SipSip+
Digital Loyalty Card App
My Role:
UX/UI Designer
Coffee Enthusiast
Project Type:
Digital Loyalty Program App
Case Study
Tools:
Figma
Photoshop
Rhino 3D
Turkish Coffee?
Deliverables:
Figma
Mobile App Design
User Personas
Empathy Maps
Competitive Audit
Hi-Fi Prototype
Mockups
SipSip+
Challenge:
How might we transform Istanbul's vibrant coffee culture into a thriving digital community, where every sip is celebrated and every loyalty point earned feels like discovering the perfect blend?
What is the motivation behind SipSip+
Imagine This:
You're headed to your favourite coffee joint in Istanbul, craving that first sip of your usual brew. But uh-oh! You can't find that crumpled, coffee-stained loyalty card promising a free drink after ten purchases. It's the classic case of the missing coffee card. That's where Sipsip+ comes in! We saw the struggle of keeping track of those flimsy paper cards, and we knew there had to be a better way. With coffee flowing like the Bosporus in Istanbul, we set out to brew up a digital solution to this loyalty card enigma. Say goodbye to lost cards and hello to Sipsip+, where loyalty is as easy as tapping your phone. Plus, let's not forget the environmental impact of all that paper waste – Sipsip+ is here to keep both your loyalty and the planet green!
Motivation Behind the Project:
In a city where coffee flows like the Bosporus, we realized there had to be a better way to reward loyal caffeine aficionados without the hassle of flimsy paper cards. Enter Sipsip, the brainchild of a team of coffee lovers determined to brew up a digital solution to Istanbul's loyalty card woes.
The Unsustainability of Old-School Loyalty Cards:
Let's face it: paper loyalty cards are about as reliable as a rainy day in the desert. They get lost in the shuffle of daily life, crumpled beyond recognition, or accidentally tossed in the recycling bin along with yesterday's newspaper. Not to mention the environmental impact of all that paper waste!
Goals, Objectives, Challenges, and Process
As we embarked on the Sipsip+ journey, our mission was clear: to craft a digital loyalty program that would elevate Istanbul's coffee culture to new heights. But like any good adventure, we encountered our fair share of challenges along the way.
Goals and Objectives:
Enhancing Customer Experience: Our aim was to create an experience as smooth and satisfying as that first sip of coffee in the morning.
Boosting Customer Loyalty: We sought to build strong bonds between coffee shops and their patrons, turning casual drinkers into devoted regulars.
Simplifying Coffee Shop Operations: Behind the scenes, we aimed to provide coffee shop owners with valuable insights to streamline their operations and keep customers coming back.
Promoting Sustainability: By replacing paper loyalty cards with a digital solution, we aimed to reduce waste and promote eco-friendly practices.
Challenges:
The Paper Problem: The ubiquity of paper loyalty cards posed a significant challenge. These cards were easily lost or damaged, leading to frustration for both customers and coffee shop owners.
Navigating Istanbul's Coffee Culture: Istanbul's diverse coffee scene presented unique challenges. We needed to ensure that Sipsip+ catered to the tastes and preferences of coffee enthusiasts across the city.
Technical Hurdles: Developing a user-friendly app with seamless functionality required overcoming technical hurdles, from integration with existing systems to ensuring data security.
Process:
Our journey began with extensive research, diving deep into Istanbul's coffee culture and speaking with coffee shop owners and customers alike. Armed with insights, we embarked on the design phase, iterating on concepts and refining our vision. User testing played a crucial role, allowing us to fine-tune the app based on real-world feedback. Finally, we unveiled Sipsip to the world, ready to brew up a storm in Istanbul's bustling coffee scene.
User Personas
About:
Lorenzo embodies the essence of modern coffee culture. Always connected and constantly sharing his coffee adventures on social media, Lorenzo sees coffee as more than just a drink – it's a lifestyle. From trendy coffee shops to hidden gems off the beaten path, Lorenzo’s quest for the perfect brew knows no bounds.
Challenges:
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out): With a plethora of coffee options available, Lorenzo often experiences FOMO and struggles to choose which coffee shop to visit.
Consistency: Despite his love for exploring new coffee spots, Lorenzo sometimes craves the familiarity and consistency of his favourite cafes.
