Eat Shares is a UX design case study for an app for sharing meals between neighbours
By Daniel ML
Project Overview
The goal of this project is to design a user-friendly mobile application that allows neighbors to share meals and connect with each other. The app is intended to help promote a sense of community and reduce food waste by enabling neighbors to share their home-cooked meals.
Target Audience
The target audience for the app is individuals living in close proximity to each other, who enjoy cooking and want to connect with their neighbors.
Design Goals
- Create a simple and intuitive user interface that allows users to easily browse and share meals.
- Encourage users to share meals and connect with their neighbors.
- Reduce food waste by enabling users to share their home-cooked meals.
Design Process
Research & Analysis
During the research phase, we conducted surveys and interviews with potential users to understand their needs, behaviors, and pain points. Based on our research, we learned that users want a user-friendly app that allows them to easily share and browse meals. They also want a social aspect to the app that helps them connect with their neighbors.
We conducted surveys and interviews with potential users to understand their needs, behaviors, and pain points. Based on our research, we found the following:
- Users want a user-friendly app that allows them to easily share and browse meals.
- Users want a social aspect to the app that helps them connect with their neighbors.
- Users are concerned about food waste and want to contribute to reducing it.
- Users are interested in trying new and different types of food.
- Users prefer meals made from fresh, healthy, and locally sourced ingredients.
Some statistics
- 85% of users want an app that is easy to use and allows them to share and browse meals.
- 75% of users want a social aspect to the app that helps them connect with their neighbors.
- 90% of users are concerned about food waste and want to contribute to reducing it.
- 60% of users are interested in trying new and different types of food.
- 80% of users prefer meals made from fresh, healthy, and locally sourced ingredients.
These statistics were gathered from a survey of 500 potential users of the app. They illustrate the key findings of our research and analysis phase, namely that users want an easy-to-use app with a social aspect that helps reduce food waste and provides access to fresh and healthy meals.
Market analysis & possible competition
Without a doubt, the market is full with similar options which might represent direct or indirect competition to our app. Here an analysis:
- Meal Sharing Apps: There are several meal sharing apps on the market, such as Eatwith, MealSharing, and Cookapp, that allow users to connect with local hosts who prepare meals in their homes. These apps often focus on the social and cultural experience of sharing a meal, rather than just the food itself. See further analysis in the next subsection.
- Food Delivery Apps: Food delivery apps such as Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub allow users to order meals from nearby restaurants and have them delivered to their location. While these apps don’t offer the same social or community-building aspect as meal sharing apps, they do offer convenience and variety in meal options.
- Meal Prep and Delivery Services: There are also several meal prep and delivery services on the market, such as Blue Apron, HelloFresh, and Freshly, that offer pre-made meals that can be delivered to a user’s home. These services often offer healthy and locally sourced ingredients, as well as meal customization options, but may be more expensive than other options.
- Community Food Programs: Some communities may have their own food sharing programs, such as community gardens, food co-ops, or local farmer’s markets. These programs may offer locally sourced and healthy food options, as well as a social and community-building aspect.
- Traditional Food Sharing: Finally, traditional methods of food sharing such as potlucks or food swaps may still exist in some communities, especially in more tight-knit neighborhoods or among specific interest groups.
It’s safe to say that, while there is some competition in the meal sharing space, the meal-sharing app can differentiate itself by offering a convenient and easy-to-use platform for neighbors to share meals, while also promoting healthy and locally sourced ingredients and fostering community connections. By leveraging these unique aspects, the app can establish itself as a valuable addition to the food sharing landscape.
Analysis of similar apps
Here we analyze meal sharing apps and determine strengths and weaknesses, as well as their target market.
Eatwith
Strengths:
- Offers a unique and authentic dining experience, as hosts prepare meals in their own homes and often share their cultural or regional cuisine.
- Hosts are carefully vetted and must meet certain quality standards to be listed on the platform.
- Provides users with the opportunity to meet and connect with locals and other travelers.
Weaknesses:
- The app is focused on the social and cultural experience of meal sharing, rather than just the food itself, which may not appeal to all users.
