Conceptual Project

Conceptual Project

Conceptual Project

Simplifying Food Discovery for Users with Dietary Restrictions

Simplifying Food Discovery for Users with Dietary Restrictions

Simplifying Food Discovery for Users with Dietary Restrictions

Simplifying Food Discovery for Users with Dietary Restrictions

Adding a valuable feature to DoorDash for millions of users with dietary restrictions.

Adding a valuable feature to DoorDash for millions of users with dietary restrictions.

Adding a valuable feature to DoorDash for millions of users with dietary restrictions.

Adding a valuable feature to DoorDash for millions of users with dietary restrictions.

Timeline

Feb 2024

Feb 2024

Feb 2024

4 Weeks

4 Weeks

4 Weeks

65 Hours

65 Hours

65 Hours

My Role

Sole Designer

Sole Designer

Sole Designer

Research

Ideation

Sketching

Branding

Prototyping

Testing

Timeline

Feb 2024

4 Weeks

65 Hours

My Role

Sole Designer

Research

Ideation

Sketching

Branding

Prototyping

Testing

Background and Problem

Background and Problem

Background and Problem

Background and Problem

Users with Dietary Restrictions Work Twice as Hard to Find Options for Delivery

Like many people post-covid era, DoorDash is unfortunately a staple in my app library these days. Often, my wife and I will get that little craving for some good food late at night. Between the both of us, we have a plethora of restrictions that greatly reduces our options down from hundreds to just a few.

That's when I got the idea to explore how dietary restrictions could be catered to for a service like DoorDash.

Like many people post-covid era, DoorDash is unfortunately a staple in my app library these days. Often, my wife and I will get that little craving for some good food late at night. Between the both of us, we have a plethora of restrictions that greatly reduces our options down from hundreds to just a few.

That's when I got the idea to explore how dietary restrictions could be catered to for a service like DoorDash.

Like many people post-covid era, DoorDash is unfortunately a staple in my app library these days. Often, my wife and I will get that little craving for some good food late at night. Between the both of us, we have a plethora of restrictions that greatly reduces our options down from hundreds to just a few.

That's when I got the idea to explore how dietary restrictions could be catered to for a service like DoorDash.

Research

Research

Research

Identifying the Core Questions

While I have some dietary restrictions myself, there are of course dozens of restrictions people deal with every day, from value based restrictions to life threatening allergies. To further understand the problem, I dove into learning more about what restrictions people have, what percentage of Americans have dietary restrictions, and how people manage these restrictions, especially when ordering food.

While I have some dietary restrictions myself, there are of course dozens of restrictions people deal with every day, from value based restrictions to life threatening allergies. To further understand the problem, I dove into learning more about what restrictions people have, what percentage of Americans have dietary restrictions, and how people manage these restrictions, especially when ordering food.

While I have some dietary restrictions myself, there are of course dozens of restrictions people deal with every day, from value based restrictions to life threatening allergies. To further understand the problem, I dove into learning more about what restrictions people have, what percentage of Americans have dietary restrictions, and how people manage these restrictions, especially when ordering food.

Question

Question

How do users currently find meals that meet their dietary needs on DoorDash?

How do users currently find meals that meet their dietary needs on DoorDash?

How do users currently find meals that meet their dietary needs on DoorDash?

Question

Question

What specific features or functionalities are users looking for in a dietary preference feature?

What specific features or functionalities are users looking for in a dietary preference feature?

What specific features or functionalities are users looking for in a dietary preference feature?

Question

Question

How do users perceive the potential impact of such a feature on their DoorDash experience?

How do users perceive the potential impact of such a feature on their DoorDash experience?

How do users perceive the potential impact of such a feature on their DoorDash experience?

Research

Research

Research

Competitors Offer Little for Users with Dietary Restrictions

Competitors Offer Little for Users with Dietary Restrictions

Competitors Offer Little for Users with Dietary Restrictions

Competitors Offer Little for Users with Dietary Restrictions

I started by analyzing DoorDash's competitors, wondering if any of them offer any kind of filtering or features that help users with dietary restrictions and preferences.

To further validate and define the problem and the audience, I conducted surveys and interviews with lifters to gather insights on their tracking habits and frustrations. Additionally, I performed a competitive analysis of five popular weight lifting tracking apps—Hevy, Strong, BodyFit, Smart Gym, and FitBod—to identify strengths and weaknesses of each.

I started by analyzing DoorDash's competitors, wondering if any of them offer any kind of filtering or features that help users with dietary restrictions and preferences.

Uber Eats

Targets a diverse customer base, including busy professionals, students, and individuals who prefer to order food from the comfort of their homes.

Targets a diverse customer base, including busy professionals, students, and individuals who prefer to order food from the comfort of their homes.

Targets a diverse customer base, including busy professionals, students, and individuals who prefer to order food from the comfort of their homes.

Targets a diverse customer base, including busy professionals, students, and individuals who prefer to order food from the comfort of their homes.

Strengths

Strengths

Strengths

  • Offers limited filters for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halal.

  • Offers limited filters for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halal.

  • Offers limited filters for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halal.

  • Offers limited filters for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and Halal.

  • Second largest market cap after DoorDash.

  • Second largest market cap after DoorDash.

  • Second largest market cap after DoorDash.

  • Second largest market cap after DoorDash.

  • Advantage of millions of Uber user accounts, crossover deals between the two services.

  • Advantage of millions of Uber user accounts, crossover deals between the two services.

  • Advantage of millions of Uber user accounts, crossover deals between the two services.

  • Advantage of millions of Uber user accounts, crossover deals between the two services.

Weaknesses

Weaknesses

Weaknesses

  • Using filters does not show which food from the restaurant fits in the filter.

  • Using filters does not show which food from the restaurant fits in the filter.

  • Using filters does not show which food from the restaurant fits in the filter.

  • Using filters does not show which food from the restaurant fits in the filter.

  • Accuracy of restaurants offering items within these dietary constraints is questionable, due to the lack of options showing when using filters

  • Accuracy of restaurants offering items within these dietary constraints is questionable, due to the lack of options showing when using filters

  • Accuracy of restaurants offering items within these dietary constraints is questionable, due to the lack of options showing when using filters

  • Accuracy of restaurants offering items within these dietary constraints is questionable, due to the lack of options showing when using filters

Grubhub

Grubhub

Focuses on customers who want a convenient and user-friendly platform to order food from a wide range of restaurants.

Focuses on customers who want a convenient and user-friendly platform to order food from a wide range of restaurants.

Focuses on customers who want a convenient and user-friendly platform to order food from a wide range of restaurants.

Focuses on customers who want a convenient and user-friendly platform to order food from a wide range of restaurants.

Strengths

Strengths

Strengths

  • Offers exclusive rewards for premium members.

  • Offers exclusive rewards for premium members.

  • Offers exclusive rewards for premium members.

  • Offers exclusive rewards for premium members.

  • Large array of participating restaurants.

  • Large array of participating restaurants.

  • Large array of participating restaurants.

  • Large array of participating restaurants.

Weaknesses

Weaknesses

Weaknesses

  • Offers high-level dietary filters but not specific to the items each restaurant offers.

  • Offers high-level dietary filters but not specific to the items each restaurant offers.

  • Offers high-level dietary filters but not specific to the items each restaurant offers.

  • Offers high-level dietary filters but not specific to the items each restaurant offers.

  • Complaints about poor customer service and delivery issues.

  • Complaints about poor customer service and delivery issues.

  • Complaints about poor customer service and delivery issues.

  • Complaints about poor customer service and delivery issues.

Yelp

Consumers looking for local businesses and businesses aiming to increase their visibility and reach potential customers.

Consumers looking for local businesses and businesses aiming to increase their visibility and reach potential customers.

Consumers looking for local businesses and businesses aiming to increase their visibility and reach potential customers.

Consumers looking for local businesses and businesses aiming to increase their visibility and reach potential customers.

Strengths

Strengths

Strengths

  • Allows users to specify dietary restrictions at an account level.

  • Allows users to specify dietary restrictions at an account level.

  • Allows users to specify dietary restrictions at an account level.

  • Allows users to specify dietary restrictions at an account level.

  • Large user base with significant exposure.

  • Large user base with significant exposure.

  • Large user base with significant exposure.

  • Large user base with significant exposure.

  • As an alternative to Google, has a wide array of businesses available on platform.

  • As an alternative to Google, has a wide array of businesses available on platform.

  • As an alternative to Google, has a wide array of businesses available on platform.

  • As an alternative to Google, has a wide array of businesses available on platform.

Weaknesses

Weaknesses

Weaknesses

  • Delivery availability is limited.

  • Delivery availability is limited.

  • Delivery availability is limited.

  • Delivery availability is limited.

  • As of this writing, the account level dietary restrictions cannot be found

  • As of this writing, the account level dietary restrictions cannot be found

  • As of this writing, the account level dietary restrictions cannot be found

  • As of this writing, the account level dietary restrictions cannot be found

Survey Insights

Survey Insights

Survey Insights

Survey Respondents Expect More Detailed Ingredient Visibility

Survey Respondents Expect More Detailed Ingredient Visibility

Survey Respondents Expect More Detailed Ingredient Visibility

Addressing Dietary Diversity

Addressing Dietary Diversity

Addressing Dietary Diversity

Addressing Dietary Diversity

Despite nearly half of the respondents not having dietary restrictions, the survey underscored the importance of accommodating diverse dietary needs to enhance user satisfaction and broaden the customer base.