Goals:
Social Connection: Lorenzo values coffee as a social experience, using it as a catalyst for connecting with others and building communities.
Exploration: He enjoys exploring new coffee shops and documenting his experiences through photos and videos.
Online Presence: As a content creator, Lorenzo seeks opportunities to showcase his coffee adventures and engage with his audience online.
​
#Lorenzo
Characteristics:
Age: 27
Occupation: Content creator
Coffee Preferences: Enjoys specialty coffee and unique brewing methods.
Tech Enthusiast: Highly active on social media platforms and always on the lookout for the latest tech trends
Insight:
In our interview with Lorenzo, he emphasised the role of coffee in fostering social connections and building communities. He expressed a desire for loyalty programs that not only offer rewards but also facilitate social interaction and engagement among coffee enthusiasts like himself.
User Personas
About:
Jane is the epitome of a coffee enthusiast. Always on the lookout for the next best cup of joy, Jane considers coffee more than just a beverage – it's a passion. Whether she's exploring the latest coffee shops in Istanbul or perfecting her home brewing techniques, Jane’s love for coffee knows no bounds.
Challenges:
Forgetting Loyalty Cards: With her hectic schedule, Jane often forgets to bring along physical loyalty cards, missing out on potential rewards.
Time Constraints: Balancing work and personal life leaves Jane with limited time to explore new coffee spots and participate in loyalty programs.
Goals:
Convenience: Jane values convenience and efficiency in all aspects of her life, including her coffee routine.
Exploration: She enjoys discovering new coffee shops and experiencing different coffee flavours and cultures.
Rewards: As a frequent coffee drinker, Jane appreciates loyalty programs that offer rewards and incentives for her patronage.
#Jane
Characteristics:
Age: 38
Occupation: Author
Coffee Preferences: Enjoys a variety of coffee styles
Tech Savvy: Comfortable using mobile apps and digital tools in her daily life
Insight:
In our interview with Jane, she emphasised the importance of convenience and rewards in her coffee routine. She expressed frustration with traditional paper loyalty cards and highlighted the need for a digital solution that would seamlessly integrate into her busy lifestyle.
Interview & Questionnaire
Interview Goals:
Understanding Coffee Habits: Our interviews aimed to uncover the typical coffee routines and preferences of individuals. By understanding their coffee consumption habits, we were better equipped to design a loyalty program that would seamlessly integrate into their daily lives.
Identifying Pain Points: We sought to identify pain points and challenges experienced by our target audience with existing loyalty programs. By pinpointing areas for improvement, we could ensure that Sipsip+ addressed these pain points and offered a more satisfying experience for users.
Exploring Digital Preferences: With the shift towards digital solutions, we wanted to understand our target audience's attitudes towards technology and digital loyalty programs. Our interviews helped us gauge their comfort level with mobile apps and identify features they valued most in digital platforms.
Uncovering Social Dynamics: Coffee is often a social experience, and we aimed to explore how our target audience incorporates coffee into their social lives and online presence. By understanding their social dynamics, we could design features that fostered community engagement and interaction within the Sipsip+ platform.
Target Participant Characteristics:
Age: 20-40 years old.
Interests: They are passionate about coffee and exploring new coffee shops.
Genders: Include individuals of all genders.
Location: Istanbul.
Overview:
In conducting interviews with individuals, our primary goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the needs, preferences, and behaviours of our target audience. These insights served as the foundation for the design of Sipsip+, guiding us in creating a digital loyalty program that would resonate with coffee enthusiasts across Istanbul.
User Research
In our journey to craft the ultimate digital loyalty program for Istanbul's coffee scene, we delved deep into interviews and user research, armed with Turkish delight and a passion for coffee. Our goal? To uncover the secrets of Istanbul's caffeine aficionados and brew up a loyalty program that hits the spot.
Interview Questions:
Can you share your coffee journey with us? From your first sip to your favourite brew, we want to hear it all!
What makes you loyal to your favourite coffee spot? Is it the rich aroma, friendly baristas, or perhaps the promise of rewards?
Have you ever experienced the tragedy of losing a paper loyalty card? How did it make you feel, and what would you wish for in a digital loyalty program?
