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Introducing Aisledex

Introducing Aisledex

Introducing Aisledex

Might be lengthy (6min read) SKIP to prototype HERE

Soundtrack playing 😃… but no worries, you’re the DJ. Mute whenever. 👉🏽

Soundtrack playing 😃… but no worries, you’re the DJ. Mute whenever. 👉🏽

“Lost in the aisles?
So were we.”

“Lost in the aisles?
So were
we.”

“Lost in the aisles?
So were
we.”

But now we've got you!

Meet

Aisledex

Meet

Aisledex

Meet

Aisledex

Your shopping
buddy!

"Find

"Find

Faster

Faster

Shop

Shop

Smarter"

Smarter"

“Your map
to a smoother grocery trip.”

Project overview

Project overview

Project overview

The product

Aisledex is a cross-platform mobile app and responsive website that guides in-store grocery shoppers straight to the products they need, aisle by aisle. By tapping or typing the item you’re looking for, Aisledex instantly maps you from your current location to the right shelf, shows real-time stock status, and lets you build and share shopping lists.

My role

UX Researcher, Information Architect, Interaction and Visual Designer, Prototyper, Usability Tester and Project Manager.

Responsibilities

Interviews, surveys, competitive analysis, sitemaps, labeling, User flows & wireframing, UI components, color, typography, iconography, Prototyping, testing and feedback synthesis, Project management

Project duration

January 2025 – February 2025 (Reviewed Apr -May 2025)

Our primary users are busy adults, working professionals and multitasking parents, who want to breeze through their grocery run without backtracking. Secondary users include seniors or anyone with mobility concerns who benefit from optimized, step-by-step guidance, as well as tech-savvy shoppers looking to streamline their weekly trips.

The problem

Shoppers often waste time backtracking through aisles or waiting in front of empty shelves when items are out of stock, leading to frustration and longer trip durations. This inefficiency disproportionately affects busy professionals, parents juggling errands, and mobility-limited customers.

The goal

Provide a seamless in-store navigation experience that quickly directs users to exactly what they need, minimizes unnecessary walking, and offers real-time stock visibility, ultimately reducing grocery-run times and enhancing user confidence and satisfaction.

User research

User research

User research

Summary
Summary

Over a focused two-week research sprint (10 business days), I employed a mixed-methods approach to uncover real shopper behaviors and pain points. I began with a brief online survey (2 days) sent to 50 local grocery shoppers, busy professionals, multitasking parents, and seniors to validate our core assumptions: that shoppers predominantly follow pre-written lists and know each aisle’s layout. Next, I conducted eight remote, semi-structured interviews (5 days) to dive deeper into their in-store routines and frustrations. Finally, I carried out three in-person contextual inquiries (3 days), shadowing participants through a quick grocery run to observe how they actually navigated aisles.

Research questions (first 5)
Research questions (first 5)

  1. “Walk me through your last grocery trip."

    Follow up: How did you decide which aisle to go to first?

  2. “How do you typically prepare for a grocery run?”

    Follow-up: What tools (lists, notes, memory) do you rely on?

  3. “Tell me about a time you couldn’t find an item or it was out of stock.”

    Follow-up: How did that make you feel, and what did you do next?

  4. “Do you ever add items on the fly? What prompts that?”

    Follow-up: How easy or hard is it to adjust your list mid-shop?

  5. “What kinds of in-store maps or signage have you used, and how helpful were they?”

    Follow-up: Would you prefer a visual map or simply aisle numbers?


We followed the carts, and found the pain points

We followed the carts, and found the pain points

We followed the carts, and found the pain points

Pain points

Pain points

Pain points

1

Frequent Backtracking

Users waste time retracing their steps when an item is out of stock or misplaced. Moving forward, Aisledex will feature dynamic, turn-by-turn rerouting that updates immediately if a path is blocked or an item isn’t found.

2

Out-of-Stock Surprises

Shoppers arrive at shelves only to discover empty spots, leading to frustration and extra walking. To address this, the design will surface real-time stock availability and suggest nearby alternatives before users leave their current location.

3

Limited Browsing Support

Many users don’t stick to a preset list and add impulse purchases on the fly. We’ll introduce a “Browse & Discover” mode with category-based navigation and quick-add gestures so shoppers can pivot seamlessly mid-trip.

