Cookeasy
Making it easier to cook your favourite meals
Sole project
Project length: 6 weeks
Have you ever found yourself exploring multiple websites just to cook one meal?
Project Vision
Cookeasy was created as a one-stop application where users are able to search for any kind of recipe, have it filtered to their needs, and can adjust portion sizes to cook their perfect meal. Cookeasy's application can be used by any individual no matter what their preferences are. The ultimate vision for this project is to create a universal application that exceeds user expectations.
Challenges
1. Introduce features that make Cookeasy different from its competitors.
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2. Create an eye-catching and functional design.
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3. Provide accessible options throughout the application.
Research
In order to gain more insight and brainstorm the elements of a successful online recipe tool, I talked to people who search for recipes online quite often. By doing this, I could also capture what they were currently doing and what value it was providing them.
What do you look for when searching recipes online?
Meal Type
Cook Time
Ingredients
Ratings
Other
12
16
18
4
1
0
4
8
12
16
Is it difficult for you to find what you're looking for?
50%
3%
10%
35%
"A recipe finding tool that allows you to personalize your recipes with ingredients and preferences would be great. There are great recipes online but then you find out you don't have the ingredients to cook that meal".
- Quote from a user survey
I also looked at similar apps to further my research on what a useful recipe app is comprised of. Some takeaways of what made them successful included:
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Well-structured navigation
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Data alterations through filters
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Easy to understand guides for recipes
The Design Process
I created a list of 'How Might We...' questions to help better align the user's tasks and goals:
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How might we provide convenience to users and make the app easy to use?
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How might we personalize features for users to make their experience more valuable?
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How might we create an end-to-end experience for the users?
Iterations
After testing out the wireframes in the usability studies, there were some pain points from the users to consider and implement into the design.
The users wanted to see the quantity of the ingredients in the list so they know the exact amount needed for the recipe in order to not waste anything:
The users also pointed out that they would like the option of having a step-by-step guide for the recipe instructions so that it's easier to follow:
