Saving an item vs. an order
When shopping online, it's common to see a 'save', 'favourite', or 'star' button for users to keep a potential item in view and allow for easy access in the future while they consider whether or not to buy it. In the context of e-commerce, this feature makes it more convenient for users to purchase the item when they eventually decide to do so, instead of searching for it again.
However, this same feature might need some enhancements when it comes to food ordering.
Users of the ASOS app can save items while browsing by tapping on the heart icon and see them in a list under 'Saved Items' so that it's easier to add them to cart when they are ready to purchase.
The Domino's Pizza app in Australia has a similar favourite/save feature (the star icon), but with a twist. Instead of saving just the item, it saves the entire order, including delivery/collection and payment details.
Drinking coffee is part of one's daily routine
Our team was tasked to design and develop an ordering app for a coffee chain.
Through on-site observations at various coffee kiosks and cafes around the city's business district, and interviews with our target audience (regular coffee drinkers working in the area) our team has discovered that majority of them would order the same drink, at the same place, at the same time. Drinking coffee is part of one's daily routine, almost like a ritual, to kickstart their day or give them an afternoon pick-me-up.
Armed with that insight, we have decided to enhance the client's requirement of having a 'favourite item' feature into a 'save order' feature, so that customers can place repeat orders in just a few taps.
SAVING AN ORDER
After placing a new order, users will be prompted to save the order by giving it a name. Details including item(s), quantity, additional item details (hot/iced, beverage sweetness), collection store or delivery address, and payment details will then be saved.
ORDering a previously saved order
To order something from 'Saved Orders', users can tap on the shortcut on the Home screen, select from a list of previously saved orders and tap on 'Place order now'.
The app will assume that the user wants the drink ASAP and select the earliest available timing by default, but users can change it to place an advance order.