4

UI Legibility & Accessibility

Busy parents and seniors struggle with small tap targets and dense map labels. Hence, our interface will employ large buttons, high-contrast text, and simplified map visuals to ensure speedy interactions and clear wayfinding.

Personas

Personas

Personas

“I’m in and out of the store in 15 minutes flat—or I haven’t done my job right.”

“I’m in and out of the store in 15 minutes flat—or I haven’t done my job right.”

“I’m in and out of the store in 15 minutes flat—or I haven’t done my job right.”

Goals

Goals

Goals

  1. Locate items on his list in the shortest possible route

  2. Avoid running into out-of-stock surprises

  3. Get home quickly to prep for evening meetings

  1. Locate items on his list in the shortest possible route

  2. Avoid running into out-of-stock surprises

  3. Get home quickly to prep for evening meetings

  1. Locate items on his list in the shortest possible route

  2. Avoid running into out-of-stock surprises

  3. Get home quickly to prep for evening meetings

Frustrations

Frustrations

Frustrations

  1. Retracing steps when an item isn’t where he expects

  2. Poor shelf signage that slows him down

  3. Wasted time waiting for restocks or asking staff

  1. Retracing steps when an item isn’t where he expects

  2. Poor shelf signage that slows him down

  3. Wasted time waiting for restocks or asking staff

  1. Retracing steps when an item isn’t where he expects

  2. Poor shelf signage that slows him down

  3. Wasted time waiting for restocks or asking staff

Scenario

Scenario

Scenario

Monday evening, Alex squeezes in a grocery run between conference calls. He opens Aisledex, types “broccoli,” and follows the aisle-by-aisle directions straight to the produce section. When he taps on “quinoa,” Aisledex alerts him that it’s out of stock and suggests a nearby millet alternative—saving him a detour and 10 minutes he’d otherwise waste wandering the grains aisle.

Monday evening, Alex squeezes in a grocery run between conference calls. He opens Aisledex, types “broccoli,” and follows the aisle-by-aisle directions straight to the produce section. When he taps on “quinoa,” Aisledex alerts him that it’s out of stock and suggests a nearby millet alternative—saving him a detour and 10 minutes he’d otherwise waste wandering the grains aisle.

Monday evening, Alex squeezes in a grocery run between conference calls. He opens Aisledex, types “broccoli,” and follows the aisle-by-aisle directions straight to the produce section. When he taps on “quinoa,” Aisledex alerts him that it’s out of stock and suggests a nearby millet alternative—saving him a detour and 10 minutes he’d otherwise waste wandering the grains aisle.

“With two kids in tow, I need my list—and my sanity—on autopilot.”

“With two kids in tow, I need my list—and my sanity—on autopilot.”

“With two kids in tow, I need my list—and my sanity—on autopilot.”

Goals

Goals

Goals

  1. Breeze through her weekly shopping without juggling paper lists

  2. Add forgotten items on the fly without stopping

  3. Keep her kids engaged and safe

  1. Breeze through her weekly shopping without juggling paper lists

  2. Add forgotten items on the fly without stopping

  3. Keep her kids engaged and safe

  1. Breeze through her weekly shopping without juggling paper lists

  2. Add forgotten items on the fly without stopping

  3. Keep her kids engaged and safe

Frustrations

Frustrations

Frustrations

  1. Balancing a grocery cart, list, and two kids

  2. Losing track of aisle numbers when interrupted

  3. Feeling anxious when she has to double back

  1. Balancing a grocery cart, list, and two kids

  2. Losing track of aisle numbers when interrupted

  3. Feeling anxious when she has to double back

  1. Balancing a grocery cart, list, and two kids

  2. Losing track of aisle numbers when interrupted

  3. Feeling anxious when she has to double back

Scenario

Scenario

Scenario

Saturday morning, Emily and her kids head to the grocery store. She taps Aisledex’s “Hands-Free Mode” and speaks “whole wheat bread.” As she follows the path on her phone strapped to the cart, her daughter yells she needs snacks. Emily taps “Browse & Discover,” scrolls cereal options, and adds them without losing her place—finishing the trip in half the usual time and with two happy kids.

Saturday morning, Emily and her kids head to the grocery store. She taps Aisledex’s “Hands-Free Mode” and speaks “whole wheat bread.” As she follows the path on her phone strapped to the cart, her daughter yells she needs snacks. Emily taps “Browse & Discover,” scrolls cereal options, and adds them without losing her place—finishing the trip in half the usual time and with two happy kids.

