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[Case 04]
Cooking Made Creative
and Connected
Cooking Made Creative
and Connected
Recipe App
[Project Overview]
BonGusto is a smart recipe app that makes home cooking easier with personalized meal plans, ingredient scanning, and social features. As the lead UX designer, I researched user needs, designed key features like adjustable servings, and tested prototypes to create a user-friendly interface. The final design focuses on clear visuals and easy navigation, helping both cooking enthusiasts and hosts prepare meals with confidence.
[Project Overview]
BonGusto is a smart recipe app that makes home cooking easier with personalized meal plans, ingredient scanning, and social features. As the lead UX designer, I researched user needs, designed key features like adjustable servings, and tested prototypes to create a user-friendly interface.
The final design focuses on clear visuals and easy navigation, helping both cooking enthusiasts and hosts prepare meals with confidence.
[Problem Statement]
Most recipe apps lack the personalization and advanced features that home chefs need for creative, stress-free meal planning. BonGusto fills this gap by offering AI ingredient scanning, multilingual support, curated content, social engagement, and smart cooking aids—helping users explore new techniques, plan gatherings, and connect with a culinary community.
[Problem Statement]
Most recipe apps lack the personalization and advanced features that home chefs need for creative, stress-free meal planning. BonGusto fills this gap by offering AI ingredient scanning, multilingual support, curated content, social engagement, and smart cooking aids, helping users explore new techniques, plan gatherings, and connect with a
culinary community.
[Industry]
Recipe App
[My Role]
Lead UX Designer
[Industry]
Recipe App
[My Role]
Lead UX Designer
[Background]
[Background]
The recipe app market is rapidly expanding, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. In the following points, we'll explore key market drivers, segmentation, competitive landscape, trends, and challenges
shaping this growth.
Market Overview
The global recipe app market was valued at $534M in 2022, projected to reach $1.1B by 2028 (CAGR of 12.87%), driven by increasing home cooking, smartphone usage, and digital convenience post-COVID.
Key Market Drivers
Technological Advancements: AI, personalization, and smart kitchen integrations.
User Behavior: Rising interest in healthy, convenient cooking; popularity of food blogs and influencers.
Social & Cultural Trends: Growing demand for regional and culturally tailored content.
Segmentation & Platforms
App Types: Free (dominant, ad/in-app revenue) vs. Paid (premium features).
Platforms: Android leads globally; iOS strong in high-income markets.
Top Regions: North America (market leader), Asia-Pacific (fastest growing).
Competitive Landscape
Leading apps include Yummly, Tasty, Allrecipes, and BigOven, focusing on:
Personalized experiences
Community/social features
Partnerships with food brands & smart appliances
Trends & Opportunities
AI-Powered Customization
Social Engagement & Influencer Content
Smart Kitchen & AR/VR Integration
Sustainability & Transparency (e.g., Blockchain)
Challenges
Intense competition, especially among free apps
User retention & monetization
Data privacy & compliance with digital regulations
The recipe app market is rapidly expanding, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. In the following points, we'll explore key market drivers, segmentation, competitive landscape, trends, and challenges shaping this growth.
Market Overview
The global recipe app market was valued at $534M in 2022, projected to reach $1.1B by 2028 (CAGR of 12.87%), driven by increasing home cooking, smartphone usage, and digital convenience post-COVID.
Key Market Drivers
Technological Advancements: AI, personalization, and smart kitchen integrations.
User Behavior: Rising interest in healthy, convenient cooking; popularity of food blogs and influencers.
Social & Cultural Trends: Growing demand for regional and culturally tailored content.
Segmentation & Platforms
App Types: Free (dominant, ad/in-app revenue) vs. Paid (premium features).
Platforms: Android leads globally; iOS strong in high-income markets.
Top Regions: North America (market leader), Asia-Pacific (fastest growing).
Competitive Landscape
Leading apps include Yummly, Tasty, Allrecipes, and BigOven, focusing on:
Personalized experiences
Community/social features
Partnerships with food brands & smart appliances
Trends & Opportunities
AI-Powered Customization
Social Engagement & Influencer Content
Smart Kitchen & AR/VR Integration
Sustainability & Transparency (e.g., Blockchain)
Challenges
Intense competition, especially among free apps
User retention & monetization
Data privacy & compliance with digital regulations
The recipe app market is rapidly expanding, driven by technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. In the following points, we'll explore key market drivers, segmentation, competitive landscape, trends, and challenges shaping this growth.
Market Overview
The global recipe app market was valued at $534M in 2022, projected to reach $1.1B by 2028 (CAGR of 12.87%), driven by increasing home cooking, smartphone usage, and digital convenience post-COVID.
