Bootcamp case study
Cafe loyalty redemption programme
A platform connecting remote workers with cafe owners, creating mutual benefits by matching remote workers with suitable cafe spaces and helping cafe owners attract more customers.
Key information
Project overview
Project nature
UX bootcamp project
(additional handoff to software engineering bootcamp team for development)
My involvement
Background & user research, wire framing, prototyping, usability testing, building project components and documentation
Timeframe
2 weeks from research to handoff
The problem
Remote workers struggle to find appropriate cafes to work from
Cafes offer an affordable and flexible alternative workplace for remote and self-employed workers, but they often feel anxious about potential rejection or feeling unwelcome when working in these spaces.
How might we connect remote workers with the right cafes to optimise workspace options and boost cafe businesses?
Consolidated directory of verified cafes welcoming remote workers
Earn points on every purchase and use them for discounts later
Invite friends to the platform and earn rewards
Desk research
Case for a mutually beneficial situation
Preliminary desk research identified key factors that support the use case of cafes promoting themselves as suitable spaces for remote work.
83%
Workers worldwide prefer a hybrid work model.
Accenture Future of Work Study, 2021
1 in 15
People in Singapore's workforce are self-employed.
Labour Force in Singapore, 2020
80%
Cafes shut down within 5 years of operation.
gobusiness Singapore, 2023
User interview insights - Remote workers
Uncovering why remote workers choose cafes
Speaking with remote workers in cafes highlighted the appeal of flexibility, affordability and a conducive environment. Despite uncertainties about securing seats and cafe policies regarding remote work, cafes remain preferred over dedicated workspaces for our users.
Ambiance that inspires productivity
"Cafes are a conducive environment for me, and I enjoy the ambiance. I like the change in environment, and it helps me be more productive."
Flexible locations for flexible routines
"I usually work in cafes that are convenient, either close to home or near places I need to be afterward."
An affordable workspace alternative
"It makes more sense to me to pay for food and drinks to sit at a cafe rather than paying for a dedicated workspace."
Unclear expectations don't deter users
"I don't know if I will get a good seat, so it's a bit risky... I'm also unsure if the cafe even allows working, as it might not be clearly indicated."
User interview insights - Cafe owners
Not for all cafe business owners
After our initial interview with a cafe owner, it became apparent that our proposal to encourage remote working in cafe spaces does not resonate with all cafe owners. This insight led us to refine our strategy, emphasising partnerships with cafe establishments that actively seek to attract remote workers.
"It is against my business model to encourage co-working (here)."
- Cafe owner #1
Initial idea
Capitalise on cafe spaces to open up for remote working
Revised idea
Pairing cafes tailored to accomodate remote workers
Usability test insight
Home page call-to-action placement
A key feature of the home page was enabling users to earn and redeem points by visiting participating cafes more frequently.
Low fidelity prototype: Leveraging familiar patterns
To leverage familiarity, we referenced local rewards apps that place a CTA in the centre of the bottom navigation. However, usability testing revealed that most users associated the scan action only with collecting points, not redeeming them.
High fidelity iteration: Grouping related actions for discoverability
In response, the updated design introduces separate ‘Collect’ and ‘Redeem’ CTAs positioned next to the point tracker to improve discoverability. This change was validated through a one-click user test, where users were tasked with redeeming points.