As a partner at Starbucks for five years, I’ve experienced firsthand the evolution of our customer experience initiatives. While the app functions well, it doesn't fully capture the essence of the Starbucks experience. This realization sparked a desire to enhance the app's user experience, particularly focusing on drink customization.
The biggest challenge was revamping the customization page. I wanted to replicate the in-store experience where customers feel empowered to personalize their drinks. I realized I needed to expand certain sections to convey a sense of "unlimited options" while maintaining clarity.
Throughout this process, I realized the challenge of designing primarily with white and gray tones. Creating depth and visual interest without relying on a wide color palette was a rewarding test of my skills. I also enjoyed working within an established brand’s guidelines. While I typically thrive on selecting typography and color schemes, it was refreshing to engage with a project where those elements were already defined, allowing me to focus on enhancing the user experience within the existing framework.
The Starbucks Coffee Company is undergoing many changes, and while I may not have a say in them as a shift supervisor, I can explore new possibilities as a designer. This project allowed me to freely develop concepts that align with Starbucks’ branding while enhancing the customer experience. By blending my firsthand knowledge of store operations with my design expertise, I aimed to create solutions that feel both authentic and impactful.
