EazyCart: Real-Time Smart Navigation for Grocery Shoppers
EazyCart: Real-Time Smart Navigation for Grocery Shoppers
EazyCart: Real-Time Smart Navigation for Grocery Shoppers
EazyCart: Real-Time Smart Navigation for Grocery Shoppers
A smart shopping cart that uses real-time navigation, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon technology, and Near-field communication (NFC) syncing to turn grocery chaos into clarity.
A smart shopping cart that uses real-time navigation, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon technology, and Near-field communication (NFC) syncing to turn grocery chaos into clarity.
A smart shopping cart that uses real-time navigation, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon technology, and Near-field communication (NFC) syncing to turn grocery chaos into clarity.
Designed For
Designed For
SI 612: Pervasive Interaction Design at University of Michigan
SI 612: Pervasive Interaction Design at University of Michigan
SI 612: Pervasive Interaction Design at University of Michigan
Industry
Industry
Retail
Retail
Retail
Date
Date
January 2025 - April 2025
January 2025 - April 2025
January 2025 - April 2025
Role and Contribution
Role and Contribution
UX research, system architecture, prototype, accessibility design, hardware prototyping
UX research, system architecture, prototype, accessibility design, hardware prototyping
UX research, system architecture, prototype, accessibility design, hardware prototyping
Problem
Problem
Problem
Finding milk shouldn’t feel like solving a maze
Finding milk shouldn’t feel like solving a maze
Finding milk shouldn’t feel like solving a maze
Finding milk shouldn’t feel like solving a maze
In a college town with crowded stores and shifting layouts, we realized that even simple grocery trips often took longer than expected. Shoppers were frustrated. Not by what to buy, but where to find it.
In a college town with crowded stores and shifting layouts, we realized that even simple grocery trips often took longer than expected. Shoppers were frustrated. Not by what to buy, but where to find it.
In a college town with crowded stores and shifting layouts, we realized that even simple grocery trips often took longer than expected. Shoppers were frustrated. Not by what to buy, but where to find it.
Core challenge
Core challenge
Core challenge
How might we help shoppers navigate grocery stores more efficiently by turning the cart into a smart, location-aware guide?
How might we help shoppers navigate grocery stores more efficiently by turning the cart into a smart, location-aware guide?
How might we help shoppers navigate grocery stores more efficiently by turning the cart into a smart, location-aware guide?
How might we help shoppers navigate grocery stores more efficiently by turning the cart into a smart, location-aware guide?
Research and Key Findings
Research and Key Findings
Research and Key Findings
The real challenge wasn’t decision making, it was navigation
The real challenge wasn’t decision making, it was navigation
The real challenge wasn’t decision making, it was navigation
The real challenge wasn’t decision making, it was navigation
Rather than struggling with choices, shoppers were frustrated by locating items in constantly changing spaces.
Rather than struggling with choices, shoppers were frustrated by locating items in constantly changing spaces.
Rather than struggling with choices, shoppers were frustrated by locating items in constantly changing spaces.
Cultural Probes
Pre-Shopping Cultural Probe
Pre-Shopping Cultural Probe
Pre-Shopping Cultural Probe
20%
20%
20%
40%
Less than 15 minutes
15-30 minutes
30-45 minutes
Almost an hour
More than an hour
Post-Shopping Cultural Probe
Post-Shopping Cultural Probe
Post-Shopping Cultural Probe
20%
20%
60%
Less than 15 minutes
15-30 minutes
30-45 minutes
Almost an hour
More than an hour
5 cultural probe participants
60% shoppers spent longer shopping than they expected
60% shoppers spent longer shopping than they expected
60% shoppers spent longer shopping than they expected
Surveys
What are some of the biggest challenges you experience when shopping at a grocery store?
What are some of the biggest challenges you experience when shopping at a grocery store?
What are some of the biggest challenges you experience when shopping at a grocery store?
15.8%
13.2%
13.2%
13.2%
39.5%
Finding products efficiently
Navigating a grocery store efficiently
Long check out times
Confusion with layout/organization of stores
Couponing and finding goals
Understanding pricing
Budgeting while selecting my items
None
38 survey responses
Efficiency ranked as the top shopping priority for shoppers
Efficiency ranked as the top shopping priority for shoppers
Efficiency ranked as the top shopping priority for shoppers
Personas
Personas
Personas
Speed and flexibility mattered more than high-tech features
Speed and flexibility mattered more than high-tech features
Speed and flexibility mattered more than high-tech features
Speed and flexibility mattered more than high-tech features
We synthesized findings into two target personas:
A college student shopping quickly between classes
A young professional aiming for efficient weekend trips
These users wanted clarity, speed, and flexibility.