Key Market Drivers
Technological Advancements: AI, personalization, and smart kitchen integrations.
User Behavior: Rising interest in healthy, convenient cooking; popularity of food blogs and influencers.
Social & Cultural Trends: Growing demand for regional and culturally tailored content.
Segmentation & Platforms
App Types: Free (dominant, ad/in-app revenue) vs. Paid (premium features).
Platforms: Android leads globally; iOS strong in high-income markets.
Top Regions: North America (market leader), Asia-Pacific (fastest growing).
Competitive Landscape
Leading apps include Yummly, Tasty, Allrecipes, and BigOven, focusing on:
Personalized experiences
Community/social features
Partnerships with food brands & smart appliances
Trends & Opportunities
AI-Powered Customization
Social Engagement & Influencer Content
Smart Kitchen & AR/VR Integration
Sustainability & Transparency (e.g., Blockchain)
Challenges
Intense competition, especially among free apps
User retention & monetization
Data privacy & compliance with digital regulations
[Process]
[01] Personas
[01] Personas
During the research and design phase, multiple personas were developed to represent a range of potential users and ensure a well-rounded understanding of our audience. For the purposes of this case study, we focused on our two prioritized personas—Gourmet Gabriela and Party Pete—as they best aligned with our product goals and core user needs.
During the research and design phase, multiple personas were developed to represent a range of potential users and ensure a well-rounded understanding of our audience. For the purposes of this case study, we focused on our two prioritized personas—Gourmet Gabriela and Party Pete—as they best aligned with our product goals and
core user needs.
[02] User Journeys
[02] User Journeys
BonGusto helps users find recipes, adjust them to their needs, and cook with confidence. Cooking lovers explore new dishes, while party planners find meals for groups. Everyone can save favorites, follow steps easily, and share their results making cooking fun and stress-free from start to finish.
BonGusto helps users find recipes, adjust them to their needs, and cook with confidence. Cooking lovers explore new dishes, while party planners find meals for groups. Everyone can save favorites, follow steps easily, and share their results making cooking fun and stress-free from start to finish.
[03] Problem Statement (for all Personas)
[03] Problem Statement (for all Personas)
Gourmet Gabriella needs a source of information that challenges her cooking skills, explores new flavors, and allows her to experiment with techniques and ingredients.
Party Pete needs a source of information that caters to entertaining and serving multiple guests, helping him pair different types of dishes. Coordinating the timing of various dishes and preparing for a party can be stressful, so having this guidance makes the process smoother and more enjoyable for him.
Gourmet Gabriella needs a source of information that challenges her cooking skills, explores new flavors, and allows her to experiment with techniques and ingredients.
Party Pete needs a source of information that caters to entertaining and serving multiple guests, helping him pair different types of dishes. Coordinating the timing of various dishes and preparing for a party can be stressful, so having this guidance makes the process smoother and more enjoyable for him.
[04] Design Ideation
[04] Design Ideation
I created a set of sketches to explore key user flows, interactions, and layout ideas based on the goals of our prioritized personas—Gourmet Gabriela and Party Pete. These early concepts helped guide the design direction and laid the groundwork for wireframes and prototypes.
I created a set of sketches to explore key user flows, interactions, and layout ideas based on the goals of our prioritized personas—Gourmet Gabriela and Party Pete. These early concepts helped guide the design direction and laid the groundwork for wireframes and prototypes.
[05] Feature & Function Exploration & Prioritization
[05] Feature & Function Exploration
& Prioritization
To prioritize features, I used the MoSCoW method—organizing them into Must Have, Should Have, Could Have, and Won’t Have categories. This helped focus on what matters most to our key users, Gourmet Gabriela and Party Pete, while identifying opportunities for future enhancements.
To prioritize features, I used the MoSCoW method—organizing them into Must Have, Should Have, Could Have, and Won’t Have categories. This helped focus on what matters most to our key users, Gourmet Gabriela and Party Pete, while identifying opportunities for future enhancements.
[06] Mapping of Inputs & Outputs
[06] Mapping of Inputs & Outputs
To understand how the app responds to user actions, I mapped key inputs and their related outputs. This helped connect user behaviors—like searching for recipes or saving favorites—with system responses, such as personalized suggestions or notifications, ensuring a smooth and intuitive experience.
Inputs:
1. Recipe search and filter
2. Saved to favorites
3. Recipe ratings and reviews
4. Keyword search
5. Personalize recipe recommendations
Outputs:
1. List of tasks due today: The user will need to be able to see a list of all tasks that are due today, potentially including overview tasks
2. Notification of task that can be accomplished nearby: If the user is near a location, he/she entered as task location when the task was created, the system will send a push notification with a reminder that a task can be completed nearby.