Despite nearly half of the respondents not having dietary restrictions, the survey underscored the importance of accommodating diverse dietary needs to enhance user satisfaction and broaden the customer base.

Despite nearly half of the respondents not having dietary restrictions, the survey underscored the importance of accommodating diverse dietary needs to enhance user satisfaction and broaden the customer base.

Enhancing Allergen Information Visibility

Enhancing Allergen Information Visibility

Enhancing Allergen Information Visibility

Enhancing Allergen Information Visibility

The lack of visible allergen information is a critical pain point. Improving this visibility can significantly increase adoption among users with allergies, ensuring they feel safe and confident ordering from DoorDash.

The lack of visible allergen information is a critical pain point. Improving this visibility can significantly increase adoption among users with allergies, ensuring they feel safe and confident ordering from DoorDash.

The lack of visible allergen information is a critical pain point. Improving this visibility can significantly increase adoption among users with allergies, ensuring they feel safe and confident ordering from DoorDash.

Meeting the Demand for Detailed Information

Meeting the Demand for Detailed Information

Meeting the Demand for Detailed Information

Meeting the Demand for Detailed Information

An impressive 93.3% of respondents expect more detailed ingredient visibility. Users are eager for detailed allergen and nutritional information. Providing this can prevent potentially life-threatening situations and cater to health-conscious consumers, directly addressing their needs and concerns.

An impressive 93.3% of respondents expect more detailed ingredient visibility. Users are eager for detailed allergen and nutritional information. Providing this can prevent potentially life-threatening situations and cater to health-conscious consumers, directly addressing their needs and concerns.

An impressive 93.3% of respondents expect more detailed ingredient visibility. Users are eager for detailed allergen and nutritional information. Providing this can prevent potentially life-threatening situations and cater to health-conscious consumers, directly addressing their needs and concerns.

Preventing Service Switching

Preventing Service Switching

Preventing Service Switching

Preventing Service Switching

With 66.7% of respondents opting out of ordering or switching to competitors due to a lack of dietary options, there is a clear opportunity. By addressing this gap, DoorDash can retain more users and reduce churn.

With 66.7% of respondents opting out of ordering or switching to competitors due to a lack of dietary options, there is a clear opportunity. By addressing this gap, DoorDash can retain more users and reduce churn.

With 66.7% of respondents opting out of ordering or switching to competitors due to a lack of dietary options, there is a clear opportunity. By addressing this gap, DoorDash can retain more users and reduce churn.

Research

Research

Validating the Research Hypothesis

Validating the Research Hypothesis

Validating the Research Hypothesis

The research confirmed a crucial opportunity for DoorDash: users with dietary restrictions need reliable meal filtering options to feel confident in their choices. DoorDash and its competitors lack the necessary information for safe decisions. This highlighted the need for a solution that simplifies finding suitable meals and provides comprehensive allergen details.

Addressing these issues is key to enhancing user satisfaction, catering to diverse dietary needs, and creating an opportunity for additional revenue by attracting and retaining more users.

The research confirmed a crucial opportunity for DoorDash: users with dietary restrictions need reliable meal filtering options to feel confident in their choices. DoorDash and its competitors lack the necessary information for safe decisions. This highlighted the need for a solution that simplifies finding suitable meals and provides comprehensive allergen details.

Addressing these issues is key to enhancing user satisfaction, catering to diverse dietary needs, and creating an opportunity for additional revenue by attracting and retaining more users.

The research confirmed a crucial opportunity for DoorDash: users with dietary restrictions need reliable meal filtering options to feel confident in their choices. DoorDash and its competitors lack the necessary information for safe decisions. This highlighted the need for a solution that simplifies finding suitable meals and provides comprehensive allergen details.

Addressing these issues is key to enhancing user satisfaction, catering to diverse dietary needs, and creating an opportunity for additional revenue by attracting and retaining more users.

Research

Research

Creating Personas to Ideate Solutions

Creating Personas to Ideate Solutions

Creating Personas to Ideate Solutions

Proto-Personas

From the research I came up with 3 proto-personas to help focus on the problem I was going to design solutions around.

Jacob

The Allergy-Anxious Parent

Dietary Restriction

Nut Allergy

Goal

Jacob seeks clear labeling of potential allergens and the ability to filter out meals that may contain nuts to ensure the safety of his child.

Pain Points

Inaccurate allergen information and fear of cross- contamination in meals.

Emma

The Earth-Conscious Vegan

Dietary Restriction

Vegan

Goal

Emma is looking for a variety of vegan options. She wants detailed descriptions of ingredients to ensure that the meals align with her ethical and health standards.

Pain Points

Limited vegan options on most platforms and lack of trust in the accuracy of the vegan labels.

Ava

The Flexible Foodie

Dietary Restriction

Curiosity

Goal

Ava enjoys exploring a variety of cuisines and is looking for a user-friendly app with a wide range of options. She occasionally explores vegetarian and gluten-free options out of curiosity.