Saturday morning, Emily and her kids head to the grocery store. She taps Aisledex’s “Hands-Free Mode” and speaks “whole wheat bread.” As she follows the path on her phone strapped to the cart, her daughter yells she needs snacks. Emily taps “Browse & Discover,” scrolls cereal options, and adds them without losing her place—finishing the trip in half the usual time and with two happy kids.

“One extra aisle can feel like a mile at my age.”

“One extra aisle can feel like a mile at my age.”

“One extra aisle can feel like a mile at my age.”

Goals

Goals

Goals

  1. Minimize walking and avoid exhausting detours

  2. Read clear, high-contrast directions and labels

  3. Maintain independence in her grocery runs

  1. Minimize walking and avoid exhausting detours

  2. Read clear, high-contrast directions and labels

  3. Maintain independence in her grocery runs

  1. Minimize walking and avoid exhausting detours

  2. Read clear, high-contrast directions and labels

  3. Maintain independence in her grocery runs

Frustrations

Frustrations

Frustrations

  1. Small tap targets and tiny font on typical apps

  2. Getting disoriented always if she misses a turn

  3. Heavy strain when backtracking to find items

  1. Small tap targets and tiny font on typical apps

  2. Getting disoriented always if she misses a turn

  3. Heavy strain when backtracking to find items

  1. Small tap targets and tiny font on typical apps

  2. Getting disoriented always if she misses a turn

  3. Heavy strain when backtracking to find items

Scenario

Scenario

Scenario

Monday evening, Alex squeezes in a grocery run between conference calls. He opens Aisledex, types “broccoli,” and follows the aisle-by-aisle directions straight to the produce section. When he taps on “quinoa,” Aisledex alerts him that it’s out of stock and suggests a nearby millet alternative—saving him a detour and 10 minutes he’d otherwise waste wandering the grains aisle.

Monday evening, Alex squeezes in a grocery run between conference calls. He opens Aisledex, types “broccoli,” and follows the aisle-by-aisle directions straight to the produce section. When he taps on “quinoa,” Aisledex alerts him that it’s out of stock and suggests a nearby millet alternative—saving him a detour and 10 minutes he’d otherwise waste wandering the grains aisle.

Monday evening, Alex squeezes in a grocery run between conference calls. He opens Aisledex, types “broccoli,” and follows the aisle-by-aisle directions straight to the produce section. When he taps on “quinoa,” Aisledex alerts him that it’s out of stock and suggests a nearby millet alternative—saving him a detour and 10 minutes he’d otherwise waste wandering the grains aisle.

Empathhy maps

Empathhy maps

Empathhy maps

SAYS

SAYS

SAYS

“I’m in and out in 15 minutes flat.”


“Why is quinoa never where I expect it?”

“I’m in and out in 15 minutes flat.”


“Why is quinoa never where I expect it?”

“I’m in and out in 15 minutes flat.”


“Why is quinoa never where I expect it?”

THINKS

THINKS

THINKS

“I can’t afford to waste time.”


“I hope this isn’t another wild goose chase.”

“I can’t afford to waste time.”


“I hope this isn’t another wild goose chase.”

“I can’t afford to waste time.”


“I hope this isn’t another wild goose chase.”

FEELS

FEELS

FEELS

Rushed and results-driven.


Frustrated when things aren’t where expected.


Stressed if shopping cuts into work time.

Rushed and results-driven.


Frustrated when things aren’t where expected.


Stressed if shopping cuts into work time.

Rushed and results-driven.


Frustrated when things aren’t where expected.


Stressed if shopping cuts into work time.

DOES

DOES

DOES

Checks stock

online before leaving work.


Plans mental route through familiar aisles.


Looks for staff when signage fails.

Checks stock

online before leaving work.


Plans mental route through familiar aisles.


Looks for staff when signage fails.

Checks stock

online before leaving work.


Plans mental route through familiar aisles.


Looks for staff when signage fails.

Alex

Alex

Alex

SAYS

SAYS

SAYS

“With two kids in tow, I need my list—and my sanity—on autopilot.”


“Let’s make this fast.”

“With two kids in tow, I need my list—and my sanity—on autopilot.”


“Let’s make this fast.”