To understand how the app responds to user actions, I mapped key inputs and their related outputs. This helped connect user behaviors—like searching for recipes or saving favorites—with system responses, such as personalized suggestions or notifications, ensuring a smooth and
intuitive experience.
Inputs:
1. Recipe search and filter
2. Saved to favorites
3. Recipe ratings and reviews
4. Keyword search
5. Personalize recipe recommendations
Outputs:
1. List of tasks due today: The user will need to be able to see a list of all tasks that are due today, potentially including overview tasks
2. Notification of task that can be accomplished nearby: If the user is near a location, he/she entered as the task location when the task was created, the system will send a push notification with a reminder that a task can be
completed nearby.
[07] App Name Development
[07] App Name Development
Name Exploration
I explored 20 potential names for the product. Each name was evaluated for clarity, memorability, alignment with our audience, and domain availability. I then tested a short list with users to gather feedback on emotional impact and relevance. This helped narrow down to a name that resonated with both the product’s purpose and our prioritized personas.
Survey of Potential Names vs. User Persona Traits
Persona Attributes
Our target personas are social food enthusiasts who are creative and adventurous, value presentation and aesthetics, are adaptable to different occasions, and take pride in being passionate hosts.
Results/Findings
The results based on the average scores for each brand across the criteria of reliability, helpfulness, informativeness, engagement, and knowledgeability. BonGusto had the highest average score, indicating it was rated the best overall across the different criteria.
Name Exploration
I explored 20 potential names for the product. Each name was evaluated for clarity, memorability, alignment with our audience, and domain availability. I then tested a short list with users to gather feedback on emotional impact and relevance. This helped narrow down to a name that resonated with both the product’s purpose and our prioritized personas.
Survey of Potential Names vs. User Persona Traits
Persona Attributes
Our target personas are social food enthusiasts who are creative and adventurous, value presentation and aesthetics, are adaptable to different occasions, and take pride in being passionate hosts.
Results/Findings
The results based on the average scores for each brand across the criteria of reliability, helpfulness, informativeness, engagement, and knowledgeability. BonGusto had the highest average score, indicating it was rated the best overall across the different criteria.
[08] Low-fidelity Prototyping
[08] Low-fidelity Prototyping
Wireframing
I created low- to mid-fidelity wireframes to map out key screens and user flows, focusing on features most relevant to our core users, Gourmet Gabriela and Party Pete. This helped define layout and functionality early on, allowing for quick feedback and iteration before moving into high-fidelity design.
Wireframing
I created low- to mid-fidelity wireframes to map out key screens and user flows, focusing on features most relevant to our core users, Gourmet Gabriela and Party Pete. This helped define layout and functionality early on, allowing for quick feedback and iteration before moving into high-fidelity design.
Paper Prototypes
To quickly test early design ideas, I created paper prototypes for the BonGusto recipe app. These prototypes focused on specific tasks and key user flows, allowing for rapid usability testing before investing in digital mockups. The test covered selected screens related to navigation, recipe discovery, and guided content, helping validate core interactions with our target users.
Purpose:
The purpose of this usability test is to assess the user-friendliness and effectiveness of the BonGusto recipe app initial designs (as paper prototypes). We have several concerns and goals for this test:
Search Functionality: We want to determine if users will easily locate the search function and understand how to use it to find chefs or specific recipes
Recipe Interaction: We aim to ensure that users can easily find and interact with likes, comments, and the follow button on a recipe page
Serving Adjustments & Ingredient Updates: We want to determine if the process for adjusting servings and automatically updating ingredient quantities is intuitive and straightforward.
P
[09] User Testing of Paper Prototypes
[09] User Testing of Paper Prototypes
The purpose of our study is to assess the user-friendliness, effectiveness, and initial reactions to the interface and concept of our BonGusto recipe app prototype. This personalized recipe app is still in its early design phase, and the results of the usability test will help guide improvements for the next iteration. Remember, we are testing the design, not you.
The purpose of our study is to assess the user-friendliness, effectiveness, and initial reactions to the interface and concept of our BonGusto recipe app prototype.
This personalized recipe app is still in its early design phase, and the results of the usability test will help guide improvements for the next iteration. Remember, we are testing the design, not you.
Findings:
The interface was praised for its intuitive navigation, particularly when browsing chefs and recipes.
Improvement Opportunity:
Issue: Transitions between screens felt abrupt.
Solution: Implement smoother animations using libraries like Lottie or SwiftUI.