Pain Points

Overwhelmed by too many choices without effective filters to find new things she might like based on her occasional preferences.

Ideate

Ideate

Generating Solutions to Help Users Find Food They Can Eat

Generating Solutions to Help Users Find Food They Can Eat

Generating Solutions to Help Users Find Food They Can Eat

With the research confirming the need for more transparent dietary labeling and filtering options, and after aligning the goals of the users and the business, I started ideating how I could help these users find food within their restrictions as easily as possible.

With the research confirming the need for more transparent dietary labeling and filtering options, and after aligning the goals of the users and the business, I started ideating how I could help these users find food within their restrictions as easily as possible.

With the research confirming the need for more transparent dietary labeling and filtering options, and after aligning the goals of the users and the business, I started ideating how I could help these users find food within their restrictions as easily as possible.

Feature Ideation

Feature Ideation

Feature Ideation

Must Have

Must Have

Must Have

Feature

Feature

Dietary Labeling

Dietary Labeling

Dietary Labeling

Dietary Labeling

Labels indicating dietary constraints could appear on specific menu items and in their item-specific view. Labels could vary from constraint types to “offers Vegan options” on restaurant cards.

Labels indicating dietary constraints could appear on specific menu items and in their item-specific view. Labels could vary from constraint types to “offers Vegan options” on restaurant cards.

Labels indicating dietary constraints could appear on specific menu items and in their item-specific view. Labels could vary from constraint types to “offers Vegan options” on restaurant cards.

Feature

Feature

Dietary Filtering

Dietary Filtering

Dietary Filtering

Dietary Filtering

A filter at the top of menus and on the dashboard that allows users to show restaurants offering selected filters, such as Vegan, Gluten-Free, Halal, Kosher, etc. Could go in with the other filter chips that already exist.

A filter at the top of menus and on the dashboard that allows users to show restaurants offering selected filters, such as Vegan, Gluten-Free, Halal, Kosher, etc. Could go in with the other filter chips that already exist.

A filter at the top of menus and on the dashboard that allows users to show restaurants offering selected filters, such as Vegan, Gluten-Free, Halal, Kosher, etc. Could go in with the other filter chips that already exist.

Nice to Have

Nice to Have

Nice to Have

Feature

Account Level Dietary Restrictions

Account Level Dietary Restrictions

Account Level Dietary Restrictions

Filters pre-applied at the account level could allow users to already have these filters applied every time they go to search for food. These should be easily toggled off when ordering in a group.

Filters pre-applied at the account level could allow users to already have these filters applied every time they go to search for food. These should be easily toggled off when ordering in a group.

Filters pre-applied at the account level could allow users to already have these filters applied every time they go to search for food. These should be easily toggled off when ordering in a group.

Feature

More Categories Focused on Dietary Constraints

A calendar that shows today’s workout and upcoming workouts, integrating imported/purchased programs as well as custom-built programs.

A calendar that shows today’s workout and upcoming workouts, integrating imported/purchased programs as well as custom-built programs.

A calendar that shows today’s workout and upcoming workouts, integrating imported/purchased programs as well as custom-built programs.

Feature

Dietary Sections on Dashboard

Would allow users to quickly find restaurants that fit their dietary constraints, making the dashboard feel more personalized for them. Currently these sections are used for a variety of categories such as "Order Again" or "Late Night Cravings", etc.

Would allow users to quickly find restaurants that fit their dietary constraints, making the dashboard feel more personalized for them. Currently these sections are used for a variety of categories such as "Order Again" or "Late Night Cravings", etc.

Would allow users to quickly find restaurants that fit their dietary constraints, making the dashboard feel more personalized for them. Currently these sections are used for a variety of categories such as "Order Again" or "Late Night Cravings", etc.

Surprising and Delightful

Surprising and Delightful

Surprising and Delightful

Feature

Universal "On-Off" Toggle

Universal "On-Off" Toggle

Universal "On-Off" Toggle

A toggle to show only restaurants that offer options within the account-level preferences when on, and all restaurants when off. This could be on the dashboard and restaurant-level views.

A toggle to show only restaurants that offer options within the account-level preferences when on, and all restaurants when off. This could be on the dashboard and restaurant-level views.

A toggle to show only restaurants that offer options within the account-level preferences when on, and all restaurants when off. This could be on the dashboard and restaurant-level views.

Great But Can Come Later

Great But Can Come Later

Great But Can Come Later

Feature

Detailed Ingredient Lists

Detailed Ingredient Lists

Detailed Ingredient Lists

Similar to food labels under nutrition facts, this would list all the ingredients for a menu item. Restaurant participation may be limited, and regulation on providing this information may be questionable.

Similar to food labels under nutrition facts, this would list all the ingredients for a menu item. Restaurant participation may be limited, and regulation on providing this information may be questionable.