We synthesized findings into two target personas:
A college student shopping quickly between classes
A young professional aiming for efficient weekend trips
These users wanted clarity, speed, and flexibility.
We synthesized findings into two target personas:
A college student shopping quickly between classes
A young professional aiming for efficient weekend trips
These users wanted clarity, speed, and flexibility.
Jordan: The College Student
Jordan: The College Student
Jordan: The College Student
Jordan: The College Student
About: 21 years old, full-time college student
Shopping Frequency: Weekly, transportation by foot, bike, or public transport
Pain Points: Out of stock items, budget adjustments, heavy loads by foot
Goals: Stick to shopping list, minimize store time or wandering
Technologies: Uses mobile apps for discounts, open to smart shopping tools
I need to shop quickly and find exactly what I need. Also, carrying heavy bags is a bonus I don’t need.
Sara: The Remote Worker
Sara: The Remote Worker
Sara: The Remote Worker
Sara: The Remote Worker
About: 30 years old, full-time marketing manager
Shopping Frequency: Weekly, with occasional quick trips by car
Pain Points: Store layout changes, inconsistency of in-store and delivery services
Goals: Shop efficiently, minimize time in store, use delivery for essentials or busy weeks
Technologies: Uses grocery delivery apps occasionally, uses Google Maps for store information
Some weeks, I have time to shop in-store. I just want a faster and reliable way to get what I need and get back to my life
Early Concept Testing
Early Concept Testing
Early Concept Testing
Simpler tools helped us test smarter ideas
Simpler tools helped us test smarter ideas
Simpler tools helped us test smarter ideas
Simpler tools helped us test smarter ideas
To test the concept, we facilitated user enactment sessions using:
A paper grocery store map
A moveable paper cart
Lo-fi paper screen wireframes
Simulated navigation, promotions, and item searches
To test the concept, we facilitated user enactment sessions using:
A paper grocery store map
A moveable paper cart
Lo-fi paper screen wireframes
Simulated navigation, promotions, and item searches
To test the concept, we facilitated user enactment sessions using:
A paper grocery store map
A moveable paper cart
Lo-fi paper screen wireframes
Simulated navigation, promotions, and item searches
We tested three key design dimensions with scenarios:
We tested three key design dimensions with scenarios:
We tested three key design dimensions with scenarios:
System Proactiveness
System Proactiveness
System Proactiveness
This scenario tested how a user new to the cart would engage with the smart cart interface.
This scenario tested how a user new to the cart would engage with the smart cart interface.
This scenario tested how a user new to the cart would engage with the smart cart interface.
This scenario tested how a user new to the cart would engage with the smart cart interface.
Context Awareness
Context Awareness
Context Awareness
This scenario explored how the system handled real-time information and proactive suggestions.
This scenario explored how the system handled real-time information and proactive suggestions.
This scenario explored how the system handled real-time information and proactive suggestions.
User Personalization
User Personalization
User Personalization
In this scenario, the participant searched for a seasonal item that had been relocated.
In this scenario, the participant searched for a seasonal item that had been relocated.
In this scenario, the participant searched for a seasonal item that had been relocated.
In this scenario, the participant searched for a seasonal item that had been relocated.
Research Insights
Research Insights
Research Insights
Shoppers wanted guidance, but also freedom to wander
Shoppers wanted guidance, but also freedom to wander
Shoppers wanted guidance, but also freedom to wander
Shoppers wanted guidance, but also freedom to wander
While users appreciated clear guidance, they didn’t want to feel overly directed. They wanted both structure and spontaneity.
While users appreciated clear guidance, they didn’t want to feel overly directed. They wanted both structure and spontaneity.
While users appreciated clear guidance, they didn’t want to feel overly directed. They wanted both structure and spontaneity.
Turn-by-turn map and navigation guidance
“I just want to get in, find my stuff fast, and leave.”
Audio/visual cues for rerouting
Audio/visual cues for rerouting
“If an item is out of stock, the cart should tell me that.”
Freedom for impulse purchases
Freedom for impulse purchases
“Sometimes I browse. I don’t want the cart to rush me.”
Final Designs
Final Designs
Final Designs
A shopping cart that syncs, adapts, and redirects in real time
A shopping cart that syncs, adapts, and redirects in real time
A shopping cart that syncs, adapts, and redirects in real time
A shopping cart that syncs, adapts, and redirects in real time
EazyCart syncs with the store’s system to guide shoppers in real time. Users import their list via NFC, and BLE beacons track their location. Staff can update layouts or inventory, and the cart adapts instantly—rerouting users or suggesting better options.
EazyCart syncs with the store’s system to guide shoppers in real time. Users import their list via NFC, and BLE beacons track their location. Staff can update layouts or inventory, and the cart adapts instantly—rerouting users or suggesting better options.
