Problem
In the U.S. in 2022, there were more than 4 restaurants per 1 food truck. There are over 150,000 restaurants in the U.S., compared to just over 35,000 food trucks. Being able to locate and order from trucks similar to how you would from a restaurant will help bring food trucks more customers, and connect their customers with local vendors.
Approach
I conducted user research and implemented design techniques to create a conceptual app that is easy to navigate for different types of users who are interested in visiting and supporting local food trucks.
Overview
A conceptual scheduling app for food trucks to help bring more returning customers back to food trucks in the area. Restaurant locations have more information available on wait times, availability and pre-ordering, and it would be beneficial to incorporate those abilities into a food truck app. There are a few indirect/direct competitors that are limited in the amount of service they provide, and it is Where's My Truck?'s goal to minimize that gap.
Design Process
Empathize
Competitive Audit
User Research
User Interviews
Define
User Journey Map
Personas
Ideate
User Flow
Information Architecture
Design
Wireframes
Mockups
Prototypes
​
Test
Usability Studies
Refine Designs
Empathize
A competitive audit was conducted to research 3 similar services available to consumers online. These services included Truckster, Streetfood Finder and Roaming Hunger. Website content, visual design and interaction/user flow were analyzed to discover successful components for each site. Research into the differences between the availabilities and services provided by brick and mortar restaurants versus 'on the go' food trucks was conducted to gain a better understanding of the potential needs of users.
Define
The User
Through research and user interviews, personas were created to symbolize users needs for the service. The most common need found in different types of potential users, was convenience and ease of use.

Carl Richards
23
University Student
Philadelphia, PA
1 Dorm Roommate
Full-time Student
Age:
Education:
Hometown:
Family:
Occupation:
"It is important to me to have an app that provides me with the current wait time and location of the local food trucks in the area. As a college student with no kitchen and a busy schedule, I need to be able to plan and know where I am getting food from before I leave for my lunch break. It is important to me to be able to utilize this app to be efficient in planning my lunches, so that I don't miss any school obligations."
"As a full-time student with a busy schedule and no kitchen of my own, I need an app that shows where trucks will be during the week so that I can plan my lunches in between classes."
Goals
to have an app that shows where the food trucks that are currently open in the area are and how long their line is, so that I can plan where to go on my limited lunch break
​
I also need to be able to find the food trucks with quick service, so I won't be late to my next class or activity
​
Frustrations
walking around to find food trucks that are open and short lines wastes time
​
I end up having to opt for unhealthy fast food chains or have to skip lunch all-together if I spend too much time looking for somewhere to get food from
Ideate
Storyboards

Big Picture
Close Up

Design
Paper Wireframes

Digital Wireframe

Low Fidelity Prototype

Digital Mockup

Test
Usability Studies


Usability Findings
User Pain Points
1
Map & Search
created a larger and more distinct search function so the users have an option of how they wish to look for trucks
2
Photos
created larger photos that are easier for users to see; consider clickable photos that enlarge to the screen size
3
Homepage
some users found the homepage overwhelming; broke up content on homepage to help guide users
4
Ordering Process
some users found the ordering process too abrupt; created more calls to action and indicators of each step until confirmation
Before Study

After Study

there should be an added section for users to save their favorites, for easy ordering
there should be points that users can accumulate for deals from trucks
weekly schedules for trucks should be added so users can plan ahead
icons and photos should be larger so that users are able to see them clearly and navigate easily
map page should be broken up more so the search function is larger and easier to use
there should be an added confirmation page so the ordering process is not abrupt
Round 1
Round 2
Takeaways
Throughout this project, I learned how to present my ideas to potential users, test their ability to use the product and made improvements based upon feedback.
"this app allows you to locate open food trucks in the area, like how you would for restaurants. I love checking out what trucks are in the area and even ordering ahead so I can fit it into my schedule."
- user quote
Refine
Clearer indicators on the homepage allow for users to have a less overwhelming initial impression, and confidence in where to click next.


Separating the search and map functions allow for clearer distinction to the user and guides them to their next step in finding a truck.