Task Confusion:
Issue: User struggled with Task #2 (commenting) due to unclear instructions.
Solution: Clarify task wording and observe user retries to identify pain points.
Overall Satisfaction:
No major changes requested—users found the interface easy to use.
Serving adjustments were highlighted as especially useful for hosting.
Findings:
The interface was praised for its intuitive navigation, particularly when browsing chefs and recipes.
Improvement Opportunity:
Issue: Transitions between screens felt abrupt.
Solution: Implement smoother animations using libraries like Lottie or SwiftUI.
Task Confusion:
Issue: User struggled with Task #2 (commenting) due to unclear instructions.
Solution: Clarify task wording and observe user retries to identify pain points.
Overall Satisfaction:
No major changes requested—users found the interface easy to use.
Serving adjustments were highlighted as especially useful for hosting.
[10] High-fidelity Designs & Testing
[10] High-fidelity Designs & Testing
Design of High-fidelity Testing Elements
This section showcases the final visual designs used during usability testing to evaluate key interactions, layout, and overall user experience. You'll see high-fidelity screens that reflect real content, branding, and functionality—tested with our core personas, Gourmet Gabriela and Party Pete, to validate design decisions and identify areas for refinement.
Design of High-fidelity Testing Elements
This section showcases the final visual designs used during usability testing to evaluate key interactions, layout, and overall user experience. You'll see high-fidelity screens that reflect real content, branding, and functionality—tested with our core personas, Gourmet Gabriela and Party Pete, to validate design decisions and identify areas for refinement.
User Survey/Testing
For the color scheme user testing revealed that Option F was the most effective in creating a friendly, engaging interface, with Option K also performing well for its warmth and accessibility. Option G, though less favored overall, may be suitable in contexts requiring calm or trust.
User Survey/Testing
For the color scheme user testing revealed that Option F was the most effective in creating a friendly, engaging interface, with Option K also performing well for its warmth and accessibility. Option G, though less favored overall, may be suitable in contexts requiring calm or trust.
Photo treatment research showed that 86.7% of users preferred rounded corner photos (Option R), indicating a strong visual preference that enhances overall appeal and user experience.
Photo treatment research showed that 86.7% of users preferred rounded corner photos (Option R), indicating a strong visual preference that enhances overall appeal and
user experience.
Background Combination research showed that Option B was the most preferred for readability, suggesting it best aligns with user expectations and should guide recipe card design for improved clarity and satisfaction.
Background Combination research showed that Option B was the most preferred for readability, suggesting it best aligns with user expectations and should guide recipe card design for improved clarity and satisfaction.
[11] Findings
[11] Findings
Experience Insights:
Prioritize customizable app settings for measurement systems to improve user satisfaction Design achievement features that emphasize exploration and discovery to drive engagement and retention.
Design Insights:
Prioritize clear and friendly navigation with appealing aesthetics
Use Option B for recipe card backgrounds and rounded corner treatments for visuals
Leverage Option F to create a cohesive, engaging, and approachable interface
Based on these insights, the next steps include improving the measurement system flexibility, developing engaging achievements, refining the visual elements, and experimenting with color schemes and photo treatments to boost user experience
Experience Insights:
Prioritize customizable app settings for measurement systems to improve user satisfaction Design achievement features that emphasize exploration and discovery to drive engagement
and retention.
Design Insights:
Prioritize clear and friendly navigation with appealing aesthetics. Use Option B for recipe card backgrounds and rounded corner treatments for visuals. Leverage Option F to create a cohesive, engaging, and approachable interface
Based on these insights, the next steps include improving the measurement system flexibility, developing engaging achievements, refining the visual elements, and experimenting with color schemes and photo treatments to boost user experience.
[12] Next Steps/Conclusion
[12] Next Steps/Conclusion
I’m happy with how BonGusto is coming together. The design feels much more in line with what users need, like searching for chefs, adjusting servings, and staying focused while cooking.
Next, I’ll continue with user testing to make sure everything feels smooth and easy to use. I’ll keep improving things like timers, personal notes, and achievements. I’m also interested in exploring features like multi-language support and maybe even smart kitchen integrations.
The goal is to make BonGusto even more helpful, fun, and inspiring to use every day.
I’m happy with how BonGusto is coming together. The design feels much more in line with what users need, like searching for chefs, adjusting servings, and staying focused while cooking.
Next, I’ll continue with user testing to make sure everything feels smooth and easy to use. I’ll keep improving things like timers, personal notes, and achievements. I’m also interested in exploring features like multi-language support and maybe even smart kitchen integrations.
The goal is to make BonGusto even more helpful, fun, and inspiring to use every day.