Similar to food labels under nutrition facts, this would list all the ingredients for a menu item. Restaurant participation may be limited, and regulation on providing this information may be questionable.

Feature

Nutrition Facts Label

Providing nutrition facts similar to those found in grocery stores. DoorDash does offer this for store deliveries but is limited to this portion of the service.

Providing nutrition facts similar to those found in grocery stores. DoorDash does offer this for store deliveries but is limited to this portion of the service.

Providing nutrition facts similar to those found in grocery stores. DoorDash does offer this for store deliveries but is limited to this portion of the service.

Sketching

Sketching

Sketching

Visualizing the Solution

Visualizing the Solution

Visualizing the Solution

Visualizing the Solution

There were really only two flows or tasks I had to design for from here for this feature, Setup and Search.
From here I began exploring how to integrate these ideas using the existing DoorDash design patterns. Starting with pen and paper sketches and then moving into Figma to explore digitizing and analyzing the existing DoorDash design patterns.

There were really only two flows or tasks I had to design for from here for this feature, Setup and Search.
From here I began exploring how to integrate these ideas using the existing DoorDash design patterns. Starting with pen and paper sketches and then moving into Figma to explore digitizing and analyzing the existing DoorDash design patterns.

There were really only two flows or tasks I had to design for from here for this feature, Setup and Search.
From here I began exploring how to integrate these ideas using the existing DoorDash design patterns. Starting with pen and paper sketches and then moving into Figma to explore digitizing and analyzing the existing DoorDash design patterns.

There were really only two flows or tasks I had to design for from here for this feature, Setup and Search.
From here I began exploring how to integrate these ideas using the existing DoorDash design patterns. Starting with pen and paper sketches and then moving into Figma to explore digitizing and analyzing the existing DoorDash design patterns.

Sketching

Sketching

Sketching

Visualizing Dietary Labeling and Filtering - Paper to Digital Sketching

Visualizing Dietary Labeling and Filtering - Paper to Digital Sketching

Visualizing Dietary Labeling and Filtering - Paper to Digital Sketching

Visualizing Dietary Labeling and Filtering - Paper to Digital Sketching

I had a lot of fun exploring DoorDash's existing design language and seeing how the labels could incorporate into it seamlessly.

I had a lot of fun exploring DoorDash's existing design language and seeing how the labels could incorporate into it seamlessly.

I had a lot of fun exploring DoorDash's existing design language and seeing how the labels could incorporate into it seamlessly.

I had a lot of fun exploring DoorDash's existing design language and seeing how the labels could incorporate into it seamlessly.

Dietary Label and Filter Sketches

DoorDash already uses some corner labels for promotions and showing info like "#1 Most Liked", etc. This seemed like an obvious pattern that I could base some of the labels off of. For other labels, DoorDash currently puts more labels in line with the restaurant info, this seemed like another obvious location to test the labels in.

Digitizing the Sketches

Once I had sketched some ideas down and studied and recreated various portions of DoorDash's UI, matching the restaurant cards, filter chips, etc. to help create components that I could later go in and fill in imagery and restaurant names for high fidelity mockups.

Components Built at High Fidelity Stage

Components Built at High Fidelity Stage

Components Built at High Fidelity Stage

Sketching

Search Flow

Search Flow

The setup had an easy location to fit into. What other settings and preferences exist that could indicate how to match the design and layout of these preferences standout and match the existing design language?

The setup had an easy location to fit into. What other settings and preferences exist that could indicate how to match the design and layout of these preferences standout and match the existing design language?

Exploring Filter Chip and Labels

Exploring Filter Chip and Labels

Following DoorDash's existing design patterns, tapping the new dietary filter chip brings up a modal with options for the user to select which filters they would like applied. Once they tap 'save', just like the existing filters, a search is initiated with the filter applied. The chip changes to show a filter is active within it.

Once I had sketched some ideas down, I studied and recreated various portions of DoorDash's UI in Figma, matching the restaurant cards, filter chips, etc to help create components that I could later go in and fill in imagery and restaurant names for high fidelity mockups.

Digitized Dietary Labels and Filters

These screens further show explorations of how labels could be shown in various places throughout.
I realized that there would be instances where there are options available to users but only as a substitution, e.g, some restaurants may allow an Impossible Burger patty as a replacement to make a vegan alternative to a dish. For this 'Substitutions Available' was explored as an option that I could later test.

Sketching

Sketching

Sketching

Preferences Setup

Preferences Setup

Preferences Setup

The setup had an easy location to fit into. What other settings and preferences exist that could indicate how to match the design and layout of these preferences standout and match the existing design language?

The setup had an easy location to fit into. What other settings and preferences exist that could indicate how to match the design and layout of these preferences standout and match the existing design language?

The setup had an easy location to fit into. What other settings and preferences exist that could indicate how to match the design and layout of these preferences standout and match the existing design language?

