ProdFrost
Prodcon
This case study was completed for Prodcon, a product managment case study complitition. Participants must solve a given case study in 6 hours and present to a panal of judges.
The Problem
The growing popularity of food delivery apps and increased dining out has exacerbated the adverse effects associated with these practices, negatively impacting users' physical health, environmental sustainability, social well-being, and economic stability. As the trend of relying on food delivery services and dining out continues to rise, it accentuates the challenges and drawbacks related to these behaviors.
The average U.S. household spent an average of $3,459 on takeout, in-restaurant dining, and fast food meals in 2018 (See)
Food delivery has become a global market worth more than $150 billion, having more than tripled since 2017 (Ahuja et al.)
The total amount of money spent on food “away from home” has risen 94% since 2003 (Ahuja et al.)
Eating out and relying on food delivery apps can be unhealthy due to factors like high-calorie meals, excessive portion sizes, and limited control over ingredients. Additionally, frequent use may contribute to a sedentary lifestyle and disrupt healthy eating habits. As the trend of relying on food delivery services and dining out continues to rise, it accentuates the challenges and drawbacks related to these behaviors.
The Case Study Challenge
You are a product manager at a home appliance company, Productloo Home Innovations, that is about to introduce a revolutionary smart fridge.
This fridge has two standout features: Automatic Ingredient Reordering: When it detects that you are running low on a specific ingredient, it can automatically order it for you from a partnered online grocery service. Recipe Search: The fridge comes with a built-in display that allows users to search for recipes.
My contribution
Product manager
The team
1 × product designer 1 × user researcher 1 × mechanical engineer 1 × software engineer
Placement
Finalist
User groups
In developing a cutting-edge refrigerator tailored for the needs of busy professionals and families, our product launch strategy centers around enhancing efficiency and simplifying the daily lives of our users. This innovative appliance aims to seamlessly integrate into the fast-paced routines of individuals who are juggling demanding careers and family responsibilities.
Our user-centric approach acknowledges the challenges of managing a household amid busy schedules, and our refrigerator is conceptualized to be an indispensable ally in this endeavor. Whether it's streamlining grocery management, providing quick and nutritious meal solutions, or ensuring minimal food waste, our design caters to the multifaceted needs of individuals leading hectic lives.
Personas
The Persona of Hansen and Cece have been created to represent our target user group of busy professionals and families
Pain Points
Solution Value
Goal
Minimize the use the food delivery apps and dining out using the ProdFrost smart Fridge
The Solution
The following 3 feature of ProdFrost will address the pain points by making eating at home more efficient, desirable, and effective.
Feature 1 : Automatic ingredient reordering
ProdFrost can detect when you are running low on a specific ingredient, and automatically add it to your order list. Productloo Home Innovations will partner with grocery delivery companies to facilitate automatic reordering.
Customers
Feature 2 : Recipe suggestions
The fridge comes with a built-in display that allows users to search for recipes. ProdFrost is able to suggest recipes based on food inventory.
Feature 3 : Food expiration detection and prevention
Productloo Home Innovations will partner with grocery stores to determine expiration dates of inventory and input data into Prod Frost. ProdFrost will then be able to suggest recipes based on which food are going to expire
Feature 1 : Automatic ingredient reordering
Automatic ingredient reordering makes it is easier to cook and eat at home as it ensure the user has the food inventory to make their favourite meals
By partnering with grocery delivery companies, ProdFrost taps into the expanding market of online grocery services, fostering revenue growth and solidifying strategic alliances. This innovative approach not only provides users with convenience but positions Productloo Home Innovations as a key player in the evolving smart home ecosystem.
Furthermore, ProdFrost will implement a subscription model. Subscribers can enjoy the benefits of automatic ingredient replenishment, exclusive discounts on partnered food delivery services, and access to premium features such as personalized recipe suggestions. This subscription model not only provides users with ongoing value but also establishes a sustainable revenue stream for Productloo Home Innovations.
Feature 2 : Recipe suggestions
Recipe suggestions make cooking at home more efficient by decreasing the amount of time it takes to determine a recipe that can be made utilizing the ingredients the user has on hand
Feature 3 : Food Expiration Data Analysis
Food expiration detection and prevention helps users determine which foods they should eat sooner. This encourages eating at home as it decreases food waste, making it more eco-friendly and cost effective.
Business Value
Competitive Analysis
Risks and Other Cosiderations
Data Privacy
ProdFrost believes in full transparency with consumers when it comes to data transfer with partnerships and understands user concerns with dietary information Implement strong security system aligning with compliance
Reliance on Grocery Partnership data
Prodfrost’s recipe suggestion relies heavily on food expiration data analysis provided by the grocery store it comes from. One way to ensure this data is provided it through partnerships with local grocery stores. The grocery store would benefit from the continued business from users, and users would benefit from the expiration date analysis that ProdFrost can provide.
Success Metrics
The success of ProdFrost, the innovative smart fridge by Productloo Home Innovations, is quantified through a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) designed to measure its impact on both user experience and business outcomes.
A critical metric is the revenue derived from the automatic reordering integration, reflecting the tangible financial benefits resulting from the partnership with grocery delivery companies. Concurrently, assessing the Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) for ProdFrost users offers insights into the sustained profitability and loyalty of customers who actively engage with the smart fridge features over time. Additionally, the conversion rate of recipe suggestions to purchases serves as a pivotal KPI, demonstrating the direct influence of ProdFrost on consumer behavior and the subsequent impact on overall revenue.
The reduction in food waste percentage stands out as a key environmental metric, showcasing the positive contribution of ProdFrost's expiration detection and prevention feature towards sustainability. A lower percentage implies a successful reduction in wastage, aligning with contemporary consumer values. The User Engagement Index, encompassing various user interactions, serves as a comprehensive gauge of the overall user involvement with ProdFrost. This index signifies an active and satisfied user base, contributing to the continued market success of the smart fridge.