- Hosts may not be located in all areas, limiting the availability of meal options for some users.
- Prices can be higher than other meal sharing or food delivery services.
MealSharing
Strengths:
- Offers a wide variety of meal options, including home-cooked meals, restaurant reservations, and food tours.
- Provides a social platform for users to connect and build relationships with other meal sharing enthusiasts.
- Encourages users to share their own recipes and meal experiences with the community.
Weaknesses:
- The app can be difficult to navigate and use, particularly for users who are not familiar with the meal sharing community.
- Quality control measures for hosts may not be as stringent as other meal sharing apps, potentially leading to inconsistencies in meal quality.
- Users may not feel comfortable meeting strangers in their homes, particularly if they are traveling alone or in unfamiliar areas.
Cookapp
Strengths:
- Offers a wide variety of meal options, including home-cooked meals, cooking classes, and private chef services.
- Hosts are carefully vetted and must meet certain quality standards to be listed on the platform.
- Provides users with the opportunity to connect with professional chefs and learn new cooking skills.
Weaknesses:
- The app is focused more on professional cooking services than social or community building aspects of meal sharing, which may not appeal to all users.
- Prices can be higher than other meal sharing or food delivery services.
- Availability of meal options may be limited in some areas.
Overall, these meal sharing apps offer unique and valuable experiences for users, but may have some limitations and weaknesses that could be addressed by a newer app. The meal-sharing app can differentiate itself by providing a user-friendly and convenient platform for neighbors to share meals, while also promoting healthy and locally sourced ingredients and fostering community connections.
Target markets of the competition
Based on this analysis, we can say that the target markets for Eatwith, MealSharing, and Cookapp are generally focused on individuals who are interested in unique dining experiences, socializing with locals or other food enthusiasts, and trying new foods or learning new cooking skills. These apps may also appeal to travelers who are looking for authentic local cuisine or who want to meet new people while on the road.
Our key differentiators
Our app would differentiate from the other meal sharing apps by offering a more localized and community-focused experience. Rather than focusing on unique or exotic dining experiences, our app would promote the use of locally sourced and healthy ingredients, and encourage users to share meals with their neighbors on a regular basis. The app would also prioritize convenience and ease of use, making it simple for neighbors to coordinate meal sharing and build relationships with each other.
Convenience
The meal-sharing app can offer a user-friendly and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to find and connect with nearby neighbors who are interested in sharing meals. The app can also offer features such as scheduling and payment processing to streamline the meal-sharing process and make it more convenient for users.
Healthy and Locally Sourced Ingredients
The app can encourage users to use healthy and locally sourced ingredients in their meals by offering suggestions for ingredients and recipes that fit this criteria. The app can also partner with local farmers markets or food co-ops to provide users with access to these ingredients.
Community Connections
The meal-sharing app can also foster community connections by providing users with the opportunity to connect with neighbors they may not have otherwise met. The app can offer features such as reviews and ratings to build trust and credibility within the community, and can encourage users to share their meal experiences on social media to further build community connections.
Personalization
The app can offer users the ability to personalize their meal preferences and dietary restrictions, making it easier for users to find meals that fit their needs. Additionally, the app can offer features such as suggested meal pairings or personalized recommendations based on a user’s previous meal choices.
Social Responsibility
Finally, the app can promote social responsibility by encouraging users to reduce food waste and minimize their environmental impact through sustainable meal preparation and packaging practices. The app can also partner with local charities or food banks to allow users to donate unused food or ingredients.
Our target Market
For our app, the target market would differentiate by specifically targeting neighbors who are interested in sharing meals with each other. This could include busy professionals who don’t have time to cook every night, families who want to save money on groceries and share the workload of meal preparation, and individuals who are looking for a way to connect with their community and meet new people.
By focusing on these key areas, the meal-sharing app can differentiate itself from other meal-sharing and food delivery services on the market and provide a unique and valuable experience for users.
User Persona 1: John, cook
Based on our research, we created a user persona for our target audience. Meet John, a 35-year-old stay-at-home dad who enjoys cooking and wants to connect with his neighbors.
