After conversation with several wine makers, I created a "mood and wine pairing" app. A sliding "mood-o-meter" helped users select a mood, then offered an appropriate wine – or gave alternatives from seven wine types. Going deeper into the app revealed ratings and reviews – plus, the specific health benefits of moderate consumption.
ROLE UX/UI research and design.
DESIGN CHALLENGES My initial foray into mobile app design, I was tasked with thinking about the end-to-end customer experience to create a visually appealing wine app. I wanted the experience to be both informative and playful – to help Mood and Wine stand out in a highly saturated market – pun intended.
SOLUTION Somewhat tongue-in-cheek, the entry into the app (and learning more about wine) was a self-selecting visual device called a “mood-o-meter”. I used a slider with swirls of abstract color. The darker reds relating to darker moods, going into brighter yellows and greens for more upbeat emotions. To give the user control, wines that the app provides can always be changed to suit personal preferences. Tasting notes, similar to staff picks, give information on the varietals and health benefits.
RESULTS A well-received fun app experience.
Research and Wireframes
Icons, and Task Flows
Food Ambassador is a simple mobile app that allows people working in community shelters to upload information used by volunteers donating meals.
ROLE UX/UI design and research, information architecture, user flows, and task flows.
UX/DESIGN CHALLENGES Residents are placed within shelters as a final resort and many are leaving abusive home situations. Privacy is key. Residents also are limited to a stay of 30 days and meals tend to be processed foods. I was challenged with balancing the need to inform food donors without adding a lot of work to staff.
SOLUTION Food Ambassador eliminates the guesswork for meal donors on what and how much food to make. The app is simple and the low-tech solution of photographing a whiteboard with brief allergy notes and numbers of residents doesn’t create a burden for staff.
RESULTS A polished and easy-to-use app allows staff to quickly indicate how many residents are staying at a shelter and any allergies they may have. Meal donors are able to photograph and store receipts for tax purposes.
Design Iterations
Color Studies and Final Design
Research and User Flows
Empathize ––> Define ––> Ideate ––> Prototype ––> Test
I applied design thinking methods and recorded video conference interviews with college students who were uncertain about their next steps. I created an empathy map, defined a problem statement, and ideated numerous solutions and developed two:
1) "Job Cupid", a mobile app that matched prospects with employers – similar to a dating app;
2) "Launch Pad", a reality tv series featuring eight people from a range of experiences, living under one roof, trying to start their careers and not get derailed by launch pad house mates.
I developed "Job Cupid" as a more viable solution with low-fidelity prototypes and did video interviews to vet the usability.
Job Cupid Paper Prototype