The setup had an easy location to fit into. What other settings and preferences exist that could indicate how to match the design and layout of these preferences standout and match the existing design language?

Initial Preferences Low-Fi Sketches

Again, I needed to match Doordash's existing design language and find a suitable location for the preferences to be placed, one that would be obvious for users to easily find, but not demand too much attention and importance for users who were not interested in the feature.

Exploring User Preference Options

Exploring User Preference Options

Once I had sketched some ideas down, I studied and recreated various portions of DoorDash's UI, matching the restaurant cards, filter chips, etc to help create components that I could later go in and fill in imagery and restaurant names for high fidelity mockups.

I also explored using a banner above the tab bar to communicate to users the new feature here.

Once I had sketched some ideas down, I studied and recreated various portions of DoorDash's UI in Figma, matching the restaurant cards, filter chips, etc to help create components that I could later go in and fill in imagery and restaurant names for high fidelity mockups.

Preference Screens

Again, following some existing patterns in 'special' preferences sections of DoorDash, with a banner highlighting and adding some visual distinction to the page.

To enable and disable labels, I initially had a modal slide up from the bottom when tapping on the 'Dietary Labels' cell row.

Personalized Dashboard Sections

Personalized Dashboard Sections

Depending on what users select at the account level for their dietary preferences, the Dashboard could then suggest sections catered more closely to the user's needs.

Once I had sketched some ideas down, I studied and recreated various portions of DoorDash's UI in Figma, matching the restaurant cards, filter chips, etc to help create components that I could later go in and fill in imagery and restaurant names for high fidelity mockups.

Sketching

Dietary Toggle

Dietary Toggle

Dietary Toggle

This is a feature I quickly realized was so far outside of the existing DoorDash design language that it didn't make it past these sketches.

Testing

Testing

Testing

Testing

Testing the Effectiveness of the Designs

After all of the ideation and sketching I was finally ready to test the designs. I was able to gather 5 participants for in person user tests. Focusing on the key questions that arose while designing.

After all of the ideation and sketching I was finally ready to test the designs. I was able to gather 5 participants for in person user tests. Focusing on the key questions that arose while designing.

Testing

Testing

Users Were Excited About the Concept and Execution

Users Were Excited About the Concept and Execution

Users Were Excited About the Concept and Execution

The user testing sessions provided valuable insights into the effectiveness, usability, and overall user satisfaction with the new dietary preferences features. The key findings include:

The user testing sessions provided valuable insights into the effectiveness, usability, and overall user satisfaction with the new dietary preferences features. The key findings include:

The user testing sessions provided valuable insights into the effectiveness, usability, and overall user satisfaction with the new dietary preferences features. The key findings include:

Dietary Preference Setup Task

Dietary Preference Setup Task

Visibility of Feature Banner

Visibility of Feature Banner

Visibility of Feature Banner

  • 4 out of 5 participants did not see the banner advertising the feature above the tab bar.

  • Participants would not have known about the feature without prior knowledge and tapping on the profile icon.

  • 3 out of 5 participants expected a more prominent and exciting pop-up or invitation to set up the feature or dismiss it.

Confusion About Setup

Confusion About Setup

Confusion About Setup

  • Most participants were confused about the necessity of setting up the feature but appreciated the ability to customize which labels to show.

  • Better wording may help clarify the purpose of the setup.

Label Toggle Preferences Weren't Visible

Label Toggle Preferences Weren't Visible

Label Toggle Preferences Weren't Visible

Label Toggle Preferences Weren't Visible

  • None of the participants noticed the setting for toggling specific labels on and off until it was pointed out.

  • This could be a fidelity issue, but participants expected their Home screen to be more visibly personalized after setting up the feature.

Thought Dashboard Would Be More Personalized

Thought Dashboard Would Be More Personalized

Thought Dashboard Would Be More Personalized

Thought Dashboard Would Be More Personalized

  • Participants expected their Dashboard screen to be more visibly personalized after setting up the feature, this could be due to the nature of the mid-fidelity mockups though.

Search Task Results

Search Bar Integration Opportunity

  • 1 participant attempted to use the search bar to try the filtering feature.

  • Revealed an opportunity to use the search bar view to reveal dietary filters.

Filter Persistence

Filter Persistence

Filter Persistence

  • Users were split on whether they expected the filters to persist throughout their search once selected, with half of them expecting this.

Filter Chip Visibility

Filter Chip Visibility

Filter Chip Visibility

Filter Chip Visibility

  • The filter chip in the top right corner of the Dish Detail View was hidden for most participants.

  • The need for the filter in the dish detail view was questioned, but may found it helpful to narrow down substitution options they could eat.

Understanding of Labels

Understanding of Labels

Understanding of Labels

Understanding of Labels

  • 4 out of 5 participants understood the “Substitutions Available” label when looking through restaurants and menu items.