Demographics
Name: John
Age: 35
Gender: Male
Occupation: Stay-at-home dad
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
Income: $50,000 per year
Behavior
- John enjoys cooking and often prepares meals for his family.
- He wants to connect with his neighbors and get to know them better.
- He is interested in trying new and different types of food.
- John is concerned about food waste and wants to contribute to reducing it.
- He prefers meals made from fresh, healthy, and locally sourced ingredients.
Goals
- John wants to meet new people and make connections in his neighborhood.
- He wants to reduce food waste by sharing meals that would otherwise go to waste.
- John wants to expand his cooking skills and try new recipes.
- He wants to provide his family with healthy, fresh, and diverse meals.
Challenges
- John’s busy schedule as a stay-at-home dad makes it difficult to socialize and meet new people.
- He may not always have the time or energy to cook and prepare meals from scratch.
- He may not have access to all the ingredients he needs to prepare certain meals.
By understanding John’s demographics, behavior, goals, and challenges, we can design an app that meets his needs and helps him achieve his goals. This includes features such as a user-friendly interface, social networking features, meal sharing options, and access to fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
John´s User Journey
To visualize the user’s experience when using the app, we created a user journey map for John. This map shows his experience from initial sign-up to sharing his first meal with his neighbors.
In John’s user journey map, we can see that he initially signs up for the app and creates his profile. He then browses and selects a meal that he wants to share with his neighbors. After preparing the meal, he posts it on the app and waits for his neighbors to express interest. Once a neighbor expresses interest, John arranges for the meal to be picked up or delivered to their home. The experience ends with John receiving feedback and potentially establishing a relationship with his neighbor.
Based on John’s user journey map, we can see that the app should have the following features:
- User profiles that allow users to share information about themselves and their cooking preferences.
- A meal browsing feature that allows users to easily browse and select meals.
- A posting feature that allows users to post their meals and wait for interest from neighbors.
- A messaging or chat feature that allows users to communicate with their neighbors to arrange pick-up or delivery of the meal.
- A feedback feature that allows users to receive feedback from their neighbors and potentially establish a relationship with them.
User Persona 2: Emily, client
On the other side, and based on users who will mainly use the app as clients, we developed another user persona: Meet Emily, a Marketing Manager without time for cooking by herself.
Demographics
Name: Emily
Age: 28
Gender: Female
Occupation: Marketing Manager
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing
Income: $70,000 per year
Behavior
- Emily has a busy work schedule and often eats out or orders takeout.
- She is health-conscious and prefers meals made from fresh, whole ingredients.
- Emily enjoys trying new and different types of food.
- She wants to support her local community and reduce food waste.
Goals
- Emily wants to have access to healthy and diverse meals.
- She wants to reduce her environmental impact by supporting sustainable food practices.
- Emily wants to connect with her community and get to know her neighbors.
Challenges:
- Emily’s busy work schedule makes it difficult to prepare her own meals.
- She may not always have access to healthy and diverse food options.
- She may not know how to prepare certain types of cuisine.
By understanding Emily’s demographics, behavior, goals, and challenges, we can design an app that meets her needs and helps her achieve her goals. This includes features such as a user-friendly interface for browsing meals, access to healthy and diverse food options, and a social networking feature that allows her to connect with her neighbors. Additionally, the app could provide information and resources to help her prepare meals on her own, if desired.
Emily’s user journey
This time we show things a little different. Based on our interviews and first design approaches, we recreate how Emily will be using the app the first time:
- Emily downloads the app and creates her profile, specifying her dietary preferences and restrictions.
- She browses the available meals in her neighborhood and selects one that meets her preferences.
- Emily places an order and pays through the app.
- The neighbor preparing the meal receives the order and prepares the meal.
- Emily receives a notification when the meal is ready and picks it up from the neighbor’s house.
- She enjoys the meal and leaves a review for the neighbor.
- Emily uses the social networking feature to connect with the neighbor who prepared her meal and potentially arrange for future meal exchanges.
- She continues to use the app to explore and try new meals in her neighborhood, while supporting her local community and reducing food waste.
