Harmony Kitchen
Overview
"Birthdays" is a user-centered design solution that addresses the common problem of individuals struggling with remembering birthdays and finding appropriate gifts for their loved ones. Through user research, the issue of forgetting birthdays, the difficulty of remembering personal interests and the uncertainty of gift-giving were identified as key pain points. The goal of this project was to design an application that facilitates the tracking of birthdays, the logging and learning of personal interests, the sending of personalized messages, and the ability to make informed decisions regarding gift-giving.
Project Overview
Harmony Kitchen emerged as a collaborative Agile/Scrum-driven effort, bringing together a group of five dedicated individuals, each contributing their expertise to create an innovative cooking app. As the sole UX/UI designer, I assumed a central role in shaping the app's user experience and interface, while adhering to the iterative and adaptive principles of Agile/Scrum methodology. This project was undertaken as part of the "A Ticket for Your Future" program hosted by Arcelik Global—an initiative that empowered us to channel our skills and creativity into meaningful innovation.
Problem & Solution:
The app addresses a significant issue: food waste. With 1.3 billion tons of food wasted annually and 61% attributed to households, Harmony Kitchen steps in as a solution. By providing personalized recipes, ingredient management, and a supportive community, we empower users to cook consciously, make the most of their ingredients, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Roles (In Depth)
Within this collaborative endeavor, I played a pivotal role as the sole UX/UI designer, contributing the following:
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Idea Solidification: I transformed conceptual app features into tangible interface designs, shaping Harmony Kitchen's essence.
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User Research: I conducted comprehensive user research, gathering invaluable feedback and insights from potential users.
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Visual Design: I meticulously designed visual elements, including layout, typography, and color scheme, to create an inviting ambiance.
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Prototype Development and Testing: I developed and tested a prototype of the app, gathering user feedback and refining the design for optimal usability.
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Program Engagement: As part of the "A Ticket for Your Future" program by Arcelik Global, I harnessed the platform to enhance our skills and drive impactful innovation.
Research
Our research journey encompassed various facets to lay the foundation for Harmony Kitchen's design:
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Consumer Behavior Insights: As a team, we conducted an in-depth interview with a UK resident to grasp consumer behavior and home food waste management, providing vital insights.
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Cooking Apps Analysis: Collaboratively, we dissected existing cooking apps and trends to glean valuable lessons and inform Harmony Kitchen's distinctive approach.
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Individual UX Research: Individually, I delved into app UX, design, and interfaces, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience for Harmony Kitchen.
This multifaceted research approach underpinned Harmony Kitchen's design, ensuring it resonated with user needs and market trends.
User Profile
Target Audience
Harmony Kitchen caters to a diverse range of users:
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Cooking Enthusiasts & Sharers: For those who love experimenting with new recipes and sharing their culinary masterpieces.
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Inspiration Seekers: Users who seek new ideas and inspiration to elevate their cooking game.
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Sustainable & Waste-Conscious Users: Individuals who are passionate about reducing food waste and making mindful choices in the kitchen.
Product
App Intro
Harmony Kitchen is a revolutionary cooking app driven by AI that combines personalization, innovation, and community engagement. With an emphasis on reducing food waste and promoting mindful cooking, the app aims to inspire users to create delicious meals that align with their dietary needs, preferences, and goals.
App Features
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Personalization: Customize your cooking experience by setting dietary preferences, allergies, and household information. Whether you're a vegetarian, have specific allergies, or are cooking for a family, Harmony Kitchen ensures your recipes are perfectly tailored.
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Recipe Discovery: Seamlessly search for recipes using tags and keywords, making it easier than ever to find the perfect dish. Our AI-driven recommendation engine suggests recipes based on your food preferences and dietary restrictions, helping you discover new culinary delights.
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Recipe Engagement: Engage with the cooking community by creating, saving, and rating recipes. Share your cooking experiences, provide feedback, and even post your own versions of existing recipes. Comments and user versions foster a sense of connection within our community.
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Community Involvement: Earn recognition and popularity by contributing highly-rated content and actively participating in the community. Harmony Kitchen rewards your engagement, creating a vibrant ecosystem of cooking enthusiasts.
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Ingredient Recognition: Simplify your cooking process by importing ingredients through visual recognition technology. Snap a photo of your food storage, and the app generates ingredient list for recipes based on your existing inventory.
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Recipe Creation: Channel your inner chef by crafting your own recipes with step-by-step instructions, photos, and adjustable serving sizes. Snap a photo of your counter, and the app auto-detects the ingredients used in the recipe. This way, you don't have to manually enter each ingredient! Share your culinary creations with the Harmony Kitchen community and inspire others.
Conclusion
As the UX/UI designer of Harmony Kitchen, I am proud to have contributed to an app that not only simplifies cooking but also promotes mindful choices and a sense of community. Through thoughtful design and collaboration with our team, I've strived to create an experience that brings joy to cooking
while addressing a pressing global issue.
Forging a Seamless Culinary Experience
This project challenged me to navigate intricate design nuances and harness technology to address real-world challenges. From solidifying ideas to translating them into a tangible interface, every step was a testament to the power of design thinking. I embraced user feedback as a compass guiding refinements, ensuring that Harmony Kitchen's interface not only addressed user needs but also celebrated the joy of cooking.
Collaboration & "A Ticket for Your Future" Program
Moreover, my participation in the "A Ticket for Your Future" program by Arcelik Global amplified the project's impact. This program amplified my skill set and empowered me to contribute significantly to the project's development. The intersection of creativity, user empathy, and sustainable practices converged to birth an app that not only simplifies cooking but also fosters mindful consumption and community interaction.
Reflecting on Growth and Transformation: Evolution of a UX/UI Designer
In retrospect, Harmony Kitchen represents my growth as a UX/UI designer—where I sharpened my ability to transform ideas into intuitive interfaces, integrate diverse user insights, and collaborate seamlessly with a multidisciplinary team. The journey reaffirms my belief in the transformative potential of design, reminding me that design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about crafting experiences that resonate, inspire, and create positive change. As Harmony Kitchen continues to empower culinary enthusiasts, I remain inspired by the impact of design on everyday experiences and its role in shaping a sustainable future.