
Card Sorting
Using the personas we identified user actions and the system behavior in each scenario. We grouped this content into 8 categories – Login, Tutorial, Search, Recipes, Categories, Blend, Track, and Share. These began to define the required workflow and structure of the app.
Workflow
Understanding the needs of the app, we created iterations of the potential user flow to search, make, blend, and track recipes and data. We listed the actions a user would take to complete a task and improved the process by evaluating, updating or redesigning the flow. After multiple revisions, we had a proposed user workflow broken out by the card sorted categories.
Sitemap
Having the identified the workflow, it was essential to visualize how the app screens would be organized hierarchically. Using the workflow as a guide we translated the revised card sorting modules into groups to create a sitemap.
Paper Prototyping
For the two most complicated functions, searching for recipes and the interactive step-by-step blending process, we broke the screens out into a sketch of the function; these were organized into low-fi outlines of the user interface under each screen title and sent to Blendtec for user testing.
Wireframes
Using the personas we identified user actions and the system behavior in each scenario. We grouped this content into 8 categories – Login, Tutorial, Search, Recipes, Categories, Blend, Track, and Share. These began to define the required workflow and structure of the app.
Beta Launch
Adhering to the existing Blendtec Brand Style Guide the high-fidelity design, content, and digital assets were created. Prior to Beta Testing my role shifted to collaborating with developers to guide the vision of the app. A closed beta was released allowing employees from Blendtec to use the app and provide feedback before it become available to the public.
Patent Issue
During the App Review process Blendtec was notified of a patent troll, which prevented using a proportionate digital representation of data values when measuring or weighing. We were advised to avoid using the current interactive blending function as it was designed. We created two different solutions, which were submitted for A/B testing and then, production.