How do you feel about using mobile apps for your coffee adventures? What features would make your coffee experience truly delightful?
Coffee is more than just a drink – it's a cultural phenomenon. How do you engage with the coffee community, both online and offline?
User Research:
Field Expeditions: We ventured into Istanbul's coffee culture, observing and interacting with enthusiasts in their natural habitat.
Coffee Shop Surveys: Surveys in bustling coffee shops gathered insights from a diverse array of caffeine enthusiasts.
Social Media Sleuthing: Scouring social media platforms for insights into the coffee habits and preferences of Istanbul's coffee-loving populace.
Empathy Maps
Cathy
Age: 28
Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing
Location: Kadıköy, İstanbul
Family: Single, lives alone with her cat
Occupation: Marketing coordinator at a tech startup
Cathy is a young professional living in İstanbul, the coffee capital of the world. She starts her day with a strong cup of coffee and relies on caffeine to keep her energised throughout her busy workday. Cathy is always on the go, attending meetings, brainstorming sessions, and networking events. She values efficiency and convenience, often multitasking to meet deadlines. Despite her hectic schedule, Cathy enjoys exploring new coffee shops in her free time and considers herself a coffee connoisseur. She's looking for user-friendly tools and apps that streamline her tasks and help her stay organised, especially when it comes to managing her caffeine intake and scheduling coffee breaks.
#Cathy
SAYS
-
"I need my morning coffee fix to kickstart my day."
-
"I love trying new coffee shops and discovering unique brews."
-
"A loyalty program that rewards my caffeine addiction? Count me in!"
THINKS
-
"I wish there was an easier way to keep track of my loyalty points."
-
"I value convenience and efficiency in my coffee experience."
-
"A digital loyalty program would make my coffee adventures even more enjoyable."
DOES
-
Visits coffee shops regularly, often on her way to work or during lunch breaks.
-
Enjoys exploring different coffee styles and brewing methods.
-
Forgets traditional paper loyalty cards but always has her phone handy for digital rewards.
FEELS
-
Excited when discovering a new coffee spot with exceptional brews.
-
Frustrated when she forgets her loyalty card and misses out on rewards.
-
Delighted when she receives exclusive offers or discounts through the loyalty program.
Empathy Maps
Sam
Age: 32
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications
Location: Beşiktaş, İstanbul
Family: In a committed relationship, no children
Occupation: Social media manager at a digital marketing agency
Sam is a creative and outgoing individual working in the fast-paced world of social media. He's passionate about digital marketing and enjoys staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the industry. Sam is active on various social media platforms and spends a significant amount of time engaging with his online community. He values connection and authenticity, striving to create meaningful content that resonates with his audience. Outside of work, Sam enjoys exploring the vibrant culture of San Francisco, attending music festivals, and dining out with friends. He's looking for intuitive and visually appealing platforms and tools that enhance his social media presence, streamline content creation, and help him analyse performance metrics to drive engagement and growth.
#Sam
SAYS
-
"Coffee dates with friends are the highlight of my week!"
-
"I love sharing my coffee experiences on social media."
-
"A loyalty program that lets me earn rewards for my coffee obsession? Sign me up!"
THINKS
-
"I want a loyalty program that rewards me for my coffee adventures and social engagement."
-
"An app that makes it easy to discover new coffee spots and stay connected with my favourite cafes would be perfect."
DOES
-
Organises coffee meet-ups with friends and followers, often trying out new cafes together.
-
Documents his coffee adventures on Instagram, sharing photos and reviews with his followers.
-
Uses mobile apps to stay connected and engaged with his favourite coffee shops and loyalty programs.
FEELS
-
Energised by the social aspect of coffee culture and the connections forged over a cup of coffee.
-
Inspired when discovering aesthetically pleasing coffee shops with photogenic drinks.
-
Valued when he receives recognition and rewards for his loyalty and engagement.
