food & drink
Redesigning Texas A&M Transact app’s food ordering process using HCD to enhance efficiency, improve aesthetics, boost adoption, and reduce on-campus wait times.
Year
2025
My Role
Everything
Mentor
Taylor O'Neill
tags
Research, UX Design
overview
The Problem
outdated accessibility
Existing interface exhibits a lack of intuitive features, resulting in prolonged task completion times, unclear calls to action, and non-compliance with web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG).
The Solution
inclusive design
The redesign incorporates reward-based gamification, optimized mobile ordering workflows, and personalized promotions that comply with WCAG standards and promote continued product engagement.
The Outcome
improved incentive
Texas A&M students are expected to engage with the product more frequently as a result of targeted in-app promotions, enhanced personalization, and greater inclusion of all campus dining options.
OUR USERS
Daily Users
On-campus freshmen
Freshmen that live on campus are required to have a meal plan. With busy schedules, freshmen seek diverse meal options through Maroon Meals and desires an improved rewards system for frequent users. They value quick and convenient meal options that fit their hectic lifestyle.
Weekly Users
Off-campus juniors
Students who live off-campus but are on-campus regularly. They often feel limited due to dietary restrictions and lack of trust in customization options. They would benefit from clearer menu descriptions and in-app reviews to help make informed decisions.
Monthly Users
West campus Graduate students
West Campus users currently have limited options for restaurants. Without any financial incentives, students are less likely to utilize the app. Transact would be more successful if the app supported the on-campus coffee shops and corner stores along with in-app promotions.
final solution
Menu browsing
Information grouped in categories based on user survey's priorities
Recently Ordered meals quickly accessible to 'Add to cart'
Menu items sorted into categories rather than restaurants to prioritize cravings over brand bias
Highlights restaurants closest in proximity to user's location
ordering
Increased number of customization options when ordering from the menu
Check-out in 4 or less steps
Quickly add or subtract menu items from cart
Compare cost impact in Checkout through real-time price adjustments
Receive directions to restaurant upon purchase completion
balance
Revised layout includes quick-access which enables students to stay in-app to view remaining balance
Offers five digit code to ensure security is not lost with new access to private information
Improves trust with meal swipe tracking, highlighting how users are utilizing their meal plan
maps
View new locations on the map like corner stores, cafes, and dining halls
Receive suggested nearby meals depending on purchase history and restaurant proximity
Filter restaurants and quick view location hours
Rewards
Gamified rewards experience with 'Badges' that are earned based on user's purchase habits
Badges are revealed with a special reward once the user buys a specific item 'x' amount of times
Highlights limited time offers
Encourages in-app trust with rewards for leaving reviews, social media recommendations, etc.
Reward History shows the activation and use of rewards in receipt format
account
Users are able to input dietary restrictions, likes, and dislikes
Automatically substitutes or removes food items from anywhere within the app
Removes the users' need to repeatedly customize their order when adding to cart
Shows the two most recent transactions with ability to view all purchase history
Contains Feedback & Support
