Role: UX Research | Project Management
The Ideal Experience of
Local Coffee Shops
With this research project, we delve into the emotional connection that people form with their local coffee shops, and the comfort they associate with them. We were intrigued by the fact that coffee shop regulars often think of their preferred coffee shops as a home away from home. We further researched what stimulates tangible feelings and how it affects their behavior in these spaces.
Team size: Group Project
Duration: 10 weeks
Project Brief
Project Goals
nspired by Lextant's human-centered design approach, sought to understand the emotional connection customers have with local coffee shops and the factors that contribute to the "ideal" experience. We aimed to uncover both the practical and emotional needs that these establishments fulfill.
Impact
Our research empowered coffee shop owners and designers to create experiences that resonate with their customers. We found that local coffee shops transcend just a cup of coffee, acting as vibrant community hubs that foster a sense of connection, belonging, and contentment.
Features/Deliverables
Human Experience Magazine
"The Ideal Local Coffee Shop Experience" magazine translates research into actionable recommendations for owners and designers. Our research identified coffee shops as hubs for connection and community, fulfilling both practical and emotional needs.
Reusable Cup Ecosystem
This proposed system promotes sustainability and customer loyalty through shared rewards programs and cashless payments among local shops.
Interior Design Toolkit
Provides guidance on creating the ideal layout, including seating options, lighting environment, furniture selection, and designated community spaces that encourage interaction.
Tools
Miro, Figma, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, Microsoft Excel, Canva
*This webpage provides key highlights of the project, learn more about the project in process book*
Our Process
Data Collection
Research Phase
Secondary Research
66%
Americans consume coffee
$80 B
Revenue in 2022
25-40yr olds
Prefer drinking coffee
Primary Research:
To gather valuable insights for our design research project, we started by developing a detailed screener questionnaire. This targeted individuals whose experiences directly aligned with our project goals. Through insightful questions, we conducted interviews with 12 coffee shop goers, gaining actionable information to guide our research.
Cultural Probe and Sensory Cue Workshop
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Deep Dive:
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Sensory Details:
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Beyond the Surface:
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Design Exploration:
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Actionable Insights:
Conducted a cultural probe, immersing ourselves as observers in the cafe environment.
Documented the full sensory experience, from aroma to background noise.
Uncovered how atmosphere and individual experiences shape customer perception.
Utilized images and words to reveal connections between visual and sensory elements.
Actionable Insights: Gained a deeper understanding of how design shapes emotions and experiences in cafes.
Affinitization
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Organized Data:
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Unveiled Patterns:
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Actionable Insights:
Utilized affinity diagramming to categorize sensory data, images, and words.
Identified key themes and connections within user research findings.
Gained a deeper understanding of user needs to inform design decisions.
So what is the Ideal Experience of
Local Coffee Shops?
The analysis of the subject matter and the organization of insights, along with the sorting and translation process, culminated in a comprehensive experience designed for local coffee shop goers and enjoyers.
Magazine Mock-Up
Inspired by Lextant's human-centered design approach, my 10-week UX research project explored the "Ideal Local Coffee Shop Experience." A magazine of the same name serves as the key deliverable, translating research insights into actionable takeaways for local coffee shop owners and designers. Our research revealed coffee shops cater to both practical and emotional needs, fostering connection, contentment, and a sense of community – a space beyond just a cup of coffee. This project aligns with Lextant's focus on design's impact on human experience, empowering coffee shops to create experiences that resonate with their customers.
Design Opportunities
Findings
Beyond the Buzz:
The Solution:
Our research highlights coffee shops as hubs for connection and community, with customers seeking a deeper experience.
A reusable cup ecosystem linking local shops through a shared rewards program and cashless payment system.
Key Features
Reusable Cup:
Rewards Program:
Cashless Payments:
Incentivizes local shop visits, promotes sustainability, and aligns with customer values.
Earns points and unlocks perks, fostering loyalty and engagement.
Seamless transactions with a unique barcode, similar to a credit card.
Benefits
Strengthens Community:
Environmental Impact:
Economy:
Unites coffee enthusiasts around sustainability and social good.
Promotes reusable cups and reduces waste.
Supports local coffee shops and customer loyalty.
Drawing on customer preferences, we designed a draft layout for the ideal local coffee shop, prioritizing both interior design and architecture.
Creating Interior Design Layout Toolkit:
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Seating Options
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Networking Opportunities
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Lighting Environment
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Comfortable Furniture Selection
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Social/Community Spaces
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Customer Privacy Requirements
Self Retrospective
From Researcher to Project Leader
This project marked a significant milestone in my development as both a researcher and project manager. It was the first time I led a large-scale research initiative, collaborating with a diverse team of designers and engineers. The sheer volume of data was a challenge in itself, with over 14k+ insights to analyze.
Managing the Symphony
Effectively managing this diverse team and a strict schedule was crucial. I honed my skills in:
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Maintaining momentum: Scheduling regular meetups ensured everyone stayed on track and facilitated communication.
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Conflict resolution: Mediating disagreements and fostering a collaborative environment were key to project success.
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Data wrangling: Transforming over 14k+ insights into actionable information required strong data analysis and synthesis skills.
Beyond the Data: Building a Community
Our research delved deeper than the simple act of grabbing a cup of coffee. We discovered that local coffee shops are spaces that foster connection, contentment, and a sense of belonging. These findings inspired me to see these establishments as vibrant community hubs, not just commercial spaces.