“With two kids in tow, I need my list—and my sanity—on autopilot.”


“Let’s make this fast.”

THINKS

THINKS

THINKS

“Don’t lose the kids or the list.”


“Please let this be smooth.”

“Don’t lose the kids or the list.”


“Please let this be smooth.”

“Don’t lose the kids or the list.”


“Please let this be smooth.”

FEELS

FEELS

FEELS

Overwhelmed by multitasking.


Anxious when things go off-plan.


Relieved by any tool that keeps her on track.

Overwhelmed by multitasking.


Anxious when things go off-plan.


Relieved by any tool that keeps her on track.

Overwhelmed by multitasking.


Anxious when things go off-plan.


Relieved by any tool that keeps her on track.

DOES

DOES

DOES

Juggles cart, phone, children.


Tries to remember everything while being interrupted.


Rushes through aisles, improvises forgotten items.

Juggles cart, phone, children.


Tries to remember everything while being interrupted.


Rushes through aisles, improvises forgotten items.

Juggles cart, phone, children.


Tries to remember everything while being interrupted.


Rushes through aisles, improvises forgotten items.

Emily

Emily

Emily

SAYS

SAYS

“One extra aisle feels like a mile.”


“Let me go at my own pace.”

“One extra aisle feels like a mile.”


“Let me go at my own pace.”

THINKS

THINKS

“I want to stay independent.”


“I hope I can read everything today.”

“I want to stay independent.”


“I hope I can read everything today.”

FEELS

FEELS

Cautious

and self-reliant.


Frustrated by small fonts or busy layouts.


Empowered when she completes a trip on her own.

Cautious

and self-reliant.


Frustrated by small fonts or busy layouts.


Empowered when she completes a trip on her own.

DOES

DOES

Increases font

size on her phone.


Walks slowly and double-checks aisle signs.


Reluctantly asks for help when lost or overwhelmed.

Increases font

size on her phone.


Walks slowly and double-checks aisle signs.


Reluctantly asks for help when lost or overwhelmed.

Awo

Awo

SAYS

“One extra aisle feels like a mile.”


“Let me go at my own pace.”

THINKS

“I want to stay independent.”


“I hope I can read everything today.”

FEELS

Cautious

and self-reliant.


Frustrated by small fonts or busy layouts.


Empowered when she completes a trip on her own.

DOES

Increases font

size on her phone.


Walks slowly and double-checks aisle signs.


Reluctantly asks for help when lost or overwhelmed.

Awo

Journey maps

Journey maps

Journey maps

Stages

Actions

Thoughts

Emotions

Opportunities

Before Shoping

Opens Ailsedex app and types in a few items.

“Let me get this done fast.”

Focused, alert

Quick add-to-list shortcuts

Arrive at store

Walks in with phone in hand and earbuds connected.

“No distractions—I’ve got 15 minutes.”

Determined, slightly rushed

Instant route mapping at store entry

In-store shopping

Follows Ailsedex’s optimized route from aisle to aisle.

“This route is efficient.”

Confident, efficient

Real-time aisle guidance

Problem encountered

Notices an item is out of stock.

“Ugh, I hope I don’t have to circle back.”

Frustrated but open to options

Proactive stock alerts + alternatives

Finishing up

Accepts the suggested alternative, finishes list.

“Glad I didn’t waste time hunting around.”

Satisfied, relieved

Easy trip summaries or auto-generated receipts

Alex

Stages

Actions

Thoughts

Emotions

Opportunities

Before Shoping

Opens Ailsedex app and types in a few items.

“Let me get this done fast.”

Focused, alert

Quick add-to-list shortcuts

Arrive at store

Walks in with phone in hand and earbuds connected.

“No distractions—I’ve got 15 minutes.”

Determined, slightly rushed

Instant route mapping at store entry

In-store shopping

Follows Ailsedex’s optimized route from aisle to aisle.

“This route is efficient.”

Confident, efficient

Real-time aisle guidance

Problem encountered

Notices an item is out of stock.

“Ugh, I hope I don’t have to circle back.”

Frustrated but open to options

Proactive stock alerts + alternatives

Finishing up

Accepts the suggested alternative, finishes list.

“Glad I didn’t waste time hunting around.”