  • 3 out of 5 participants expected the labels to be tappable to see more details or expand.

Iterate

Iterate

With Testing Done I Knew How to Improve the Designs

With Testing Done I Knew How to Improve the Designs

With Testing Done I Knew How to Improve the Designs

Based on the user testing results, several iterations were made to improve the dietary preferences feature. In addition, it was time to bring the designs into high-fidelity. Gathering placeholder imagery and realistic restaurant names and menu items, I brought the designs to life.

Based on the user testing results, several iterations were made to improve the dietary preferences feature. In addition, it was time to bring the designs into high-fidelity. Gathering placeholder imagery and realistic restaurant names and menu items, I brought the designs to life.

Based on the user testing results, several iterations were made to improve the dietary preferences feature. In addition, it was time to bring the designs into high-fidelity. Gathering placeholder imagery and realistic restaurant names and menu items, I brought the designs to life.

Setup Flow Iterations

Setup Flow Iterations

Setup Flow Iterations

A More Prominent Feature Banner

  •  Implemented a more prominent and inviting pop-up banner to advertise the dietary preferences feature when users open the app.

  • Using existing styling, such as the modal to turn on notifications, I drew the imagery seen here to try and match existing styling.

Improved Setup Wording and Clarity

Improved Setup Wording and Clarity

Improved Setup Wording and Clarity

  • Revised the wording in the setup process to better explain the purpose and benefits of setting up dietary preferences.

  • Also, categorized the restrictions by type, to provide faster and easier scanning.

Filter Toggle Visibility

Filter Toggle Visibility

Filter Toggle Visibility

  • Enhanced the visibility of settings for toggling specific labels on and off within the account settings.

  • Added Definitions and examples of what each label will look like throughout the app, as well as an option to only show labels that the user has turned on at the moment while searching.

Search Flow Iterations

Search Flow Iterations

Search Flow Iterations

Added Color to Labels

  •  Implemented a more prominent and inviting pop-up banner to advertise the dietary preferences feature when users open the app.

  • Using existing styling, such as the modal to turn on notifications, I drew the imagery seen here to try and match existing styling.

Tooltip Highlighting Filter Location

Tooltip Highlighting Filter Location

Tooltip Highlighting Filter Location

  • Added a tooltip that pops up showing users where they can find the new filter options.

  • Followed existing design language DoorDash uses for tooltips.

Clearer Labeling at Top of Restaurant View and Smaller Labels for Small Menu Item Cards

Clearer Labeling at Top of Restaurant View and Smaller Labels for Small Menu Item Cards

Clearer Labeling at Top of Restaurant View and Smaller Labels for Small Menu Item Cards

  • Users will now be able to see at the top of the restaurant view whether they have food options available to choose from.

  • Made the labels smaller for the small cards, abbreviated with the definitions in the preferences for users to reference back to if needed. I tried to follow common abbreviations for each restriction.

The Final Experience

Find Yourself Some Vegan Ramen 🍜 😋

Find Yourself Some Vegan Ramen 🍜 😋

Find Yourself Some Vegan Ramen 🍜 😋

Find Yourself Some Vegan Ramen 🍜 😋

Try setting up your dietary preferences, then change to the search flow and find something good!

Try setting up your dietary preferences, then change to the search flow and find something good!

Try setting up your dietary preferences, then change to the search flow and find something good!

Conclusion

Conclusion

Reflections

Reflections

Reflections

Reflections

This project was incredibly fun and rewarding for me. I couldn't stop ideating solutions and better ways to implement this feature idea. It's always satisfying when your testing participants realize that this is just a concept and they wish that your version of it was real! I've found myself going back to DoorDash and being able to filter to pescatarian options for myself and gluten-free for my wife. I love designing solutions for the users that often get forgotten about.

This project was incredibly fun and rewarding for me. I couldn't stop ideating solutions and better ways to implement this feature idea. It's always satisfying when your testing participants realize that this is just a concept and they wish that your version of it was real! I've found myself going back to DoorDash and being able to filter to pescatarian options for myself and gluten-free for my wife. I love designing solutions for the users that often get forgotten about.

This project was incredibly fun and rewarding for me. I couldn't stop ideating solutions and better ways to implement this feature idea. It's always satisfying when your testing participants realize that this is just a concept and they wish that your version of it was real! I've found myself going back to DoorDash and being able to filter to pescatarian options for myself and gluten-free for my wife. I love designing solutions for the users that often get forgotten about.

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Testing and Iterating is Key

This project illustrated how important testing early is. I luckily was able to get some in-depth testing done during the mid-fidelity(digital sketches) phase because my time was up after making high-fidelity iterations and I was unable to do more testing.

This project illustrated how important testing early is. I luckily was able to get some in-depth testing done during the mid-fidelity(digital sketches) phase because my time was up after making high-fidelity iterations and I was unable to do more testing.