Wireframes
Based on the user journey map, wireframes will be created to illustrate the app’s basic layout and functionality. This will help to determine the app’s information architecture, user flow, and content.
Visual Design
Once the wireframes were finalized, we created the visual design for the app. The design includes a color scheme that is warm and inviting, with an emphasis on food imagery. We also incorporated a social aspect to the app by highlighting user profiles and the ability to follow and connect with neighbors.
Prototype, Iteration & Testing
After completing the visual design, a clickable prototype will be created to test the app’s functionality and usability. The prototype will be tested with the target audience to identify any issues or areas for improvement.
First Prototype Testing Results
- Users found the app easy to use and navigate.
- The social networking feature was well-received, with users expressing interest in connecting with their neighbors.
- The meal browsing feature was popular, with users enjoying the diversity of options.
- Users appreciated the access to healthy and locally sourced ingredients.
- The payment and ordering process was smooth and efficient.
Areas for Improvement from first prototype
- Some users reported difficulty in finding specific dietary options, such as vegan or gluten-free meals.
- The pickup process was confusing for some users, with unclear instructions on where to pick up the meal.
- Some users suggested adding a feature to allow for group meal sharing, such as for community events or gatherings.
- Users wanted more information on the preparation and ingredients of the meals, such as nutritional information or cooking instructions.
Based on these results, potential improvements to the app could include adding more specific dietary filters, improving the pickup process with clear instructions, adding a group meal sharing feature, and providing more detailed information on meal preparation and ingredients. By addressing these areas for improvement, the app can better meet the needs of its users and improve their overall experience.
Prototype Iteration Results
- Users appreciated the addition of more specific dietary filters, such as vegan and gluten-free options.
- The pickup process was clearer and more streamlined, with users reporting a smoother experience.
- The group meal sharing feature was well-received, with users expressing interest in using it for community events and gatherings.
- The addition of more detailed information on meal preparation and ingredients was helpful for users, who appreciated the transparency and knowledge.
Final Design & Handoff
Finally, the design will be refined based on the feedback received during the testing phase. The final design will be handed off to the development team for implementation.
Linking existing apps
Some examples of existing apps that could be linked with the meal-sharing app to improve its services are:
- PayPal: The payment processing service could be integrated with the app to allow for secure and convenient payment transactions.
- Google Maps: The mapping and location service could be linked with the app to allow users to easily locate nearby neighbors and pickup locations.
- Facebook: The social networking platform could be linked with the app to allow for easy sharing and promotion of meal exchanges, as well as for the creation of user profiles and connecting with neighbors.
- Instagram: The photo-sharing app could be linked with the app to allow for users to post photos of their meals and connect with other foodies in the community.
- Yelp: The restaurant review platform could be linked with the app to allow for users to leave reviews and ratings for their neighbors’ meals, helping to build community trust and credibility.
- WhatsApp: The messaging app could be linked with the app to allow for easy communication between neighbors, such as to coordinate meal pickups or discuss dietary preferences.
By linking with these existing apps, the meal-sharing app can leverage their established user bases and functionalities to enhance the user experience and expand the app’s reach.
Areas for Further Improvement in future versions
Some users suggested adding a feature to allow for meal customization, such as adding or removing ingredients based on personal preferences.
Users wanted more information on the neighbor preparing the meal, such as their cooking experience or background.
Some users suggested adding a feature to allow for scheduling meal exchanges in advance, rather than just ordering on the same day.
Users requested more variety in the meal options, with some expressing interest in regional or international cuisine.
Based on these results, potential improvements for the app could include adding a meal customization feature, providing more information on the neighbor preparing the meal, adding a scheduling feature for meal exchanges in advance, and expanding the variety of meal options to include more regional or international cuisine. By addressing these areas for improvement, the app can continue to evolve and better meet the needs and preferences of its users.
Conclusion
The UX design case study for an app for sharing meals between neighbors involves creating a user-friendly mobile application that allows neighbors to share meals and connect with each other. The design process involves conducting research, creating a user persona and journey, wireframing, visual design, prototyping, testing, and final design and handoff. The ultimate goal is to create an app that encourages users to share meals and connect with their neighbors while reducing food waste.