Satisfied, relieved

Easy trip summaries or auto-generated receipts

Alex

Stages

Actions

Thoughts

Emotions

Opportunities

Before Shoping

Opens Ailsedex app and types in a few items.

“Let me get this done fast.”

Focused, alert

Quick add-to-list shortcuts

Arrive at store

Walks in with phone in hand and earbuds connected.

“No distractions—I’ve got 15 minutes.”

Determined, slightly rushed

Instant route mapping at store entry

In-store shopping

Follows Ailsedex’s optimized route from aisle to aisle.

“This route is efficient.”

Confident, efficient

Real-time aisle guidance

Problem encountered

Notices an item is out of stock.

“Ugh, I hope I don’t have to circle back.”

Frustrated but open to options

Proactive stock alerts + alternatives

Finishing up

Accepts the suggested alternative, finishes list.

“Glad I didn’t waste time hunting around.”

Satisfied, relieved

Easy trip summaries or auto-generated receipts

Alex

Stages

Actions

Thoughts

Emotions

Opportunities

Before Shoping

Prepares shared shopping list with spouse.

“Let’s get this done before soccer practice.”

Busy, anticipatory

Family-shared smart lists

Arrive at store

Straps phone to cart, activates Hands-Free Mode.

“Hope the cart setup works today.”

Hopeful, slightly stressed

Seamless cart-mount UI

In-store shopping

Uses voice input to add new items while kids shop with her.

“This hands-free setup is a lifesaver.”

Empowered, focused

Intuitive voice assistant

Problem encountered

Kids interrupt the flow asking for snacks.

“I’m losing track—again.”

Frazzled, distracted

Mid-route list adjust + resume

Finishing up

Adds impulse items, checks list completion.

“We made it!”

Accomplished, tired

Sync receipts with family or calendar apps

Emily

Stages

Actions

Thoughts

Emotions

Opportunities

Before Shoping

Prepares shared shopping list with spouse.

“Let’s get this done before soccer practice.”

Busy, anticipatory

Family-shared smart lists

Arrive at store

Straps phone to cart, activates Hands-Free Mode.

“Hope the cart setup works today.”

Hopeful, slightly stressed

Seamless cart-mount UI

In-store shopping

Uses voice input to add new items while kids shop with her.

“This hands-free setup is a lifesaver.”

Empowered, focused

Intuitive voice assistant

Problem encountered

Kids interrupt the flow asking for snacks.

“I’m losing track—again.”

Frazzled, distracted

Mid-route list adjust + resume

Finishing up

Adds impulse items, checks list completion.

“We made it!”

Accomplished, tired

Sync receipts with family or calendar apps

Emily

Stages

Actions

Thoughts

Emotions

Opportunities

Before Shoping

Prepares shared shopping list with spouse.

“Let’s get this done before soccer practice.”

Busy, anticipatory

Family-shared smart lists

Arrive at store

Straps phone to cart, activates Hands-Free Mode.

“Hope the cart setup works today.”

Hopeful, slightly stressed

Seamless cart-mount UI

In-store shopping

Uses voice input to add new items while kids shop with her.

“This hands-free setup is a lifesaver.”

Empowered, focused

Intuitive voice assistant

Problem encountered

Kids interrupt the flow asking for snacks.

“I’m losing track—again.”

Frazzled, distracted

Mid-route list adjust + resume

Finishing up

Adds impulse items, checks list completion.

“We made it!”

Accomplished, tired

Sync receipts with family or calendar apps

Emily

Awo

Stages

Actions

Thoughts

Emotions

Opportunities

Before Shoping

Reviews weekly essentials on Ailsedex with large text enabled.

“I hope I don’t forget anything today.”

Calm, focused

Auto-reminders or caregiver-shared lists

Arrive at store

Opens app with accessibility presets active.

“Let’s do this at my pace.”

Confident, steady

Default accessibility settings

In-store shopping

Follows slow-paced, high-contrast trail to each item.

“This trail is easy on the eyes.”

Comfortable, in control

Enlarged icons and zoom-friendly UI

Problem encountered

Arrives at an empty shelf.

“Do I ask someone, or…”

Disappointed, uncertain

Immediate alternatives to avoid confusion

Finishing up

Accepts the suggested substitution, checks off last item.

“Still got it done—on my own.”

Empowered, proud

Positive reinforcement screen at end of trip

Awo

Stages

Actions

Thoughts

Emotions

Opportunities

Before Shoping

Reviews weekly essentials on Ailsedex with large text enabled.

