Service Design: KAFKA’S CAFE & BAKERY
Discover, create, and connect with nature through art and conservation.
Role
UX research, Graphic Design
Tool
Figma, Adobe Illustrator, Blender
Time
Spring 2023
Team
j
Precedent Research
Research to Inform and Inspire
We all looked at what service designs means and looked at examples of existing designs around us. We also looked at the kinds of touch-points used by restaurants, cafes and bars that maintain a frictionless flow of orders and also ensure a user return rate.
Advantageously, some of the group members currently work/used to work at a café, thus, contributing staff-perspective insight throughout the project. We all also tried to remember our experience at the café as customers and what our thought process was when there was no intention to “research” deliberately.
Observation
AEIOU Model
Activities
What do the customers do?
Before Coffee:
Walking through the store layout, navigating behind the table
Ordering the coffee at the counter
Paying for the coffee
Waiting near the entrance of the café to pick up their drink or at the small window if they are ordering food
During Coffee:
Having a seat on the patio, ground floor or upstairs
Drinking the coffee
Doing work on the computer
Socializing
Reading/sketching in notepad
After Coffee:
Lingering for 30 minutes
Cleaning the surface behind them
Putting dishes into the bin near the exit
Throwing away takeaway cups
Environment
What is the character and function of the space?
Minimal and artistic
Slightly chaotic
Appealing to the contemporary Vancouver coffee shop archetype
A place designed to sit down and enjoy coffee or a quick bite to eat
Interactions
What is the nature of interactions between people, objects, and space?
The space is decorated with local artists’ work, serving as a shop/rental display.
The customer interacts with the barista for functional reasons, no small talk happening.
The big dividing table functions as a line divisor and décor, often confusing the customers.
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research
Field Research
🗺️Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Vancouver BC
During my field research at the Wreck Beach stairs and Pacific Spirit Park in University of British Columbia, I explored a captivating forest with historically significant trees. Some of which may have been growing since the arrival of the first Europeans in 1791. Despite this forest's beauty and historical importance, surprisingly few people venture to hike and connect with its remarkable natural wonders.
Elle
While exploring, I encountered several plants that I found visually striking but couldn’t identify.
Alex
I wonder if it grows around my neighborhood too. It would be so cool if there was an app that could help me find it or tell me where else it might be growing nearby.
User Research
💬Interview
This interview explores the interviewee's connection with nature, highlighting the value of community gardens and local plant-focused events.
Ishita Aurora
Environment Science Student
"The presence of community gardens in almost every neighborhood. I think they’re a fantastic way to learn more about plants, especially if you’re involved directly in planting."
Yelu Song
Fine Art Student
"Sometimes I see a plant and wonder if it’s native or what its story is, but I don’t really have a quick way to find that information. I guess I could Google it, but it’s a bit of a hassle."
SeungYeon Lee
UI Designer
"I often see beautiful plants online, but the frustrating thing is, I have no idea where to find them in real life. Even when I really want to go see them and take some photos, it's hard to know where to start looking. Sometimes they might be in my area, but without any location information."
✍️Reflecting on research
🌿
Hard to Identify Plants
Users find striking plants but can’t identify them easily. Searching online is inconvenient and discourages exploration.
📍
No Location Info
Users see plants online but struggle to find them in real life. Lack of location data makes visits difficult.
🏠
Limited Community Involvement
Community gardens are great, but many can’t join directly. Users want easier ways to explore plants nearby.
Design Ideation
The mobile app aims to deepen users' connection with Vancouver's natural environment through plant discovery and creative engagement. The core concept revolves around seamless plant identification and location-based exploration to make nature more accessible.
Plant Identification & Map Integration
Creative Expression & Community Sharing
Monthly Competitions & Product Customization
research synthesis
📇Persona
It helps us understand the target user's needs, such as discovering and identifying plants, expressing creativity, and connecting with nature. By focusing on users like Emily and Alex, who seek a seamless experience for plant identification and creative engagement, the persona guides the design of features that make nature more accessible and foster a deeper connection with Vancouver’s environment.
research synthesis
🗓️Service Blueprint
By visualizing the service blueprint, we can ensure a holistic understanding of the app, emphasizing user engagement, backstage processes, and supporting elements to deliver a seamless and rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.
research synthesis
📑The Business Model Canvas
This app encourages users to record natural observations and creations by providing plant identification services and a community sharing platform, as well as achieving a win-win situation by selling artworks.
DESIGN PROCESS
Wireframes
The wireframe for the app outlines the core features like plant identification, location-based exploration, and creative engagement. It focuses on the layout of key elements, such as search, map view, and plant details, ensuring an intuitive user flow.
DESIGN PROCESS
Low-Fidelity Prototypes
Low-fidelity prototypes of the app allow users to interact with basic features, such as identifying plants and navigating through the app’s plant discovery sections, helping test functionality and gather early feedback on the user experience.
💭User Test
The "Upload" button should be placed in a prominent position, such as a floating action button at the bottom right or a clearly labeled icon in the navigation bar to avoid confusion.
Add a confirmation message or a progress indicator (like a success pop-up) after the upload is completed to assure the user that the action was successful.
design process
Style Guide
design process
Final Design
Homepage
Discover and vote for popular artwork, upload your own creations, and shop unique cultural merchandise inspired by nature, all in one platform that blends creativity, community, and conservation.
Community Page
Users can explore plants through a map, search for specific species, and identify plants using a camera feature for real-time recognition.
Sketch Page
Users can upload their drawings, photos, or poems to the community and explore others' creative works.
How to search plants?
Search for plants by browsing categories or using keyword searches!