EazyCart syncs with the store’s system to guide shoppers in real time. Users import their list via NFC, and BLE beacons track their location. Staff can update layouts or inventory, and the cart adapts instantly—rerouting users or suggesting better options.
Tap and Import
Tap and Import
Tap and Import
Keeps the shopper inside the supermarket's official app for a seamless experience.
Users can quickly import their shopping list using a familiar tap-to-import method with their smartphone's NFC.
Enables immediate transfer of pre-created shopping lists into the app.
Keeps the shopper inside the supermarket's official app for a seamless experience.
Users can quickly import their shopping list using a familiar tap-to-import method with their smartphone's NFC.
Enables immediate transfer of pre-created shopping lists into the app.
Keeps the shopper inside the supermarket's official app for a seamless experience.
Users can quickly import their shopping list using a familiar tap-to-import method with their smartphone's NFC.
Enables immediate transfer of pre-created shopping lists into the app.
Keeps the shopper inside the supermarket's official app for a seamless experience.
Users can quickly import their shopping list using a familiar tap-to-import method with their smartphone's NFC.
Enables immediate transfer of pre-created shopping lists into the app.
Keeps the shopper inside the supermarket's official app for a seamless experience.
Users can quickly import their shopping list using a familiar tap-to-import method with their smartphone's NFC.
Enables immediate transfer of pre-created shopping lists into the app.
Real-Time Location Services
Real-Time Location Services
Real-Time Location Services
Utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioned in each department to provide real-time, pinpoint navigation within the store.
Dynamic system adapts based on shopper location and employee backend updates.
Utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioned in each department to provide real-time, pinpoint navigation within the store.
Dynamic system adapts based on shopper location and employee backend updates.
Utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioned in each department to provide real-time, pinpoint navigation within the store.
Dynamic system adapts based on shopper location and employee backend updates.
Utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioned in each department to provide real-time, pinpoint navigation within the store.
Dynamic system adapts based on shopper location and employee backend updates.
Utilizes Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) positioned in each department to provide real-time, pinpoint navigation within the store.
Dynamic system adapts based on shopper location and employee backend updates.
Smart Navigation and Real-Time Feedback
Smart Navigation and Real-Time Feedback
Smart Navigation and Real-Time Feedback
Provides in-aisle directions and suggestions based on the shopper’s real-time location and list.
Uses backend employee inputs and location awareness to adapt to store changes.
Users receive live updates, route adjustments, and helpful tips while navigating.
Provides in-aisle directions and suggestions based on the shopper’s real-time location and list.
Uses backend employee inputs and location awareness to adapt to store changes.
Users receive live updates, route adjustments, and helpful tips while navigating.
Provides in-aisle directions and suggestions based on the shopper’s real-time location and list.
Uses backend employee inputs and location awareness to adapt to store changes.
Users receive live updates, route adjustments, and helpful tips while navigating.
Provides in-aisle directions and suggestions based on the shopper’s real-time location and list.
Uses backend employee inputs and location awareness to adapt to store changes.
Users receive live updates, route adjustments, and helpful tips while navigating.
Provides in-aisle directions and suggestions based on the shopper’s real-time location and list.
Uses backend employee inputs and location awareness to adapt to store changes.
Users receive live updates, route adjustments, and helpful tips while navigating.
Final Video
Final Video
Final Video
Watch the Smart Cart Experience
Watch the Smart Cart Experience
Watch the Smart Cart Experience
Watch the Smart Cart Experience
This short demo showcases how EazyCart adapts in real time to shopper behavior.
This short demo showcases how EazyCart adapts in real time to shopper behavior.
This short demo showcases how EazyCart adapts in real time to shopper behavior.
Reflection
Reflection
Reflection
What I Learned from Building EazyCart
What I Learned from Building EazyCart
What I Learned from Building EazyCart
What I Learned from Building EazyCart
Why this mattered?
EazyCart reminded me that great UX isn’t about cleverness, it’s about clarity. I saw how users value systems they can trust.
EazyCart reminded me that great UX isn’t about cleverness, it’s about clarity. I saw how users value systems they can trust.
EazyCart reminded me that great UX isn’t about cleverness, it’s about clarity. I saw how users value systems they can trust.
What I learned?
I learned to design not just interfaces, but infrastructure, from real-time feedback to inclusive voice guidance.
I learned to design not just interfaces, but infrastructure, from real-time feedback to inclusive voice guidance.
I learned to design not just interfaces, but infrastructure, from real-time feedback to inclusive voice guidance.
What I’ll carry forward?
This project taught me to empower, not overwhelm. That’s the kind of design I want to keep building.
This project taught me to empower, not overwhelm. That’s the kind of design I want to keep building.
This project taught me to empower, not overwhelm. That’s the kind of design I want to keep building.
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for reading!
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