“I hope I don’t forget anything today.”

Calm, focused

Auto-reminders or caregiver-shared lists

Arrive at store

Opens app with accessibility presets active.

“Let’s do this at my pace.”

Confident, steady

Default accessibility settings

In-store shopping

Follows slow-paced, high-contrast trail to each item.

“This trail is easy on the eyes.”

Comfortable, in control

Enlarged icons and zoom-friendly UI

Problem encountered

Arrives at an empty shelf.

“Do I ask someone, or…”

Disappointed, uncertain

Immediate alternatives to avoid confusion

Finishing up

Accepts the suggested substitution, checks off last item.

“Still got it done—on my own.”

Empowered, proud

Positive reinforcement screen at end of trip

Awo

Stages

Actions

Thoughts

Emotions

Opportunities

Before Shoping

Reviews weekly essentials on Ailsedex with large text enabled.

“I hope I don’t forget anything today.”

Calm, focused

Auto-reminders or caregiver-shared lists

Arrive at store

Opens app with accessibility presets active.

“Let’s do this at my pace.”

Confident, steady

Default accessibility settings

In-store shopping

Follows slow-paced, high-contrast trail to each item.

“This trail is easy on the eyes.”

Comfortable, in control

Enlarged icons and zoom-friendly UI

Problem encountered

Arrives at an empty shelf.

“Do I ask someone, or…”

Disappointed, uncertain

Immediate alternatives to avoid confusion

Finishing up

Accepts the suggested substitution, checks off last item.

“Still got it done—on my own.”

Empowered, proud

Positive reinforcement screen at end of trip

Aggregated empathy map

Aggregated empathy map

Aggregated empathy map

Awo

Awo

SAYS

SAYS

SAYS

“I don’t want to waste time wandering.”

“I don’t want to waste time wandering.”

“I don’t want to waste time wandering.”

“Where is that aisle again?”

“Where is that aisle again?”

“Where is that aisle again?”

“I just want to get in and out quickly.”

“I just want to get in and out quickly.”

“I just want to get in and out quickly.”

“This would be easier if I didn’t have to backtrack.”

“This would be easier if I didn’t have to backtrack.”

“This would be easier if I didn’t have to backtrack.”

DOES

DOES

DOES

Scans aisles and signs frequently.

Scans aisles and signs frequently.

Scans aisles and signs frequently.

Uses their phone for lists or voice input.

Uses their phone for lists or voice input.

Uses their phone for lists or voice input.

Tries to plan shopping routes ahead of time.

Tries to plan shopping routes ahead of time.

Tries to plan shopping routes ahead of time.

Adjusts shopping on the fly (e.g. substitutes when items are missing).

Adjusts shopping on the fly (e.g. substitutes when items are missing).

Adjusts shopping on the fly (e.g. substitutes when items are missing).

THINKS

THINKS

THINKS

“There must be a faster way to shop.”

“There must be a faster way to shop.”

“There must be a faster way to shop.”

“Am I missing something on my list?”

“Am I missing something on my list?”

“Am I missing something on my list?”

“I hope I don’t get stuck looking for this one item.”

“I hope I don’t get stuck looking for this one item.”

“I hope I don’t get stuck looking for this one item.”

“I wish I didn’t have to ask for help.”

“I wish I didn’t have to ask for help.”

“I wish I didn’t have to ask for help.”

FEELS

FEELS

FEELS

Frustrated when items are hard to find.

Frustrated when items are hard to find.

Frustrated when items are hard to find.

Rushed or anxious, especially when time or kids are factors.

Rushed or anxious, especially when time or kids are factors.

Rushed or anxious, especially when time or kids are factors.

Tired from navigating large stores inefficiently.

Tired from navigating large stores inefficiently.

Tired from navigating large stores inefficiently.

Relieved and in control when a smooth experience is achieved.

Relieved and in control when a smooth experience is achieved.

Relieved and in control when a smooth experience is achieved.

Emily

Emily

Alex

Alex

How might we

How might we

How might we

To translate user insights into actionable design directions I derived a series of “How Might We” (HMW) questions from the aggregated empathy map. These questions represent opportunities to address real user frustrations, needs, and behaviors with thoughtful, user-centered solutions.