Empathy Maps
Bob
Age: 45
Education: Master's degree in Business Administration
Location: Nişantaşı, İstanbul
Family: Married with three school-age children
Occupation: Finance manager at a large corporation
Bob is a seasoned professional with a demanding career in finance. He juggles multiple responsibilities both at work and at home, often feeling overwhelmed by his packed schedule. Bob values efficiency and productivity, striving to optimise his time and resources to achieve his goals. He relies heavily on technology to manage his tasks and stay connected with his team. Despite his busy lifestyle, Bob tries to maintain a healthy work-life balance and enjoys spending quality time with his family on weekends. He's seeking user-friendly tools and systems that help him streamline his workflow, prioritise tasks, and achieve greater efficiency in his professional and personal life.
#Bob
SAYS
-
"Coffee is my fuel for getting through the workday."
-
"I prefer sticking to my favourite coffee shop for consistency and convenience."
-
"A loyalty program that saves me time and money? That's what I need!"
THINKS
-
"I need a loyalty program that fits seamlessly into my busy lifestyle."
-
"An app that makes it easy to order ahead and earn rewards would save me so much time."
-
"I value brands that understand the needs of busy professionals like myself."
DOES
-
Grabs coffee on his way to work or during breaks, usually from the same nearby cafe.
-
Values efficiency and convenience, opting for quick and easy transactions.
-
Appreciates loyalty programs that offer seamless experiences and tangible rewards.
FEELS
-
Relieved when he can rely on his favourite coffee shop for consistent quality and service.
-
Pressured by his busy schedule, he appreciates anything that simplifies his daily routines.
-
Satisfied when he earns rewards or discounts for his frequent coffee purchases.
Competitive Audit
Goals and Methodology:
Objectives:
Gain Insights: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of existing loyalty program solutions in the coffee industry.
Identify Opportunities: Identify opportunities to differentiate Sipsip+ from competitors and offer unique value to users.
Inform Design Decisions: Use findings from the competitive audit to inform the design and feature set of Sipsip+, ensuring alignment with user needs and market trends.
Procedure:
Compile List of Competitors: Identify and compile a list of competitors in the coffee industry.
Gather Information: Conduct research to gather information on each competitor.
Analyze Findings: Analyze the gathered information to identify common trends, strengths, and weaknesses.
Synthesise Insights: Synthesise insights from the competitive audit to inform the design and development of Sipsip+
Research Questions:
-
What are the key value propositions of existing loyalty programs in the coffee industry?
-
What features and functionalities do competitors offer to attract and retain users?
-
How do competitors establish their market presence and engage with their target audience?
-
What specific aspects of user experience (UX), user interface (UI), accessibility, and sustainability are prioritised by competitors?
-
What opportunities exist to innovate and differentiate Sipsip from existing solutions in the market?


Competitive Audit Report
Introduction:
Welcome to the Sipsip+ Competitive Audit Report, where we dive deep into the coffee loyalty landscape to uncover the secret ingredients of success! Get ready to sip on some juicy insights as we explore the strengths, weaknesses, and quirks of our competitors in the bustling world of coffee loyalty programs.
Methodology:
We embarked on a caffeine-fuelled journey of discovery, using a blend of online research, field expeditions, and social media sleuthing to gather insights on our competitors. Armed with laptops, lattes, and a dash of curiosity, we set out to uncover the hidden gems and not-so-secret strategies of the coffee loyalty game.
Competitor Overview:
Café Connect, Bean Bucks, and Mug Miles. Each brings their own flavour to the table, from seamless digital experiences to eco-friendly incentives. Join us as we dissect their value propositions, key features, and market presence, revealing the magic behind their brews.
Specific Competitor Aspects:
From user experience to sustainability, we leave no coffee bean unturned as we dive into the specific aspects that set our competitors apart. Discover how Café Connect fosters community engagement, Bean Bucks keeps it simple yet effective, and Mug Miles champions the planet with its eco-friendly initiatives.
Insights and Recommendations:
Sipsip+. With a sprinkle of social engagement, a dash of simplicity, and a generous helping of sustainability, we'll brew up a loyalty program that's as irresistible as a freshly roasted espresso.
Conclusion:
So, what's the verdict? In the world of coffee loyalty, it's not just about the beans – it's about the experience. With Sipsip+, we're not just offering rewards; we're creating connections, fostering community, and making every sip count. Get ready to join us on a journey of coffee-fuelled adventure – the Sipsip+ way.
Information Architecture

Hi-Fi Mockups









Visual Design
