My daily routine usually unfolds seamlessly, yet occasional disruptions arise when faced with intricate processes or obstacles hindering progress. Simplifying life tasks, such as ordering pizza, attempting to purchase second-hand items online, or embarking on a trip for which I didn’t adequately pack, triggers my continuous problem-solving mindset. The subsequent reactions embody my instinctive responses as a designer, encapsulating my ‘what-if’ solutions.

Walk-up Pizza Ordering for Middle Schoolers

 

Over the past few years, I’ve noticed that Generation Z tends to make decisions swiftly when presented with a computer screen compared to responding to a direct verbal question. Consider this scenario: you’re in line, and with a line forming behind you, you ask a middle schooler about their pizza preference and size. As your child gazes at the overhead menu with their head tilted back and mouth agape, you might feel a twinge of stress or impatience.

Imagine an alternative scenario: you direct your middle schooler to a computer screen, and effortlessly, they decisively choose their pizza. Depending on your financial arrangement, you might step in or allow your middle schooler to handle the transaction using your bank card.

Picture a world where ordering pizza becomes so straightforward that you can confidently entrust your child to place the order independently. Introducing Town Square Pizza, featuring a simplified pizza ordering interface. To create the menu, I conducted a quick survey among my kids’ friends, and two pizza types emerged as the consensus – Cheese and/or Pepperoni Pizza. I also included a Veggie Pizza on the menu, fueled by my optimistic hope that my kids might opt for this healthier option.

I designed the UX and UI to be as straightforward as possible, incorporating numerous confirmations for users who might not remember what day it is. To enhance engagement, I crafted a low-fidelity paper prototype, as I believe it would be more enjoyable for a young user to experiment with compared to a Figma-type click-through.

 

Reflecting on my college days as a mobile young student, I often navigated through a website called Craigslist to explore apartments, furniture, and potential part-time job opportunities. Originating from Craig Newmark’s email distribution list in the late 1990s, initially highlighting local San Francisco Bay Area events, Craigslist has since evolved into a web-based service, now spanning 70 countries. However, its user interface (UI) template remains virtually unchanged from my memories decades ago. Below, I outline some suggestions to enhance the competitiveness and user-friendliness of this website.     This PDF is not viewable on a phone device.

 

We recently renovated our bathroom, opting for a modern minimalist style. As part of the remodel, we installed a new shower fixture featuring a single-knob controller for both hot and cold water. While it proved to be more straightforward in some respects, it did require some adjustment. Below would be my suggestions for some improvements to give a better user experience.  This PDF is not viewable on a phone device.      

 

During a family excursion to Pinnacles National Park, a must-see destination in California, I faced the challenge of limited space in my travel bag. , I decided to bring only one pair. Unfortunately, this single pair clashed with some of my travel ensembles and lacked toe protection. Contemplating this issue while gazing at my dirt-covered toes, I envisioned a solution – a convertible hiking sandal/shoe that could serve well in hot weather, provide adequate protection on medium to flat slopes, and serve as a versatile, match-all footwear that could match various outfits during our sightseeing trip

To materialize this idea, I used Fimo clay to sculpt a miniature prototype, allowing me to transform my concept into a tangible model which I could actually physically convert.