Grocery Store Navigator

Brief / Challenge

We were tasked with designing a human-centered digital product by identifying a real user problem through research and solving it through Design Thinking. The project required us to:

• Conduct user interviews
• Define a meaningful user problem
• Design and test an accessible digital prototype
• Iterate based on user feedback
• Deliver an interactive Figma prototype

Accessibility and inclusive design were core requirements throughout the process.

Strategy - Design Thinking Approach

We applied the Design Thinking framework to ensure the solution was grounded in real user needs.

Empathize

We conducted interviews with students to understand their daily challenges. A recurring insight emerged: users struggled to find products efficiently in unfamiliar grocery stores, especially when searching for ingredients they regularly use.

Define

Based on the insights, we formulated a clear human-centered problem statement: How might we make it easier for people to find their groceries when they visit new stores? This definition guided all design decisions and kept the project focused on real user needs.

Ideate (Diverge & Converge)

• Generated ideas through Crazy 8s sketching
• Grouped ideas using Affinity Mapping
• Narrowed down concepts through Dot Voting in Miro

This process allowed us to explore broadly, then align as a team on the strongest solution.

My role as a Project Manager

• Planned and coordinated the full Design Thinking process from interviews to final iteration
• Organized research, insights, and ideation using Miro and Trello
• Managed the project timeline, priorities, and team coordination
• Facilitated workshops and alignment moments during ideation and decision-making
• Synthesized user feedback and guided iteration decisions
• Ensured accessibility considerations were integrated throughout the design process

Key Decision - Grocery Store Navigator App

Based on research, ideation, and early feedback, we decided to design a Grocery Store Navigator app. The app helps users:

• Locate products by aisle
• Use visual cues (colors and icons)
• Save favorite products and stores
• Navigate hands-free with voice support

We initially explored combining multiple features, but chose to simplify the scope to focus on clarity, usability, and accessibility.

Result - Accessible, Iterated Prototype

Iterative Prototyping & Testing

We tested the prototype with users and continuously improved it based on feedback:

• Organized products by aisles and visual categories
• Added favorites and clearer notifications
• Improved language and microcopy for usability
• Refined layouts using spacing and grid systems

Each iteration directly reflected user input.

Accessibility Impact

Accessibility shaped the design:

• Clear typography and spacing for readability
• VoiceOver compatibility and voice navigation
• Light & Dark mode
• Icons combined with color for clarity

We considered permanent, temporary, and situational limitations, ensuring the app was inclusive and usable for everyone.

Final Outcome

The final deliverable was an interactive Figma prototype supported by documented research, testing, and design decisions. The result is a solution that is human-centered, accessible, and practical, improving the grocery shopping experience for a wide range of users.