FireWater
(2023)
Curated Cocktails for the
Discerning Drinker
Your Personal Mixology Assistant
User Experience & Interface Design: A Case Study in Content Layout Strategy
Winter 2023
FRAMEWORK
"FireWater" is a cutting-edge cocktail curation app designed to offer a seamless and intuitive platform for users to explore and refine their drink preferences. With a focus on discovery, the app provides valuable insights, personalized drink recommendations, curated blog content, and fresh suggestions, all aimed at enhancing the user's cocktail experience.
HYPOTHESIS
Users desire a seamless, user-friendly database that allows them to effortlessly explore and access accurate drink recipes on demand.
OBJECTIVES
Audience
Of-age users interested in crafting their own cocktails based on professional sources, curious bar patrons eager to explore new drink options, and shoppers looking to purchase ingredients in preparation for an event.
Tasks & Goals
Effortlessly search a comprehensive database by drink name, ingredients, strength, or occasion, with clear and concise instructions, including visual guides. Users should be able to save and share their favorite recipes for future reference.
Intuitive Interface
By following the user-friendly prompts, users can effortlessly achieve their desired outcomes. Each user will have a customized home screen featuring their favorite cocktail "cards," which provide detailed, step-by-step instructions.
On The Go
The responsive web app design offers users the flexibility to access the platform from their laptop at home or on their phone at a club.
Reason & Drive
The application seamlessly helps users discover cocktail knowledge and recommendations more quickly and enjoyably than competing platforms, fostering confidence in the product and encouraging repeat usage.
USER TESTING LOGISTICS
The Focus
Document user perceptions and expectations regarding the product's functionality, and assess how these insights align with the established objectives.
The Research
Attitudinal and qualitative research: 25-minute in-person interviews with prospective users to discuss preferences and ideas guided by open-ended questions.
The Results
Patterns in behaviors, attitudes, needs, goals, frustrations, and setbacks were observed, along with specific quotes reflecting user perspectives.
From these insights, five initial participants were synthesized into three distinct user personas: The Cocktail Expert, The Moderate Drinker, and The Busy Novice.
USER RESEARCH SYNTHESIS
Integration
Most users anticipate finding what they are looking for quickly and effortlessly, with a preference for intuitive search functionality and ease of use. They value minimal distractions and respond positively to strong visual cues. Access to curated lists, expert recommendations, and variations of popular drinks is considered essential.
Older users are particularly attracted to simple, clear imagery and prefer having direct links on their home screen. Busy adults, on the other hand, prioritize suggestions based on the contents of their liquor cabinet, as well as the ability to perform fast and efficient database searches.
Setbacks
Top frustrations that tend to create a labored and ultimately negative user experience:
Cluttered interface
Unclear written content
Confusing navigation
Distracting pop-ups
Needs & Desires
1. Discovering cocktails based on the current contents of liquor cabinet.
2. Personalized lists of favorites and the option to share them with others.
3. Unique drink suggestions, techniques, or implements
4. Top-rated drink lists
5. Links to relevant articles and popular blogs
Noteworthy Quotes
"I often prefer to have a drink with low alcohol content due to my constitution, so an app with alcohol percentages as a search option would be helpful."
"I have very little patience for new apps, especially when I could just "Google" it. Make it easy to start and quick to navigate the first time."
"I want a cocktail app that makes it easy to find new drinks based on my preferences, with clear recommendations and a simple, intuitive design. I don’t want to waste time—just quick, expert suggestions that match what I’m in the mood for."
USER PERSONAS
JTBD FOR MINIMUM VIABLE PRODUCT
MVP Objective
This minimum viable product (MVP) for a cocktail database enables users to search and explore a desired drink through filters such as name, ingredients, alcohol type, strength, occasion, and region. It offers intuitive preparation instructions and allows users to save and share their results.
The primary objective of the MVP is to validate with target users that the app effectively performs its core functions and can be relied upon as a trusted, recurring resource for cocktail curation.
Jobs To Be Done (JTBD) and Feature Requirements
User Need
Requirements
MVP USER FLOW
LO-FI PROTOTYPES
By deploying the rapid prototyping method for sketching ideas, multiple design avenues were explored, ultimately identifying the most effective path for users to accomplish key tasks.
USER TESTING INSIGHTS
The objective of gathering user feedback was to evaluate the learnability of first-time interactions with the app across both mobile (including tablet) and desktop platforms. The focus was on determining whether users could easily understand the navigational structure by assessing their ability to successfully complete basic initial functions and identifying any points of difficulty.
MID-FIDELITY WIREFRAMES
STYLE GUIDE
1. Typography
2. Imagery
3. User Interface Elements
4. Color Scheme
MOBILE MOCKUPS
RESPONSIVE DESIGN
Cocktail photographs should be high-resolution, professionally executed, and focus on the glassware. They should effectively capture movement and be set against a dark, interior background to enhance the visual impact.
The four digitized versions of this process showcase the application's most fundamental design features: the ability to quickly search for and select a cocktail information card, save it to the homepage, and share it with friends.
