BrewGlow
RoleUX/UI Design, Branding
Duration2 months
Recognition
UX Design AwardsBrew Glow is a mobile app aiming to invite Gen Z to tea drinking culture and educate them its benefits through sophisticated design.
As a sole contributor to this project, I was responsible from research to UI design and branding. I was able to develop the project further with peer feedback.
Overview
Problem
Tea is often considered as boring and outdated by many generations. As Gen Z is becoming more health-conscious and interested in mindfulness, tea drinking is facing a new opportunity yet there is no appropriate brand to introduce tea in a fun and engaging way.
Outcome
A mobile app specifically targeting Gen Zs to introduce different types of tea and tea drinking behavior in a playful approach.
Main features include:
- Card-based modules featuring information about teas
- Customized tea brewing window based on intensity and method
Final Design
Research
Market Research
Gen Z, who are born between 1995 and 2002, are famously known as The Moderation Generation. They are a curious and experimental group, and prioritize their health and well-being. They have a nuanced understanding of how drinking impacts their health and that of people around them. Gen Z reshapes the idea of a 'good night out' and often socializes without drinking.
User Research
To validate the market research and get detailed view on how Gen Z has been incorporated tea into their daily routin, I have conducted both empathy interview and survey. All participants met the following criteria: based in North America, regular tea drinker, and Gen Z.
Key findings from the interview include:
- Users are regularly engage with tea drinking, often used to unwind themselves
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Users have lack of understanding in brewing time and method
Key findings from the survey include:
- Users are unknowledgabe about health benefits of each tea type
- Many users drink tea in a relaxed manner
Gap Analysis
This gap analysis compares three existing tea apps across five feature categories: Tea Information, Brewing Customization, AI-based Personalization, Tea Scanning & Recognition, and Health & Wellness Education.
The chart illustrates which features are currently supported by each solution, providing a clear overview of the functional landscape in the current market.
Problem Identification
User research and market analysis revealed that while tea drinking is a regular habit, it is often perceived as outdated and disconnected from users’ current lifestyles. There is a notable lack of guidance on how to brew tea properly and minimal awareness of the health benefits or cultural context behind each type. This has led to a passive, routine engagement with tea, rather than a reflective or personalized ritual.
Design Process
Ideation
In response to these problems, the ideation phase focused on reimagining tea as a personal, informative, and culturally engaging experience. Rather than treating tea as a static or functional beverage, the goal was to design features that allow users to tailor their tea routines to their moods and preferences, gain brewing confidence, and explore the rich global culture behind different tea types.
Wireframes
A/B Testing & Iteration
I have conducted A/B testing on some of the key screens where user can customize brewing time. After the testing, I was able to iterate and develop the design further with clearer direction.
Outcomes of A/B Testing include:
- Participants preferred visually intuitive steps for customizing the brew time
- Participants were frustrated that they can’t actually use the scale to measure
- Participants noticed that there isn’t any button to go back to previous screen
- Participants were confused of different UX writing style
Solution
Key Feature 1
Tea Card Modules
Explore tea based on its health benefit and taste. Card-type modules let you easily skim through and provide detailed information whenever you want.
Key Feature 2
Customized Brewing Window
Steep the tea long enough to bring out the perfect flavor. Simply choose the type of tea, brewing method, size of the cup, and preferred intensity.
AI-powered search is also here to help users explore based on their mood or weather.
Key Feature 3
Brewing Timer
Brew your drink with sophisticated and engaging visuals just like your tea!
Outcome
Results
Luckily, this project was nominated by UX Design Awards!
Key Takeaways
Through this project, I gained thorough understanding of the importance of iteration. I have explored countless color combinations and wireframes throughout the project duration, which resulted in the final outcome.