Navigation & In-Store Efficiency

  1. How might we help users avoid wandering or backtracking in the store?

  2. How might we clearly communicate product locations at a glance?

  3. How might we help users plan their store route in advance or dynamically as they go?

  4. How might we enable smooth on-the-fly updates for substitutions or changes?

Mental Load & Organization

  1. How might we reduce the cognitive load of remembering and organizing shopping lists?

  2. How might we integrate existing shopping behaviors (like using phones or notes) into a seamless app experience?

  3. How might we build trust so users don’t feel the need to ask for directions?

Emotional Ease & Confidence

  1. How might we reduce frustration and anxiety during the shopping experience?

  2. How might we create a sense of confidence and control in the store?

  3. How might we make users feel relaxed and accomplished by the end of their trip?

Speed & Convenience

  1. How might we reduce frustration and anxiety during the shopping experience?

  2. How might we create a sense of confidence and control in the store?

  3. How might we make users feel relaxed and accomplished by the end of their trip?

Sketch Wireframes

Sketch Wireframes

Sketch Wireframes

Draft 1
Draft 2

Lo-Fi

Lo-Fi

Lo-Fi

Lo-Fi Prototype

Lo-Fi Prototype

Lo-Fi Prototype

This Ailsedex prototype follows a simple, streamlined user journey. Starting on the homepage, users can browse for a product, then add to their list.

They can proceed to the list tab to view all their list items for the shopping day and can tap an item to view its exact aisle and shelf position on the store map.

Guided by clear navigation cues, they quickly find the product in-store and receive a confirmation message, ensuring a smooth, efficient shopping experience without unnecessary detours.

This Ailsedex prototype follows a simple, streamlined user journey. Starting on the homepage, users can browse for a product, then add to their list.

They can proceed to the list tab to view all their list items for the shopping day and can tap an item to view its exact aisle and shelf position on the store map.

Guided by clear navigation cues, they quickly find the product in-store and receive a confirmation message, ensuring a smooth, efficient shopping experience without unnecessary detours.

This Ailsedex prototype follows a simple, streamlined user journey. Starting on the homepage, users can browse for a product, then add to their list.

They can proceed to the list tab to view all their list items for the shopping day and can tap an item to view its exact aisle and shelf position on the store map.

Guided by clear navigation cues, they quickly find the product in-store and receive a confirmation message, ensuring a smooth, efficient shopping experience without unnecessary detours.

Try lo-fi prototype here

Try lo-fi prototype here

Try lo-fi prototype here

Usability study

Usability study

Usability study

Summary

The initial usability study confirmed that Ailsedex successfully enables users to quickly find grocery items in-store. The app’s map and navigation system was highlighted as its strongest feature, with 90% of participants praising its usefulness and 95% rating the overall experience as easy to use.

While the overall usability scored 90/100 (Excellent), testers suggested two improvements:

  • A Locate button for every individual product card

  • Automatic recommendations for out-of-stock items

Metrics

Feedback
multicolored abstract painting

“The navigation feels smooth and fast, found what I needed in seconds.”

multicolored abstract painting

“The navigation feels smooth and fast, found what I needed in seconds.”

multicolored abstract painting

“The navigation feels smooth and fast, found what I needed in seconds.”

rock formation mountain

“I wish I could just hit ‘Locate’ on any item, not just in the categories.”

rock formation mountain

“I wish I could just hit ‘Locate’ on any item, not just in the categories.”

rock formation mountain

“I wish I could just hit ‘Locate’ on any item, not just in the categories.”

white and purple abstract painting

“If something’s sold out, having an instant alternative suggestion would save time.”

white and purple abstract painting

“If something’s sold out, having an instant alternative suggestion would save time.”

white and purple abstract painting

“If something’s sold out, having an instant alternative suggestion would save time.”

white and black abstract painting

“The navigation feels smooth and fast, found what I needed in seconds.”

white and black abstract painting

“The navigation feels smooth and fast, found what I needed in seconds.”

white and black abstract painting

“The navigation feels smooth and fast, found what I needed in seconds.”

Feedback

After implementing round 1 feedback (adding “Locate item” button to every item and introducing out-of-stock recommendations), I conducted a second usability test on the high-fidelity prototype. The goal was to validate design improvements and ensure the core flow remained fast and intuitive.

100% of participants were able to locate items successfully.

