La Chicha, originally an exercise for the Google/Coursera Experience Design course, was created to make organising barbecues easier.
The enthusiasm of the users interviewed for the project, combined with the drive to bring it to life, has transformed it into an app that celebrates the art of living.
To keep the user at the center of every design decision, I employed continuous feedback as a core method.
I began with exploratory interviews to identify key themes, which then guided the creation of prototypes that were continuously evaluated by a control group.
All care was taken to distinguish the unique traits of each barbecuer from the shared beliefs and habits common to all.
The search for product-market fit involved integrating tools and functionalities within a broader narrative.
After the initial research findings, I asked: What could truly make a difference? Taken separately, the data says nothing. By analyzing and connecting patterns of habits and beliefs, I concluded that the fundamental driver was overcoming social isolation.
To understand how the problem impacts the user, I created two personas that served as archetypes and guides for the screen design.
These personas revolve around the roles of energising and organising the party, reflecting the needs of those in charge of the barbecue.
If the problem was social isolation and the challenge was organising without losing enthusiasm, my conversations with users allowed me to identify and summarise four key pain points:
Allow you to invite a friend without forcing them to use the platform.
Suggest ready-made meat packs that can be fully customised.
Content resources for the barbecue chef to improve his skills.
Celebrate past barbecues as inspiration for future gatherings.
In the initial wireframes used during usability tests, inviting friends required creating an account.
I simplified this process to make it more open and flexible, removing any obstacles that might hinder the barbecue chef's ability to connect with friends.
In the final version, the invite process is easier, more open, and more flexible.
From a user experience perspective, the results stand out for their flexible interactions, allowing for a highly personalized experience.
Flexible Start
The starting point for a barbecue varied among interviewees, so I designed a flexible flow that allows each user to choose where to begin.
À la Carte Meat Packages
Starting with pre-selected meat packages helps in planning the barbecue. However, everyone has their own preferences. The solution was to combine these suggested packages with à la carte customization options.
My prior experience in brand design helped me create a symbol and system that evokes the playful and appetizing spirit of barbecues. The use of a vibrant palette and refined typographic control made the user experience fluid and captivating.
Before becoming a reality on the market, three essential points of the project needed to be covered:
Allow you to invite a friend without forcing them to use the platform.
Suggest ready-made meat packs that can be fully customised.
Content resources for the barbecue chef to improve his skills.