Gaggiuino

A seamless approach to flow profiling a domestic espresso machine
AboutMarket ResearchCompetitive AnalysisDesign PreparationFlow DiagramSketchesHigh-Fidelity UIUsability TestSummary
Role
Designer, Researcher
Team Size
1 Software Developer
Platform
3.5" Digital Display
Tools
Figma and Photoshop
Duration
6 weeks
Industry
Coffee
What is the Gaggiuino?
Gaggiuino is an open-source project that allows users to upgrade their Gaggia Classic espresso machines with a digital controller. This upgrade enables users to adjust pressure, temperature, and flow rate, making the machine competitive with pricier models. The digital display is projected on a 3.5" Nextion LCD screen (480x320). The value proposition of Gaggiuino is to bring features typically found only on high-end machines into the home.
Problems
Gaggiuino wanted to add a new feature that allows users to share flow profiles. A flow profile consists of saved settings for temperature, pressure, and flow rate. Users can save these profiles via USB and share them as files that others can load.
However, data and user research revealed issues with the existing interface that needed to be addressed before implementing the new feature:
  • Users complained that the toggle path was too long. Changing pressure and flow rate required one screen, while adjusting temperature required going back to the main screen.
  • Users reported that buttons were too small, leading to frequent mistakes from accidentally pressing the wrong parts of the screen.
Users complained that the toggle path was too long. Changing pressure and flow rate required one screen, while adjusting temperature required going back to the main screen.
Users reported that buttons were too small, leading to frequent mistakes from accidentally pressing the wrong parts of the screen.
Market Research
The claim
Since the pandemic, consumers are increasingly recreating café experiences at home. The global espresso machine market is expected to hit $16 billion by 2031, with a growth rate of 5.4%.
User research
In 2023, sales increased despite fewer units sold, indicating rising demand for upscale machines. The popular Gaggia Classic, touted as a beginner's favorite, is frequently customized by users, offering budget-friendly options.
Competitive Analysis
I analyzed two high-end espresso machines with similar software to identify potential pain points we could address. To gather user insights, I looked at user reviews on social media platforms, including YouTube and Discord.
Decent Espresso
Sanremo You
Conclusions
  • Complicated controls and settings that are hard to understand and navigate.
  • The user interface is cluttered, making it difficult for users to navigate and find the information they need quickly.
Complicated controls and settings that are hard to understand and navigate.
The user interface is cluttered, making it difficult for users to navigate and find the information they need quickly.
Social Media Reviews
I love the app, but adjusting settings is horrible. Please make it more user-friendly.
Giulia
The app could be great, but the ability to adjust settings is a deal-breaker for me.
Paul
The controls in this app are way too complicated. I can't figure out how to use half of the features.
Ricardo
Goals
Collaborating with the software developer, my role as Product Designer was to address the following objectives based on the research:
  • Simplify the user experience, particularly focusing on making the landing page easier to use.
  • Improve the toggle functionality to allow users to make changes more efficiently.
  • Add the profile sharing feature in a way that is intuitive and avoids user confusion.
Simplify the user experience, particularly focusing on making the landing page easier to use.
Improve the toggle functionality to allow users to make changes more efficiently.
Add the profile sharing feature in a way that is intuitive and avoids user confusion.
Preparation before designing
Prior to starting the design, I wanted to set up this design with a non complicated path in mind. I referred to the original design to look at the current UX and what needs to be shown on the dashboard.
Before redesign
Flow diagram
To outline essential features, I created a straightforward flowchart illustrating the primary actions for the user.
Sketches
Once the flow was completed, I started creating sketches to conceptualize how things could be organized and manifested.
13 high-fidelity designs were created
Once the low-fidelity wireframes were complete, I started by creating a couple of the main screens for the display. Including A/B testing with different profile wireframes.
Minimalist approach
This concept introduced a dosage screen for minimalist recipe adjustments, with users cycling through tabs for other modifications.
Less toggle
This approach allows users to adjust dosage and other recipe details like temperature on one screen.
Extended Wireframe
Usability test
After producing high-fidelity wireframes, they underwent testing with users to gauge their responses to the interface.
Preparation
The project aimed to ensure the share feature's functionality and provide a seamless user experience. Usability tests with 18  participants, each given wireframes for the dashboard and Save tab,  evaluated the profile sharing feature. Testing was conducted in person,  introducing users to the product and asking questions to assess  functionality and user experience.
Sharing is caring
At first, on the dashboard, I used a tab labeled 'save' to indicate that it would lead users to the save screen for profile sharing. However, testing showed that 78% of users found the 'save' label confusing. As as result, it was changed to 'Share' to improve clarity and user  experience.
Old Display
In the Share tab, users swipe to switch between profiles. Initially, an overflow icon and blurred profile image prompted swiping. However, 39%  of users found it confusing. To address this, I replaced the icon with one showing a swipe action for clarity.
Updated Concept
I took these difficulties into consideration when creating a new concept  for this design. After presenting the updated version to the users, 50% expressed satisfaction with the changes, indicating a significant improvement in user experience.
Impact
Following the usability testing of the updated interface, we observed a significant increase in user engagement with the new share feature during a beta phase with users. Survey results indicated that 38% of users expressed interest in the feature, with 80% of those respondents stating they would use it on a weekly basis.
Despite the positive feedback garnered from the testing phase, the project underwent a significant shift in direction. The management and development team decided to transition from a digital display to a web application. As of May 2024, this web application is still in development.
Nevertheless, the insights gathered from the usability testing underscore the value of the proposed feature. User engagement metrics demonstrated a genuine interest in the sharing functionality, suggesting its potential to revolutionize the way users interact with espresso machines.
18
Users
38%
User
Interest
80%
User Engagement
Learnings
One major lesson learned from this project was understanding how users' responses differ between mobile apps and those on a digital display. Users expect a digital display on an espresso machine to provide a quick path to their desired destination, especially when they're in need of their morning coffee! Prioritizing and comprehending their needs and interactions with the product helped us manage our time effectively, focusing on essential elements rather than pursuing potential additions of unclear value.
Gregorio Gangala
Product Designer
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