Steaming Hot Design: A Coffee Shop App Challenge
The Challenge
Design a coffee shop app in 2 hours (okay, 2.5 hours—because let’s be real, 120 minutes is a stretch) that makes ordering coffee as smooth as a perfectly frothed cappuccino.
• Problem: Coffee lovers want their caffeine fix fast, but clunky apps and decision fatigue can turn a simple order into a headache—especially before that first cup of coffee.
• Solution: A clean, intuitive app that uses psychology to make ordering effortless. From subtle nudges to visual tricks, every detail was designed to guide users without them even noticing.
• Outcome: A high-fidelity prototype that’s ready to brew up some serious sales for Beans + Brew.
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The Steps
Feature Map: The client’s requests were mapped out—repeat purchases, easy checkout, in-store pickup, and quick access to favorites. Everything a coffee addict could want, all in one place.
User Flow: The flow was designed to be so simple, even a sleep-deprived coffee lover could follow it: find a product → add to cart → checkout → see order status. No unnecessary steps, no confusion.
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UI Design: Material Design 3.0 was used to save time, paired with a warm brown-orange palette to match the brand’s vibe. But the real magic? The psychology baked into every screen.
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The Psychology Behind the Design
• Tackling Decision Fatigue: The center stage effect was used to highlight popular items and “Last Ordered” options, so users don’t have to overthink. Why stare at a menu when the app can suggest, “Hey, you always get this latte—want it again?”
• Chips Over Dropdowns: Instead of overwhelming users with dropdown menus, chips were used for selections. Fewer clicks, fewer decisions, fewer headaches.
• The Decoy Effect: To nudge users toward a larger size, a medium option was shown that’s only slightly cheaper. Suddenly, the large feels like a no-brainer.
• Anchoring Effect: By showcasing “Most Popular” items first, users’ attention was anchored to what others love. If everyone else is ordering it, it must be good, right?
• Subtle Upselling: In the cart, recommendations like, “How about a cookie to go with that latte?” were added. It’s not pushy—it’s helpful. (And let’s be real, who says no to a cookie?)
• Hiding the Pain (of Spending): Prices were kept visible but subtle—no bold, glaring numbers to remind users they’re spending money. Out of sight, out of mind… until the dopamine hit of that latte kicks in.
• Always Visible “Buy” Button: No one should lose their latte because they didn’t scroll far enough. The “Buy” button stays put, so users can checkout anytime.
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The Challenges
• Time Crunch: Designing a whole app in 2 hours is like trying to drink a boiling latte—it’s just not happening. The timeline was stretched to 2.5 hours to ensure quality.
• Balancing Psychology and Simplicity: Weaving in psychological tricks without making the app feel manipulative was a fine line to walk. The goal was “helpful nudges,” not “annoying pop-ups.”
• Upselling Without Annoying: The cart had to encourage adding more items without feeling pushy. Subtlety was key.
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Final Thoughts
This project was like a design sprint on espresso—fast, intense, and a little jittery. By leaning on psychology and prioritizing user experience, the result was an app that’s not just functional, but delightful. It’s ready to serve up some serious caffeine (and maybe a muffin or two).