  • 90% reported the new “Locate” button on every item made navigation more convenient.

  • 85% found the out-of-stock recommendations helpful and time-saving.

  • Average task completion time decreased from 10 seconds → 7 seconds.

  • SUS Score: 95/100, indicating exceptional usability.

Hi-Fi mockup

Hi-Fi mockup

Hi-Fi mockup

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Displaying information of store being shopped at by the User

Greeting and user information

List tab for easy access to favorited items

Displaying information of store being shopped at by the User

Greeting and user information

List tab for easy access to favorited items

Displaying information of store being shopped at by the User

Greeting and user information

List tab for easy access to favorited items

HI-Fi Prototype

HI-Fi Prototype

HI-Fi Prototype

In the high-fidelity usability test, the user begins by signing in to the Ailsedex app and navigating to the homepage. From there, they tap the Milk & Dairy category to browse its items, where they choose “Simple Truth Whole Milk.” 

On the product detail page, the user taps “Locate Item,” which displays the aisle, shelf information and a store map with a highlighted path and navigation guidance, along with a “Go”button.

After tapping “Go,” the user follows the directions, reaches the product location, and taps “Found.” The app then displays a “Congratulations! You found Simple Truth Whole Milk” message, completing the flow.

In the high-fidelity usability test, the user begins by signing in to the Ailsedex app and navigating to the homepage. From there, they tap the Milk & Dairy category to browse its items, where they choose “Simple Truth Whole Milk.” 

On the product detail page, the user taps “Locate Item,” which displays the aisle, shelf information and a store map with a highlighted path and navigation guidance, along with a “Go”button.

After tapping “Go,” the user follows the directions, reaches the product location, and taps “Found.” The app then displays a “Congratulations! You found Simple Truth Whole Milk” message, completing the flow.

In the high-fidelity usability test, the user begins by signing in to the Ailsedex app and navigating to the homepage. From there, they tap the Milk & Dairy category to browse its items, where they choose “Simple Truth Whole Milk.” 

On the product detail page, the user taps “Locate Item,” which displays the aisle, shelf information and a store map with a highlighted path and navigation guidance, along with a “Go”button.

After tapping “Go,” the user follows the directions, reaches the product location, and taps “Found.” The app then displays a “Congratulations! You found Simple Truth Whole Milk” message, completing the flow.

Try hi-fi prototype here

Try hi-fi prototype here

Try hi-fi prototype here

Slideshow

Slideshow

Slideshow

Accessibility

Accessibility

Accessibility

High contrast, visuals and large text

The app uses strong color contrast and scalable fonts to ensure aisle maps, buttons, and labels remain clear and readable for users with low vision or color blindness.

Voice guidance and screen reader support

Ailsedex integrates voice navigation and full screen reader compatibility, enabling hands-free item location and supporting users with visual impairments or mobility challenges.

Multi language support

The app offers translations and localized instructions for multiple languages, ensuring non-English speakers can easily navigate the store and understand item locations without confusion.

Takeaways

Takeaways

Takeaways

Impact

Ailsedex significantly improved in-store navigation, helping users locate items in under 10 seconds. Feedback showed that clear aisle guidance and hands-free navigation can transform the shopping experience, particularly for busy parents and elderly users.

However, the study also revealed clear opportunities for refinement. One in five participants (20%) wanted the option to “Locate Item” for individual products rather than limiting location functionality to categories.

Additionally, 10% expressed interest in receiving alternative product recommendations when an item is out of stock. These insights will guide the next development phase, ensuring the product remains intuitive while expanding its functionality.

Overall, the feedback validates that the design direction is effective and user-friendly, while highlighting tangible improvements that will make the experience even more personalized and responsive to shopper needs.

Next steps

Next steps

Next steps

Implement personal recommendations

Introduce AI-powered suggestions for complementary products and real-time alternatives to out-of-stock items to save users even more time.

Expand accessibility features

Enhance hands-free mode with richer voice commands and integrate haptic feedback for users with visual impairments.

Development, pilot launch and integration

Build Aisledex and partner with local grocery chains to test the app in real-world settings, gather data on user behavior, and refine navigation accuracy before scaling to larger markets.

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Thanks!
Now lets
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Thanks!
Now lets
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Thanks!
Now lets
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Ivan Kwetey

Contact

navitunes@gmail.com
(206) 596-6417

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