> Mobile Application Prototypes

Cocook

Abstract:
Cocook is an online platform that helps people achieve a nutritional balanced cooking lifestyle.

Goal:
We want users to discover places to cook, enjoy provided ingredients, and pursue a nutritionally balanced lifestyle—all in one platform.

Duration:
3 Weeks

Role

UX Designer, UX Researcher

Methods

Field Interviews, Value Proposition Canvas, User Storyboard, Branding

Tools

Sketches, Figma, After Effects

Overview

Cocook is a prototype of a course final project for solving the diet issue of young professionals in Boston.

The app shared-kitchen feature aims to provide app users with:

- Create an online marketplace that connects people who want to rent out kitchens with people looking for a place to cook and eat.
- Encourage young adults to pursue a nutritionally balanced lifestyle.
- Promote in-person emotional communication between young people during cooking.

My Role

As the UX Designer and Researcher for the project

I was handled with each stage of the process, which included:

- Field interviews
- UX user flow creation
- Wireframing and prototyping
- Usability testing
- Iterative design
- Scoping for development Implementation

Animator: Harry Liao

> Surveys & Interviews

Primary research

In order to figure out how best to serve young adults seeking kitchen space, we conducted surveys and user interviews with 44 individuals in Boston. The findings helped us come up with the value proposition of facilitating easy access to well-equipped kitchens for friends to cook and dine together.

College Students

%

Shared a kitchen

Young Adults Worker

%

Did not cook often

Value Proposition Canvas

Cocook is an online marketplace that lets property owners rent out their kitchens to people looking for a place to cook and eat together

- For multiple people to share
- A shared space with a private dining room and entertainment facilities
- Multiple kitchen themes and unique styles
- A per-person basis self-service ingredients area & healthy recipe service
- Clean service

Ideation

Based on our research, we have found that many young men lack the time to prepare and enjoy meals. In addressing this issue, leisure time outside of work and studies provides a good opportunity for young men to step into the kitchen. During this time, they have the chance to cook and indulge in a good meal. As for motivation, social gatherings with friends serve as an incentive for young men to cook and have a satisfying meal. If there is a place available to them at any time, suitable for gatherings, cooking, and dining, along with provisions for ingredient preparation and cleaning services, this will solve the issues of kitchen access and the time-consuming nature of cooking. Young men would be willing to use their leisure time to cook, enjoy their meals, and even exchange culinary and dining experiences with friends. We recognize that the internet serves as a great medium for locating individuals who possess suitable kitchens meeting these criteria and are willing to share them.

User Flow

Key Features:

- Advanced Filters and Sorting: Robust filtering by location, amenities, and more for tailored searches
- Detailed Information Display: Comprehensive details using fly-out panels and expandable cards.
- Easy Food Style Scheduling: Convenient option to schedule the type of cuisine you plan to cook.

How It Works:

- User Profile Setup: Personalized profiles with cooking preferences and kitchen sharing options.
- Kitchen Search and Booking: Explore shared kitchens and book preferred times for cooking.
- Secure Payment and Ratings: Trustworthy transactions and user reviews for reliability.

Features & Goals

- Users explore shared kitchens and select preferred dates for cooking.
- During the booking process, users choose the cuisine they plan to cook.
- Option to save food style preferences for future bookings.
- Both hosts and guests can rate and review each other.
- In-app messaging and social interactions enable users to connect with like-minded individuals.
- Users can discuss ideas, share recipes, and plan cooking events based on shared food styles.

Prototype

Cocook can deliver an easy-to-read user interface that creates a straightforward user experience. We create a visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly interface that enables seamless navigation and access to diverse features, resulting in a pleasant and engaging experience that leaves a lasting impression on users.

Interactive Prototype

User storyboard

Scenario: Cocook app reshapes the way people connect, share, and enjoy culinary experiences, making it a valuable tool for anyone seeking convenience, community engagement, and memorable cooking moments. The app’s convenience and user-centric design contribute to a thriving sharing economy community, transforming traditional cooking plans into delightful culinary gatherings.

Before

After

Animator: Harry Liao

User Journey Map

Competitive Audit

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J	K	L	M	N	O	P	Q	R
1	Competitive audit	Goal: Compare the booking experience of each competitor's app
2		General information								UX (rated: needs work, okay, good, or outstanding)
3		General information								First impressions		Mobile app interaction				Mobile app visual design	Mobile app content
4		Competitor type	Location	Product offering	Price	Website	Business size	Target audience	Unique value proposition	Website experience	Dedicated mobile app experience	Features	Accessibility	User flow	Navigation	Brand identity	Tone	Descriptiveness
5	Airbnb	Direct	Global	Houses, Apartments, Condos, Villas, Unique Stays, Experiences	$$-$$$$	www.airbnb.com	Large	Travelers seeking unique accommodations and experiences	Discover unique places to stay and experiences hosted by locals.	Good + User-friendly, visually appealing, personalized recommendations.	Okay + Easy to use + Lots of intuitive features - App doesn't offer any audio accessibility - App is only available in English	Outstanding Extensive property selection, host and guest reviews, secure booking process, 24/7 support.	Generally accessible with efforts towards inclusivity.	Outstanding + Streamlined booking process with a focus on discovery.	Good + Intuitive navigation with search and filters.	Needs work - Trustworthy, community-driven.	Welcoming, diverse, and inclusive.	Outstanding + Clearly describes properties, hosts, and experiences.
6	Vrbo	Indirect	North America	Houses, stand-alone vacation homes onlys	$$-$$$	www.vrbo.com	Medium	Families and groups seeking vacation rentals.	Secure and simple vacation rentals directly from homeowners.	Good + User-friendly, emphasizes family travel.	Good + Visually appealing + Makes customers feel welcome + Accessibility-friendly - Payment process is difficult to complete	Okay + Vacation rental listings, guest reviews, secure booking process, support.	Outstanding + Generally accessible, family-focused.	Needs work - Family-oriented, with options for larger groups.	Okay + Easy to switch languages - Intuitive navigation, search, and filters.	Outstanding + Family-friendly, personal.	Warm, family-oriented.	Okay + Provides detailed property descriptions. + Detailed property and location information.

User Testing

Participants found the app’s interface intuitive and easy to navigate.

The kitchen search and booking process was straightforward with positive feedback on filters and sorting options.
The new “Easy Food Style Scheduling” feature was well-received for its convenience.
Detailed kitchen information using fly-out panels and expandable cards was appreciated.
In-app messaging and social interactions fostered a sense of community.
Secure payment and ratings contributed to a reliable experience.
Suggestions for improvement included real-time kitchen availability and personalized recommendations based on past preferences.

Overall, Cocook app received positive feedback for its usability and features, with user input guiding future updates and enhancements.

Takeaways

The final deliverable impressed the stakeholders, and they plan to use the prototype design and research findings to guide their app interface direction.

Takeaways:

1. Positive Stakeholder Response: Stakeholders were satisfied with the prototype, indicating successful project alignment.
2. Research Utilization: Research insights helped create a user-centric kiosk interface design.

Next Steps:

1. Evolving Prototype: Continuously improve the prototype based on user feedback.
2. Engage with Stakeholders: Gather interests and concerns from restaurant managers and patrons.
3. Execute a Pilot: Validate the interface’s effectiveness with additional restaurants.