In an effort for solutions we came up with 3 concepts: SMC Swipes, the My Bodega app, and a Bodega Website. After voting unanimously the Dream team decided to place our efforts into building a "My Bodega app" front end. As a group we often asked questions if it was necessary to concentrate on the backend end of the things as well. It wasn't until we interviewed with staff member Thaddeus were we learned the difficulties of accurately inputing inventory. We later pivoted the project to Bodega Website. It only made since that the Bodega start with building a website before venturing into a mobile app. Here was our team's design process before pivoting.
Instead of solving for two problems, the frontend & backend of Bodega our team decided to pivot. Originally our team sought out to solve for long lines and to help the Bodega provide seamless and efficient service. While testing we noticed since covid restrictions had lifted that the long lines were no longer a problem. We wondered if an app would be the best solution, especially when staff member, Thaddeus, shared with us how counting inventory is more likely eyeballed.
After presenting a design system to the team on a solution to the Bodega's inventory issues the Dream Team voted to move towards a concept number 3, the official Bodega Website starting with wireframes. Unfortunately, because we chose to pivot so late in the project we had already completed testing with app prototype and time constraints kept us from being able to test out final project.
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After interviewing and testing our team focused on simplifying the site's information architecture to display a clear vision of what the Bodega has to offer, starting with the HOME page. We felt the most important pieces of information is that the Bodega is Free and Available to All Students. We also displayed not one but two call to actions based on two separate needs: visiting, and volunteering.
Through our research and development we found the need of community that the Bodega takes pride in. It's important to our group to create an environment where students can not only get involved but form a social society with their peers through wellness & basic needs, giving students courage they are not alone.
As a student it can be overwhelming to find the exact resource you need on SMC's website. Here would be one go to location where students can find all meal projects and food resources as well as other health and wellness programs.
The About section describes what the Bodega is and is an instructional space where students find out information prior to visiting. With Covid in place there are limitations to the Bodega's capacity that's important to know before visiting.
The Bodega Website was a success. The site's information architecture covered all necessities in an easy to navigate, minimal, fun, vibrant, and cohesive design. The website was designed on webflow and stays consistent with Bodega's brand elements. Not only was our team's prototype successful but our vision video came out amazing. Each team member worked collectively to produce high qualIty material. It was a pleasure to work with the Dream Team, each team member is smart and extremely talented. As I reflect on areas of improvement, I realized that as a team we could learn how to divide more work amongst group to evenly distribute work. Maybe presenting ideas at first initial meeting after briefing to get clear idea on the weeks agenda would be more helpful. Also, I believe it was very important to speak with more staff members and stakeholders early on to understand the problem from all directions.
