Backtorial
At a glance
With Backtorial, an app was developed that specifically supports baking beginners and makes it easier for them to get started. Based on user research and usability tests, an interactive concept was created that combines simple step-by-step instructions with video clips, personalized recipe suggestions and practical baking planning functions.
My role
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User research & conception: analysis of the target group, development of personas and user journeys
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UI/UX design: design of an intuitive user interface and interactive prototypes
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Prototyping & Testing: Creation and evaluation of low- and high-fidelity prototypes through usability tests
Technologies & methods
Human-centered design, benchmarking, usability testing, UI/UX design, prototyping with Figma
Result
Backtorial combines the advantages of print recipes and video instructions in an intuitive app that supports the entire baking process. The high-fidelity prototype was successfully tested and meets the identified user needs such as instructions, clarity, plannability and customizability.
Aim of the app
As part of my bachelor's thesis, I decided to make the concept and design for a baking app that particularly takes into account the needs of beginners.
The decisive reason for this was my personal experience in baking. Having published my own baking creations on Instagram for a while, I often heard that many people would like to bake but don't know how to get started. They don't know where to find recipes that match their skills and are quickly demotivated if an attempt at baking goes wrong.
The development of a baking app that supports the target group of baking beginners in particular therefore seemed like a useful approach.
Approach
Using the human-centered design process, user research was conducted, the needs of the target group were analyzed, personas and user journeys were created and design solutions were developed and tested as part of usability tests. In addition, four competitor apps were analyzed in advance in order to understand the current competitive situation on the market.
Personas
Two personas were developed based on the findings from shadowing sessions, in which four test subjects were each observed in their home kitchens while carrying out a baking recipe, and subsequent interviews. These represent the target group.
User Journey
An “as-is” user journey map was then created, which shows the current processes of the Lilly Weigert persona before, during and after baking, as well as her emotional state and touchpoints.
User Needs
Based on the previous user research, eight key user needs of the target group were identified.
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Instructions
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Entertainment
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Clarity
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Visual appeal
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Efficiency
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inspiration
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Customizability
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Plannability
Concept
The system requirements and a target user journey were then worked out. In addition, the information architecture of the app was developed as a flow chart, on the basis of which the first paper scribbles were developed.
Once it had been decided which designs should be pursued in the subsequent prototype, work began on a clickable low-fidelity prototype. This was then tested on a mobile device by four test subjects as part of usability tests.
Design
Taking into account the results of the low-fidelity usability tests, the prototype was further developed into a high-fidelity prototype. For this purpose, colors, shapes, typography, icons and imagery were defined and illustrations were created.
First, users are given a brief introduction to the app's most important functions. After creating a user account, they are redirected to adjust their personal filter settings so that, from the first use, they only see recipe results that take into account their personal baking skills, diet and any intolerances.
On the home page, various recipe categories are displayed as well as additional themed recipe sliders. Each recipe preview contains information on the preparation time and level of difficulty of a recipe as well as the option to bookmark it and add it to a cookbook.
The recipes can also be filtered. Within the categories, the results can be filtered even more finely.
Each recipe includes the option to rate and comment on it, a short introductory text, information on the time required, a tool list and the option to save personal notes. In addition, the quantity of ingredients can be multiplied or converted to your own baking tin size. The ingredients can be added to the shopping list and alternative suggestions can be viewed. There are also written preparation instructions.
If the baking mode is started within a recipe, a step-by-step guide opens, which contains a video clip, a tool list, a list of ingredients and brief written preparation instructions for each step. In the video instructions, the preparation is shown clearly and in detail and tips for beginners are given at the same time. If there is a time specification in the written instructions, a timer can be set at this point within the app.
There is also a search function, within which you can also filter. All favorite recipes can be viewed under “Favorites”, sorted by cookbook, and all ingredients added to the shopping list can be found in the shopping list. These can be found either within the respective shopping list or under “All ingredients”. Ingredients can be added individually to each shopping list.
Various settings can also be adjusted in the “Profile” menu item.
The high-fidelity prototype was also tested in a total of five usability tests.
The high-fidelity prototype can be viewed here.
Conclusion
The usability of the app can be classified as high based on various usability guidelines and Nielsen's heuristics for successful interaction design. The high-fidelity prototype also met the eight identified user needs.
No definitive statements can be made about the user experience, as the usability tests were only able to analyze the phase of actual use. No conclusions can be drawn about the anticipated and processed use of the interactive system.
The Backtorial app combines the advantages of print recipes with those of video instructions and has been sublimated with additional elements that make the entire baking process plannable and manageable.