Matcha Muse

OVERVIEW

The Product: Design platform that connects users new to matcha with various resource such as expert insight and unbiased reviews of top brands.

My Role: UX Designer designing an app and website for Matcha Muse concept to delivery.

Project Duration: August 2022 - September 2022

Responsibilities: Conducting interviews, paper and digital wireframing, low and high-fidelity prototyping, conducting usability studies, accounting for accessibility, and iterating on designs.

 

SUMMARY

I conducted interviews and created empathy maps to understand the users I would be designing for and their needs. For my research I conducted 5 one-on-one interview-style conversations with individuals who fall into the targeted demographic. A primary user group identified was adults who wish to learn more about matcha tea.

Initial assumptions focused on features like clear and concise language and visually pleasing interface. After conducting research, I came to find there was more of an emphasis on ensuring reviews are balanced and ensuring there are various sources of information on the platform.

 

PAIN POINTS

NEW RECIPES

Some participants wished the recipes section would be updated on a consistent basis with new options.

UNBIASED INFORMATION

Participants wished to confirm the information on the website is unbiased.

BRAND REVIEWS

Participants wished to see reviews on various brands of matcha.
 

User Persona

BEATRIZ | “I want a way to learn more about the history of Matcha and best selections!”

Age: 22

Education: B.A. Auburn University

Family: Living with Partner

Occupation: History Teacher

Beatriz loves her job as a History Teacher. During her off time, she enjoys learning about various cultures throughout history. Specifically, she enjoys sampling different cuisines from these cultures. Still, Beatriz sometimes struggles to find credible reviews for less common food and beverage found in the United States like Matcha tea.

 

PAPER WIREFRAMES

 

DIGITAL WIREFRAMES

MAIN PAGE
LOGIN PAGE

For the Browse page, the goal is to help the users easily access relevant information based on categorization or search.

Login page should be simple and aesthetic, communicating the mission of the site and allowing for easy transition into account set up or main page.

 

LOW FIDELITY PROTOTYPES

 

USABILITY STUDY FINDINGS

I conducted monitored usability studies with five people between the ages of 25 and 65. Each person had a different background in experience with ordering food online and provided a variety of insights to help improve Sammie’s Sandwich Website.

Round 2 Findings

Round 1 Findings

  1. Easily locatable expert for questions (update colors)

  2. Add icons to account setup for better accessibility

  3. Include a donate button since there is no kickback on product sales

  1. Updated colors for better accessibility

  2. Focus on streamlining login process

  3. Ensure search functionality works

 

HOME PAGE

Changes to the homepage include adding accessible coloring and adding a top categories with a background image. Bottom section also readjusted per visual availability. 

HOME PAGE AFTER USABILITY STUDY
HOME PAGE BEFORE USABILITY STUDY
 
 

REVIEW PAGE

Updates included adding language to assure users this is an unbiased source of information for expert reviews on matcha brands.

TAKOUT PAYMENT PAGE AFTER USABILITY STUDY

TAKEOUT PAYMENT PAGE BEFORE USABILITY STUDY

 

MOCKUP

Home Page colors updated to become more accessible, better allowing users to differentiate action oriented buttons and identify next steps per Gestalt Principles. “Talk to an Expert” tab added to every page for easy access.

OLD RECIPE PAGE

NEW RECIPE PAGE

 

Accessibility Considerations

Color combinations for easier reading. 

Back buttons and straight forward language for each section. 

 

TAKEAWAYS

IMPACT

The app provides an effective option for users on the go but a larger responsive design also allows for users to leverage the platform on a variety of devices. 

One quote from participant feedback: “It was great how the app provided so many resources related matcha tea and did not sell out or promote a single product”.

WHAT I LEARNED

While designing the Matcha Muse App, I learned that responsive design means maintaining flexibility in how various features are implemented so that the app or desktop interface maintains its user friendly nature.

 

NEXT STEPS

Conduct another round of usability studies to validate whether the pain points users experienced have been effectively addressed.

Conduct more user research to determine any new areas of need.

 

LET’S CONNECT!

Thank you for your time reviewing my work on the Matcha Muse app! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions regarding myself or my work!

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