This project illustrated how important testing early is. I luckily was able to get some in-depth testing done during the mid-fidelity(digital sketches) phase because my time was up after making high-fidelity iterations and I was unable to do more testing.

Matching Existing Design Language and Patterns

This is what I had the most fun with. Analyzing and figuring out what DoorDash's design system constraints were helped immensely throughout the mid and high fidelity phases. My background in art and graphic design helped immensely when creating the imagery for the pop-up modal notifying users of the new dietary filtering feature.

This is what I had the most fun with. Analyzing and figuring out what DoorDash's design system constraints were helped immensely throughout the mid and high fidelity phases. My background in art and graphic design helped immensely when creating the imagery for the pop-up modal notifying users of the new dietary filtering feature.

This is what I had the most fun with. Analyzing and figuring out what DoorDash's design system constraints were helped immensely throughout the mid and high fidelity phases. My background in art and graphic design helped immensely when creating the imagery for the pop-up modal notifying users of the new dietary filtering feature.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Conclusion

What I'm Proud Of

What I'm Proud Of

What I'm Proud Of

What I'm Proud Of

I'm really proud of how close the prototype looks to the real DoorDash app as well as user testing participants getting excited about this concept. A few of them have kids with severe allergies and finding options for them is too dangerous to risk ordering delivery. It was fulfilling to see how designing for the "outliers" can make such a big difference of course for them, but also for those who don't have those worries.

I'm really proud of how close the prototype looks to the real DoorDash app as well as user testing participants getting excited about this concept. A few of them have kids with severe allergies and finding options for them is too dangerous to risk ordering delivery. It was fulfilling to see how designing for the "outliers" can make such a big difference of course for them, but also for those who don't have those worries.

I'm really proud of how close the prototype looks to the real DoorDash app as well as user testing participants getting excited about this concept. A few of them have kids with severe allergies and finding options for them is too dangerous to risk ordering delivery. It was fulfilling to see how designing for the "outliers" can make such a big difference of course for them, but also for those who don't have those worries.

I'm really proud of how close the prototype looks to the real DoorDash app as well as user testing participants getting excited about this concept. A few of them have kids with severe allergies and finding options for them is too dangerous to risk ordering delivery. It was fulfilling to see how designing for the "outliers" can make such a big difference of course for them, but also for those who don't have those worries.

Future Improvements

Future Improvements

Future Improvements

Future Improvements

For future iterations, first, I'd like to test the high-fidelity iterations and see how things could first be improved with where the design ended up.

One area I didn't have time to flesh out completely was the icons associated with each dietary restriction. I did go through and create a few, following some iconography currently used by DoorDash in their grocery portion of the app, but see this as a next small opportunity for improvement.

For future iterations, first, I'd like to test the high-fidelity iterations and see how things could first be improved with where the design ended up.

One area I didn't have time to flesh out completely was the icons associated with each dietary restriction. I did go through and create a few, following some iconography currently used by DoorDash in their grocery portion of the app, but see this as a next small opportunity for improvement.

For future iterations, first, I'd like to test the high-fidelity iterations and see how things could first be improved with where the design ended up.

One area I didn't have time to flesh out completely was the icons associated with each dietary restriction. I did go through and create a few, following some iconography currently used by DoorDash in their grocery portion of the app, but see this as a next small opportunity for improvement.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Working on an existing product, with an existing design system, opened up my creativity to focus on the problem more, and that was really exciting and rewarding. Also, having to keep a firm deadline (which I set myself and was held to it by my mentor) showed me that sometimes, there just isn't time to keep making iterations and that they can come later.

I look forward to applying these skills in future projects, continuously learning, and improving.

Working on an existing product, with an existing design system, opened up my creativity to focus on the problem more, and that was really exciting and rewarding. Also, having to keep a firm deadline (which I set myself and was held to it by my mentor) showed me that sometimes, there just isn't time to keep making iterations and that they can come later.

I look forward to applying these skills in future projects, continuously learning, and improving.

Working on an existing product, with an existing design system, opened up my creativity to focus on the problem more, and that was really exciting and rewarding. Also, having to keep a firm deadline (which I set myself and was held to it by my mentor) showed me that sometimes, there just isn't time to keep making iterations and that they can come later.

I look forward to applying these skills in future projects, continuously learning, and improving.

Working on an existing product, with an existing design system, opened up my creativity to focus on the problem more, and that was really exciting and rewarding. Also, having to keep a firm deadline (which I set myself and was held to it by my mentor) showed me that sometimes, there just isn't time to keep making iterations and that they can come later.

I look forward to applying these skills in future projects, continuously learning, and improving.

Thank You

Thank You

© Michael Childs 2025. All rights Reserved.

© Michael Childs 2025. All rights Reserved.

© Michael Childs 2025. All rights Reserved.